Science and technology play a crucial role in attaining sustainable development goals (SDGs) and improving the lives of citizens. By leveraging science and technology, countries can drive economic growth, improve healthcare and education, and address environmental challenges. The participation in democratic elections that prioritizes the role of science and technology in development ensures that progress towards achieving the SDGs is made.

We cannot develop if we do not nourish and retain scientific communities to drive strong, innovative, and relevant higher education institutions that will supply vital competencies.”

President Paul Kagame from his “Imperative of Science and Technology in Accelerating African Development” Compton Lecture.

Nearly twenty African countries are holding elections for local governments, national assemblies, and presidents. The Western gaze is anticipating a breakdown in democracy across the continent, reminiscent of the rise of Brazil’s Jair Bolsonaro, the USA’s Donald Trump or Italy’s Giorgia Meloni. Africa already has its fair share of Bolsonaros, Trumps, or Melonis. Most Africans aren’t worried about that; it’s not democracy on the ballot but the rising economic woes, the energy crises, and the incessant droughts.

Science and technology promises should inform elections.

Political Parties that ignore Science and Technology in Election Campaigns Lack Sound vision for their Nations.

One issue that is not being discussed in the run-up to these elections is the role of science and technology in accelerating economic, social, and environmental development. Ruling parties and opposition parties alike often make little or no statements about their plans for developing science and technology in their countries. This is a significant oversight, as science and technology have the potential to drive economic growth, improve healthcare and education, and address environmental challenges.

This absence of discourse on science and technology in the election campaigns is indicative of a larger problem: the public is ill-informed about the role of science and technology in development. This lack of understanding is not unique to Africa, but it is particularly pronounced in countries where the public has limited access to information and education.

South Korea and Japan Did It, Rwanda is Doing it Too

However, there are examples of countries that have intentionally developed their science and technology infrastructure, with positive results. Rwanda, for example, has made significant investments in science and technology, and this has helped the country to control the COVID-19 pandemic. By implementing contact tracing and other digital tools, Rwanda has been able to keep its infection and death rates relatively low.

South Korea is another example of a country that has grown into a developed nation through intentional science and technology policies. Beginning in the 1960s, the South Korean government invested heavily in science and technology, which has led to the development of a strong technology sector and the creation of many high-paying jobs.

The lack of debate on science and technology in the election campaigns will likely translate to a lack of commitment to leveraging science and technology after the ballot. This is a significant concern, as countries that do not invest in science and technology will be left behind in the global economy and will struggle to address the challenges of the 21st century.

To address this problem, public media platforms should start requesting that those campaigning for office make their plans for science and technology known to the public. Additionally, the public needs to be informed about these policies and their implications for their livelihoods. This could be achieved through public education campaigns, town hall meetings, and other forms of engagement.

Participation in elections that prioritizes the role of science and technology in development ensures progress in achieving the SDGs.

The absence of science and technology debates in the run-up to the 2023 presidential elections in Africa is a significant oversight. Science and technology have the potential to drive economic growth, improve healthcare and education, and address environmental challenges. However, the public is ill-informed about the role of science and technology in development. It is crucial that public media platforms, political parties and the public engage in the discourse on science and technology to ensure that the continent can leverage it to improve the livelihoods of its citizens.