BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
KWALUSENI – A strong call for African collaboration in science, technology and innovation defined the launch of National Science Month 2026, with leaders urging the continent to urgently shift from being consumers of technology to becoming producers of homegrown solutions.
The second edition of National Science Month was officially launched at the University of Eswatini Sports Emporium on Monday, June 8, 2026. The event was hosted by the Ministry of Information, Communications and Technology (ICT) in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Training.
Delivering the keynote address, Minister of ICT Savannah Maziya placed strong emphasis on collaboration as the driving force for Africa’s transformation.
“As Africans, it is time for us to focus on collaboration rather than our differences,” said Maziya. “We must move beyond discussions and paper agreements and take action that builds real programmes across the continent.”
She further stressed that collaboration must go beyond dialogue and be translated into practical, continent-wide action.
“We should not only talk about collaboration at conferences or meetings; we must implement it. There must be urgent, practical cooperation if Africa is to secure its place in the future,” she said.
Maziya added that Africa’s future in science and innovation depends on unity of purpose and shared commitment among nations to develop solutions that respond to the continent’s needs.
Adding to the call for unity, South Africa’s Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Professor Blade Nzimande, echoed the importance of collective action, urging African countries to work together in strengthening research, innovation and development capacity.
“We must deepen collaboration across African nations and build a shared approach to science and innovation if we are to achieve sustainable development and self-reliance,” said Professor Nzimande.
He emphasised that no single country can achieve the scale of scientific transformation required alone, stressing the importance of partnerships in advancing a continental innovation agenda.
As National Science Month 2026 continues, leaders reaffirmed that collaboration remains central to Africa’s ambition of becoming a global player in science, technology and innovation.
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