Sustainable Development Goals: Role of Research, Innovation and Capacity Building

A paper presentation at the 3rd East African Multidisciplinary Research Conference (EAMARC III) held at the United States International University- Africa, 15th -17th November, 2016.The promise of the SDGs is indeed glamorous. But without concrete actions, it will remain but fine words on paper. The continent of Africa cannot afford to let this promise pass. And I will tell you why, Imagine for a moment, the pain of a mother who cannot feed her new-born child with the proper food needed to live beyond the age of five. Imagine this same mother, toiling all day in her field, under the punishing, scotching sun, yet still goes to bed with an aching empty stomach. Unable to feed herself and family. Yet this is reality for millions upon millions, of men, women and children across Africa a continent endowed with natural wealth more than any other. Am talking about 65% of the world’s arable land, and 10% of its inland fresh water resources. Am talking about the abundant renewable energy potential - hydro potential estimated at 1852TWh annually, 3 times the continents current, estimated 1300GW wind potential, 15,000MW geothermal, the best solar resource in the entire planet - a mere 0.3% of the sunlight that shines on the Sahara could supply nearly all of Europe’s energy needs