Kigali will today host a forum on Higher Education for Science, Technology and Innovation. The event, under the theme: "Accelerating Africa’s Aspirations”, will bring together ministers of education, scholars and the private sector from across the continent.

President Paul Kagame is expected to address the gathering. Makhtar Diop, World Bank vice-president for Africa is among the other speakers.

The event is sponsored by the World Bank. The participants will focus on the critical role that science, technology, and innovation can play in shaping Africa’s future in the 21st century, and draw attention to priorities and solutions as countries seek to upgrade their higher education system.

Education experts have said that high quality university programmmes on the continent, particularly in areas such as the applied sciences, technology, and engineering, could dramatically increase Africa’s competitiveness, productivity and growth, as well as enable countries to diversify their economies.

Strategic reforms have also been mentioned as contributors in the expansion of  young people’s access to science-based education at both the country and the regional level, and to ensure that they graduate with skills that are relevant to the needs of the developing world.