Next Einstein Forum Africa SDGs Week: AIMS Cameroon students urged to use knowledge to proffer solutions to African problems.

German Research Chair at AIMS Rwanda, Professor Abebe Geletu, made the call Wednesday October 16, 2024.

He was speaking during a programme marking the 2024 edition of the Next Einstein Forum Africa SDGs Week held on AIMS campus in Limbe.

His presentation, titled: “Africa’s sustainable future through science and technology”, highlighted the fact that Africa has the human and material resources to develop and lead if the priorities are right.

He noted that Africa has mineral resources, a youthful population, fertile land and water resources for electricity and human consumption.

Professor Abebe regretted that despite these resources, 400 million African lack access to clean water, 600 million to electricity, 193 million to food because of enormous food loss as a result of traditional agribusiness with little storage facilities.

He said the said factors have resulted in rampant electricity blackouts, huge water loss due to poor infrastructure and urban-rural immigration amongst others. 

Given the said challenges, he urged the young mathematicians and other participants to use the knowledge and skills gained to offer solutions to the daily challenges that are visible in most African countries.

Addressing participants, the Director of AIMS Cameroon, Professor Dr Mama Foupouagnigni, highlighted the need for Africa to consolidate its efforts to accelerate the achievement of the SDGs with only six years left to conclude the agenda 2030, 

In this light, bringing in vulnerable groups, such as youth and women, people with disabilities were to ensure that everybody is on board as the world fight to achieve the sustainable development goals. 

“…the NEF Africa SDG Week aims to spotlight and celebrate youth-led initiatives and innovations that contribute to advancing the SDGs across Africa. By showcasing youth participation and leadership, this event also aspires to inspire, empower, and amplify the voices of young change-makers who are driving positive change in their communities and beyond,” the Dr Foupouagnigni said.

The activities of the day included youth-led project showcase; exhibitions, demonstrations of innovative projects, and initiatives addressing various SDGs.

It also featured panel discussions and keynote speeches with key youth leaders, policymakers, corporate bodies, and experts.

Discussions touched on topics such as youth empowerment, innovation ecosystems, partnership models, and SDG implementation. 

Speaking to the press after the programme, Professor Abebe called for the efficient management and preservation of resources to achieve sustainable development in the continent.

On his part, the Academic Director of AIMS, Dr Daniel Duviol Tcheutia, said students at the institution are trained to address the numerous challenges Cameroonians and African face. 

The students selected from many African countries, he said, can create networks that will unite African initiatives towards achieving the sustainable development goals.

On his part, Abeh Tangue Serge, who presented an electric chair, said his idea was to provide a solution to local realities.

“…I used two damaged scooters and plank to come up with an electric wheelchair that will reduce inequality because we have students with disabilities who face many challenges in accessing the classroom,” he said.

For Taonga Mwansa, a structured master programme student at AIMS in the Fundamental Science stream, said the programme was inspiring.

“Being in the midst of great minds cutting across all generations is inspiring because it shows that we have people from different age brackets especially the youth inventing things that will help Africa emerge,” the student said.

The Next Einstein Forum Africa SDGs Week usually aims to showcase youth-led innovations for sustainable development in Africa with focus on SDGs advancements across the continent to promote SDGs inclusivity by ensuring representation and participation from diverse youth groups, including marginalized communities, rural youth, girls, and young people with disabilities. 

This story was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3263 of Friday October 18, 2024