Africa in search for next Einstein

Cape Town – An unprecedented coalition of African and world leaders convened at the inaugural global gathering of the Next Einstein Forum (NEF) in Dakar, Senegal, this week is lending support to the call to meet the challenge of producing the next African Einstein, be it a man or a woman.

Senegalese president Macky Sall told the opening ceremony on Tuesday of what is being billed as the first global science forum on African Soil: “The NEF Global Gathering is providing a platform to nurture African talent so the continent can return to its roots as the cradle of innovation.” He added: “Science must better our society. I would like to especially salute our women scientists because a future without diversity is not representative of our society. At the heart of our policy is to put an accent on the education of women and girls and the support of Stem (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).

“Together, we must meet the challenge of producing the next African Einstein, be it a man or a woman.” The summit, which runs until Thursday, also issued a joint call to action for increased investment and support for the Stem fields, in Africa. One of the aims of the summit is to help build a strong Stem ecosystem across the continent. An initiative of the African Institute for Mathematical Science (AIMS) in partnership with the Robert Bosch Foundation, NEF's mission is “to empower a new generation of scientific genius”. More than 800 scientific and industry influencers, policymakers and leaders from business and civil society are attending the 2016 NEF Global Gathering, which is taking place at the Abdou Diouf International Conference Centre in Dakar. Rwandan President Paul Kagame was among dignitaries present on the opening day, including high level delegations from Ethiopia, Morocco, Cameroon and Nigeria.

In a written message, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said: “Science is a force multiplier for advancing progress across all the Sustainable Development Goals. “Today, more than ever, we must nurture, support and harness the full power of the sciences as a force for more inclusive, sustainable development. “We need this especially for Africa, to underpin the rights, dignity, creativity and innovation of all Africans and reinforce the foundations of Africa's progress. – ANA