Education Leaders Convene to Discuss Africa’s Future in Science and Technology
Shahid El Hafed, May 22, 2026 (SPS) – Abdelkader Taleb Omar, the Minister of Education and Vocational Training, participated as First Vice-Chairman in a video conference for the Secretariat meeting of the Specialized Technical Committee on Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation (STC-EST) on Friday.
During his address, Taleb Omar expressed gratitude to the participants and commended the organizing officials for their meticulous preparation of the meeting and upcoming sessions. He congratulated both the African Union Commission and various institutions across the continent, including scientific research bodies and professional innovation councils, for their significant contributions. He emphasized that these initiatives foster confidence in their ability to provide qualitative and purposeful solutions to the challenges facing the continent. This collaborative effort aims to achieve sustainable development, social equity, and employment opportunities for all, enabling Africa to assert its sovereignty based on principles of liberation, dignity, and growth.
This conference serves as a pivotal step in preparing for the upcoming 6th Ordinary Session of the Technical Committee on Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation (STC-EST VI), in alignment with the African Union’s Decade on Education and Skills Development (2025-2034).
During the meeting, attendees tackled various strategic issues. These included formal introductions of the Technical Committee members, insights from the leadership of the Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation Department of the African Union Commission, and logistical preparations for the upcoming session. Key topics of discussion centered around the draft agenda, as well as the finalization of logistics regarding the date, location, and host country for the sixth session.
The meeting was attended by African Union Ministers responsible for Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation, serving on the Technical Committee. The Republic of Malawi represented Southern Africa as chair, while the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic took on the role of first vice-chair, and the Republic of Sierra Leone, the second vice-chair. Additional vice-chair positions included the United Republic of Tanzania representing East Africa, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo serving as rapporteur, along with staff from relevant bodies within the African Union Commission.
As the meeting drew to a close, the draft agenda for the 6th session, scheduled for November 2 to 6, was formally adopted. However, the specific mode and venue will be confirmed at a later date.
The session also saw the approval of a proposal from the Republic of Saharawi. This request entails the preparation of a summary highlighting the main findings and conclusions drawn from the various reports discussed during the meeting.
