Efforts to strengthen Africa’s science, technology, and innovation ecosystem received a significant boost as the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on the International Conference on Science, Technology, and Innovation (STICONF 2026) paid a strategic courtesy visit to the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Centre for Technology Management (NACETEM), Dr. Olushola Odunsanya, in Abuja.
The visit forms part of the Committee’s ongoing engagement with critical institutions and stakeholders ahead of STICONF 2026, a major international gathering expected to bring together policymakers, researchers, innovators, entrepreneurs, investors, development partners, and industry leaders from across Africa and beyond.
Leading the delegation, Chairman of the STICONF 2026 Inter-Ministerial Committee, Dr. Victor Fadipe, described the conference as a bold and timely initiative aimed at transforming Africa’s innovation landscape through stronger collaboration between government, academia, research institutions, and the private sector.
According to him, Africa’s development can no longer depend solely on policies and conversations, but must now focus on practical solutions, research commercialization, and innovation-driven economic growth.
“The future of Africa lies in our ability to connect research with industry and turn ideas into practical solutions that improve lives and grow economies,” Dr. Fadipe said.
He explained that STICONF 2026 was designed to serve as a solution-oriented platform where stakeholders can discuss real challenges affecting the Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) sector and develop sustainable pathways for growth and competitiveness.
Dr. Fadipe further emphasized the need for stronger partnerships between government institutions and the private sector to build a science and technology culture that is not only innovation-focused but also economically impactful and beneficial to society.
Also speaking during the visit, Co-Chairman of the Committee and Founder of the WelcometoNigeria Development Initiative, Mr. Sago, stressed that collaboration remains the key to building a stronger STI ecosystem in Africa.
He noted that science, technology, and innovation should be treated as strategic tools for development rather than mere policy concepts.
“For STI to truly thrive in Africa, there must be serious commitment, institutional support, and partnerships that go beyond paperwork and conferences,” he said.
Mr. Sago explained that the Committee is seeking a strategic partnership with NACETEM that would help deepen innovation-driven discussions, attract key stakeholders, and position STICONF 2026 as a transformative platform capable of driving meaningful change across Nigeria and the African continent.
In his response, the Director General of NACETEM, Dr. Olushola Odunsanya, welcomed the initiative and commended the Committee for creating a platform focused on practical solutions for the STI sector.
He urged the organizers to ensure that the conference discussions remain solution-driven and centered on addressing the real challenges facing innovation, technology development, and policy implementation in Africa.
“Science and technology are at the heart of what we do at NACETEM, and we are pleased to see a conference of this magnitude being championed through collaboration between government and critical stakeholders,” he said.
Dr. Odunsanya noted that STICONF 2026 comes at a critical time when Nigeria and other African nations are searching for sustainable strategies to strengthen innovation systems, improve technology commercialization, and create stronger linkages between research institutions and industries.
He also highlighted the importance of the National Research and Innovation Council, describing it as a strategic platform that could help address policy gaps and institutional challenges affecting the STI sector in Nigeria.
According to him, the conference has the potential to become a credible platform for policy dialogue, knowledge exchange, investment opportunities, and practical outcomes capable of accelerating economic and technological growth across Africa.
The NACETEM Director General further assured the Committee of the agency’s support and active participation in STICONF 2026, reaffirming NACETEM’s commitment to initiatives that promote innovation, technology management, and national development.
He also called for broader stakeholder engagement, encouraging the Committee to expand participation by involving more public and private sector leaders whose contributions could strengthen discussions and produce implementable outcomes.
As preparations continue, the Inter-Ministerial Committee has intensified engagements with ministries, agencies, development institutions, diplomatic missions, academia, and industry stakeholders to build momentum for STICONF 2026.
The conference is expected to serve as a major platform for advancing conversations around innovation ecosystems, digital transformation, industrial development, research commercialization, entrepreneurship, youth innovation, and sustainable economic growth in Africa.
With growing support from strategic institutions such as NACETEM, STICONF 2026 is steadily positioning itself as one of Africa’s leading platforms for shaping the future of science, technology, and innovation on the continent.
