Africa's contribution to scientific research is less than 1% of its gross domestic product (GDP).
In this context, the Ministry of Science and Technology, Higher Education and Technical-Vocational Training and the National Research Fund (FNI) hosted the 2nd International Research Conference on 4 and 5 September under the slogan "For a scientific research that supports the development of societies and communities.
More than 250 researchers from various regions of the world participated in the conference which aimed to create common synergies in the process of developing and aligning research and technological innovation policies among participating countries, as well as exchange experiences and research results developed by researchers.
According to the Head of Cooperation of the Swedish Embassy Mikael Elofsson, science can be a great contribution to the eradication of poverty in the world. It is therefore important to have the involvement of the private sector and increased participation of women in science. Recent data by UNESCO indicate that women account for less than 30% of researchers worldwide.
The conference was attended by the Minister of Science and Technology, Higher Education and Technical-Professional, the Governor of Maputo City, Sweden and the World Bank as co-operating partners as well as researchers and representatives of the academic community.
