Prof Calestous Juma

“The creation of agricultural enterprises represents one of the most effective to stimulate rural development” - Prof Calestous Juma

Professor Calestous Juma was an extraordinary thinker, innovator, and leader who dedicated his life to advancing science, technology, and innovation for development in Africa and beyond. He was a Kenyan-born Harvard Kennedy School professor, a renowned scholar, and an advisor to governments, international organizations, and businesses around the world. His legacy in the field of science, technology, and innovation is immense and continues to inspire young scientists and entrepreneurs globally.

Prof Juma was a strong advocate for the use of technology to address the development challenges facing Africa, such as poverty, disease, food insecurity, and climate change. He believed that Africa's future prosperity depended on its ability to harness its technological potential and create solutions tailored to its unique needs. His work on the role of innovation in economic development helped shape policies and strategies in many African countries and beyond.

Prof Juma's numerous publications, including books, research papers, and articles, have been widely cited and contributed to advancing the field of science, technology, and innovation studies. His passion for sharing knowledge and mentoring young researchers has inspired a new generation of African scholars to pursue careers in the field. Prof Juma's impact on the world of science, technology, and innovation will be felt for generations to come, and his legacy will continue to inspire and guide us in our quest for a better world.

Prof Calestous Juma also served as the co-chairperson of the African High-Level Panel on Modern Biotechnology of the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD). In 2012, the African Union appointed Prof Calestous Juma to chair its High-Level Panel on Science, Technology, and Innovation to develop and submit a report on the Science, Technology, and Innovation Strategy for Africa (STISA-2024).

Subsequently, in 2016, Prof Calestous Juma was appointed the co-chairperson to the African Union High-Level Panel on Emerging Technologies (APET). APET is composed of eminent experts of a ten-member high-level panel to advise the African Union, its various organs, and Member States on how Africa can harness innovation and emerging technologies for socioeconomic development and growth.

Since STI remains the bedrock for progressive and sustainable development and inclusive growth, the African Union High-Level Panel on Emerging Technologies (APET) established the Calestous Juma Executive Dialogues (CJED) in honour of Prof Calestous Juma's contributions and influence on Africa's STI-based development. The purpose of the CJED is to advise AU Member States in addressing the challenges of Science, Technology and across the continent by increasing knowledge and strengthening capacity in science, technology, and innovation.