20100713
africanews

Canadian Prime Minister, Stephen Harper has announced new federal funding of $20 million for rapid growth on science and technology in Africa by developing talents of its brightest young minds through the 'Next Einstein Initiative' in Ethiopia, Ghana, and Senegal.

According to the Ghana’s Daily Guide, the Prime Minister however described the new federal funding as a central element of a partnership among universities, private sector and African governments.

Adding that, science is a powerful unifier of people from all countries and cultures and is one of the best ways one can make investments in Africa’s future.

“To remain at the forefront of the global economy, we must invest in the people and ideas that will produce tomorrow’s breakthroughs,” he said.

He revealed that the ‘Next Einstein Initiative’ will create a network of 15 centres of academic excellence across Africa in fields related to science and technology. Encouraging talented students to reach and fulfil their potential in maths, science and technology disciplines.

“Canada will make a substantial contribution to scientific and technological development in Africa by supporting this unique public-private partnership known as the Next Einstein Initiative,” Harper emphasized.

“This is a revolutionary approach to development. It aims to nurture the brightest minds in Africa so they can take a leading role in solving the complex challenges the continent faces in areas such as agriculture, health and finance.”

Throwing more light on the Initiative, he said humanity’s ascent from ignorance and barbarism to enlightenment and equality has been erratic and uneven process.

If there is however a universal constant in human affairs, it is that the expansion of knowledge and technology that has unchangingly made life better for more people.