For countries in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), the development of a knowledge based bio-economy presents major opportunities but also serious challenges.
The half day seminar will deal with how agricultural innovation and in particular biosciences in areas such as breeding, agro-processing and value addition can contribute to economic growth and sustainable development in Sub-Saharan Africa. The seminar will focus on key questions such as:
- How the millions of resource-poor smallholder farmers, so vital for food production and economic growth, can benefit from the prospects of a new bio-economy?
- How countries in Sub-Saharan Africa can develop programmes, institutional capabilities and bioscience innovation structures able to adapt and use technologies and know-how based on their own priorities and needs?
- How can Sweden assist countries in Sub-Saharan Africa to move Towards a Knowledge Based Bio-economy?
Speakers at the seminar:
Jane Morris –The prospects for an African bio-economy. Jane Morris is currently an independent Life Sciences consultant based in the UK. She is an extraordinary Professor of Biochemistry at the University of Pretoria and has a Fellowship in the School of Biology at Leeds University.She has specialist knowledge on matters pertaining to the development of the biosciences and biosafety in Africa.
Julius Ecuru – Functional bioscience innovation systems as the pathway to a sustainable bio-economy: Experience from Uganda. Mr. Julius Ecuru works as Assistant Executive Secretary in charge of research and innovation management at Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (UNCST).Ecuru’s research interests include bio-innovation systems development, bioethics, green technologies and human, environment and social safeguards.
Ivar Virgin – Bioscience innovation in Africa. A tool for development. Ivar Virgin is a Senior Research Fellow at SEI Stockholm and has a PhD in biochemistry. He works with issues around global bioresources and how countries, mainly in Africa, can access modern bioscience.
Moderator – Matthew Fielding
Coffee and sandwiches will be served from 8.30.