From 19 to 26 May 2025, the UN Interagency Task Team (UN-IATT) Work Stream 6 on Capacity-Building in Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) held a comprehensive online training series titled “Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy and Policy Instruments for SDGs for Africa.” The event brought together STI policymakers, analysts, and experts from across Africa and beyond to enhance their understanding of STI policy frameworks and their role in achieving the SDGs.
The training featured three sessions, each focusing on critical aspects of STI policy. Session 1 explored current approaches to STI policymaking in the context of the SDGs, while Session 2 delved into the design and implementation of STI policy instruments. The final session, held on 26 May, centered on STI Policy Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning, with presentations by renowned experts.
Dr Nazeem Mustapha, Head of the Centre for Science, Technology, and Innovation Indicators (CeSTII) at the HSRC played a key role in the event. Dr Mustapha outlined the role of CeSTII in tracking Research and Development (R&D) and business innovation since 2001. Using OECD-aligned methods, CeSTII enables time-series analysis and cross-country comparisons to evaluate policy impacts on economic growth. A major focus is measuring innovation in informal sectors, often overlooked yet vital to Africa’s economy. CeSTII developed tailored surveys and a digital tool to help informal businesses assess their innovation capacity. Challenges include building trust in marginalised communities and collaborating with local leaders to gather data. Findings reveal high rates of non-technological innovation, emphasising adaptation over high-tech solutions.
Dr Mustapha stressed the need for standardised metrics to integrate informal sectors into policymaking, particularly for livelihood-focused strategies. He called for dedicated funding, as informal economies, though dominant, lack robust data. The discussion highlighted practical barriers, like community engagement, and the balance between local relevance and global comparability. Ultimately, CeSTII’s work aims to bridge gaps in innovation measurement, ensuring policies reflect Africa’s diverse economic realities.
The training emphasised the need for inclusive, evidence-based STI policymaking to address global challenges. Organised by UN-IATT Work Stream 6, the event reinforced the importance of capacity-building in STI for sustainable development.
For more information, visit the IATT WS6 website https://unu.edu/merit/event/line-training-science-technology-and-innovation-policy-and-policy-instruments-africa or contact Dr Nazeem Mustapha (nmustapha@hsrc.ac.za).