On 19 March 2025, IIASA hosted a virtual workshop with Ethiopia's Ministry of Innovation and Technology and the National Research Foundation of South Africa. The event explored research and innovation opportunities to support Ethiopia's strategic development goals, focusing on areas such as climate change, food security, and sustainable energy.
This event marked a significant step forward in advancing scientific research and innovation, with Ethiopia and IIASA combining their strengths to drive sustainable development. By aligning Ethiopia's strategic priorities with IIASA's global interdisciplinary expertise, both parties can foster mutual knowledge exchange, support impactful policy decisions, and co-develop innovative solutions for pressing challenges.
IIASA's Sub-Saharan Africa Regional Member Organization (SSARMO), includes 18 African countries* who are participating in the Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI) in Sub-Saharan Africa - a multi-partner, multi-institutional initiative established in 2015 aimed at strengthening institutional capacities of Science Granting Councils in the region. This week's event follows on discussions initiated at an SGCI meeting held in Botswana in November 2024. As an active member of SSARMO, Ethiopia is prioritizing science, innovation, and technology as drivers of its Ten-year Development Plan (2021-2030).
Ethiopian State Minister for Innovation and Technology, H.E. Dr. Baysa Bedada, opened the meeting mentioning his country's commitment to using science and technology innovation for growth. IIASA researchers presented some of the Institute's ongoing research in Africa, emphasizing data-driven approaches to resilient agriculture, biodiversity conservation, and green energy solutions. The discussion also identified pathways for joint research projects, capacity-building initiatives, and the establishment of partnerships for long-term collaboration.
"This collaboration underscores the role of scientific cooperation in tackling shared global challenges. By working together, we can leverage research to drive impactful solutions for Ethiopia's development," said IIASA Deputy Director General, Karen Lips.
IIASA looks forward to strengthening its ties with Ethiopian partners and fostering knowledge exchange and research mobility within the greater SSARMO community.
* Botswana, Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe
