IDRC devotes $750K to African S&T development

The International Development Research Centre (IDRC) has contributed $745,000 to support science and technology development in Africa. The funding will go to the Forum on Science and Technology for Development (AFSTD) and support the creation of centres of excellence and programs in areas such as S&T policies, technological innovation, science and engineering education and biotechnology. IDRC is the first organization to make such a contribution and is challenging other donors to match the pledge. AFSTD was recently created by the New Partnership for Africa’s Development which promotes S&T for economic growth and poverty reduction.