Algerian Radio
Minister of Knowledge Economy, Startups and Micro-enterprises, Noureddine Ouadah, highlighted Tuesday in Geneva Algeria's efforts in the field of innovation and the strengthening of its ecosystem at both national and continental levels, noting the pivotal role of innovation in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.
In his address during the opening plenary session of the 29th session of the UN Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD), Mr. Ouadah recalled the establishment of a dedicated Ministry for Knowledge Economy and Startups in 2020. He stated that this move reflects the Algerian state’s strong political will to promote a more structured and dynamic national innovation environment.
He also shed light on the initiatives launched by Algeria since 2022, particularly the organization of the annual African Startup Conference, which aims to enhance cooperation among the continent's nations and encourage the emergence of an integrated African innovation market.
"The world is generally witnessing remarkable progress in innovation," the Minister stated, noting however that "Africa still lags behind in this field." In this regard, he considered it essential to increase funding for Research and Development (R&D) across the continent and to provide greater support for research work in African universities.
He further stressed the need to strengthen R&D systems and coordinate public policies in Africa to provide more opportunities for youth and innovative project holders, adding that international cooperation remains fundamental to achieving these goals.
In conclusion, the Minister affirmed that "Algeria is fully confident in the role of science, technology, and innovation in achieving transformative, equitable, innovative, and coordinated actions in favor of the 2030 Agenda."
He also emphasized that these goals cannot be achieved in isolation, stressing the necessity of uniting efforts within the African Union, among all countries of the Global South, and on a global scale to support the work of the Commission on Science and Technology for Development.
As a reminder, the Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD) is a subsidiary body of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), one of the six principal organs of the United Nations.
