Science Forum 2025 Side Event

Lead Event Organiser: Future Africa, University of Pretoria

Date and time: Monday 24 November, 10h00-12h00

Venue: Emerald Room, CSIR International Convention Centre

RSVP: Click the link to register: https://form.jotform.com/253073438123553

This side event will explore how university-based collaboration between Africa and Asia can catalyse public–private cooperation to strengthen STI-led entrepreneurship ecosystems and address pressing societal challenges. It aims to identify actionable strategies to advance university-led public–private partnerships through co-generated knowledge, co-innovation and the training of the next generation of professionals.

---

Objectives

• Share progress on expanding the university-led Africa–Asia business partnership forum into a platform involving South African and Japanese public and private institutions.
• Engage on opportunities and ideas for strengthening collaborative STI-led entrepreneurship.
• Explore approaches for developing and enhancing STI-led entrepreneurship ecosystems through Africa–Asia collaboration among public policy schools.

---

Programme Overview

10:00–10:05 | Welcome and Introduction

Moderator: Dr Farai Kapfudzaruwa, University of Cape Town

Part 1: Fostering STI-Led Youth Entrepreneurship Through Africa–Asia Partnership

10:05–10:15 | Presentation
Africa–Asia platform for new public and private partnership initiatives to drive youth entrepreneurship and innovation in support of Africa’s sustainable industrialisation
• Dr Farai Kapfudzaruwa, University of Cape Town

10:15–11:00 | Panel Discussion
The role of universities in fostering collaborative STI-led youth entrepreneurship and innovation

Moderator: Dr Farai Kapfudzaruwa
Panel:
1. Prof Alex Antonites, Head of Department: Business Management, University of Pretoria
2. Chamunorwa Togo, Innovation Incubation Consultant, African Development Bank
3. South African entrepreneur (TBC)

Part 2: Strengthening entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystems through public policy training

11:00–11:45 | Panel Discussion

Moderator: Prof Gerda van Dijk, School of Public Management and Administration (SPMA), University of Pretoria

Speakers and Topics:

1. Prof Onkgopotse Madumo, SPMA, University of Pretoria

Understanding the value of entrepreneurship and innovation from a citizen perspective (looking at local government’s need for entrepreneurship and innovation and its nexus to public policy)

2. Prof Michel Tshiyoyo, SPMA, University of Pretoria

Understanding the role of the third sector (NGOs etc) in contributing as partners in entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystems

3. Dr Martin Kizito, Dean of Social Sciences, Uganda Christian University

The role of higher education institutions in integrating entrepreneurship and innovation in public policy teaching

11:45–12:00 | Concluding Remarks

• Dr Jessika Bohlmann, Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, University of Pretoria

---

Abstract

In recent decades, there has been growing recognition of the role of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) in advancing inclusive and sustainable socio-economic development. With Africa’s rapidly expanding youth population, STI is increasingly viewed as a key driver of youth entrepreneurship, job creation and long-term economic growth. Yet the STI ecosystem that should support emerging entrepreneurs remains fragmented, under-funded and insufficiently integrated across the continent.

At the same time, many African entrepreneurs and industrialists continue to look to Western countries for models of innovation and development. These relationships are often shaped by a donor–recipient dynamic rooted in traditional North–South partnerships. However, new partnership models centred on a “Look East” orientation have gained traction in recent years. Initiatives such as the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) and programmes like the Africa-Japan Collaborative Research (AJ-CORE) illustrate the potential of Africa–Asia cooperation in STI and innovation.

The combination of Africa’s STI ecosystem challenges and the opportunities emerging from Asia–Africa partnerships presents an ideal context for deeper collaboration between public and private actors on both continents. Universities are uniquely positioned to bridge geographic, institutional and informational gaps through their interdisciplinary expertise, global networks and role as neutral convenors. Through collaborative partnerships, African and Asian universities can bring diverse stakeholders into dialogue, co-produce policy-relevant knowledge, and foster innovation ecosystems that drive entrepreneurship and socio-economic development.