Story perspectives

CSIR Conference Urges Africa to Lead AI Revolution

10/10/2025

Summary

Story summary

The 9th Biennial Conference, organized by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), will take place in Pretoria, South Africa, from October 8-10, 2025.
Minister Blade Nzimande highlighted the role of science, technology, and innovation (STI) in building inclusive societies and urged African leaders to lead in the artificial intelligence revolution.
Nzimande called for a sovereign research agenda to reduce reliance on foreign technologies, despite challenges like funding gaps and skills shortages.
He expressed optimism that the conference would promote ethical STI practices for a more equitable future.

History

Historical Context

The 1999 World Conference on Science in Budapest, organized by UNESCO and the International Council for Science, highlighted the critical role of science in societal development. Despite this, UNESCO reported in 2001 that 80% of developing countries faced funding gaps in research. This historical context underscores Minister Blade Nzimande's current call for a sovereign research agenda to enhance Africa's technological independence.

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Story summary

The 9th Biennial Conference, organized by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), will take place in Pretoria, South Africa, from October 8-10, 2025.
Minister Blade Nzimande highlighted the role of science, technology, and innovation (STI) in building inclusive societies and urged African leaders to lead in the artificial intelligence revolution.
Nzimande called for a sovereign research agenda to reduce reliance on foreign technologies, despite challenges like funding gaps and skills shortages.
He expressed optimism that the conference would promote ethical STI practices for a more equitable future.

1 / 2