On 2 December 2024, the Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Ms Nomalungelo Gina, called on governments, industry and educational institutions in Africa to help young entrepreneurs transform innovative ideas into viable businesses.
Gina made the call for financial, technical and policy-driven support during the Youth in Innovation Symposium on Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies, which was held in Pretoria as part of the lead up to the 2024 Science Forum South Africa (SFSA).
Gina told the symposium that young people have the potential to solve problems and lead sustainable development and transformative change in Africa.
The Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) organised the event in partnership with the African Union Development Agency-New Partnership for Africa's Development (AUDA-NEPAD) and the United Nations in South Africa.
The gathering was aimed at empowering young innovators by fostering discussions on the transformative potential of emerging technologies to address pressing challenges like food security, poverty and climate change.
This aligns with the African Union's 2024 theme for education, "Educate and Skill Africa for the 21st Century", which emphasises the importance of inclusive, lifelong learning in building resilient education systems across the continent.
As part of the theme, AUDA-NEPAD launched the Africa Skills Revolution Competition, which is benefiting young innovators such as Rwandan engineer Aline Niyomubyeyi, whose innovation exemplifies how technical skills can drive innovation.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, she and her team developed a mobile application enabling commuters to book tickets remotely, reducing unnecessary travel and improving daily planning. Niyomubyeyi, a graduate of a technical and vocational education and training programme, has a passion for technology and problem-solving, and her journey should inspire other young people and women to use technology for positive change.
The Deputy Minister noted that, by 2050, Africa will be home to over a quarter of the global youth population, a demographic dividend that could fuel unprecedented economic and social transformation.
Despite significant challenges such as limited access to financing, infrastructure and skilled professionals, the Deputy Minister remains optimistic about the future. She cited Africa's advancements in digital technology and the growing impact of artificial intelligence-driven initiatives across the continent as reasons for hope.
Through various programmes and partnerships, such as the DSTI's Innovation Fund and the UN Women's African Girls Can Code initiative, the South African government is helping to nurture the youth's talent and expand access to technology and innovation education and mentorship.
Gina mentioned South Africa's current leadership of the G20 and its support for initiatives like the BRICS Young Scientist Forum (YSF) and Young Innovator Prize. The prize recognises young people making significant contributions to socio-economic development through technological innovation.
The 2024 BRICS YSF was held in Sochi, Russia, from 25 to 29 November.
One of the young people whose participation in the forum was made possible by the DSTI is 21-year-old Zime Nxumalo. This South African entrepreneur is working to revolutionise the country's real estate industry through blockchain technology – promoting transparency and reducing the cost of real estate transactions. Her idea is a wonderful example how African youth can leverage emerging technologies to address systemic challenges.
Nxumalo said that participating in discussions with youth from other BRICS+ countries attending the forum opened her eyes to the many different uses of artificial intelligence.
"This made me rethink the way I looked at artificial intelligence and how I am going about applying it," said the ICT graduate from Durban University of Technology. "I am looking forward to partnerships with other countries to grow my idea."
Another South African at the YSF was Dr Sebonkile Thaba, who made a presentation on nature-like technologies as drivers of a sustainable future. Her research focuses on the integration of blockchain technology in logistics and supply chains.
The Deputy Minister encourages young innovators to contribute to Africa's innovation agenda and contribute to a prosperous and sustainable continent.
