The same story or new directions? Science and technology within the framework of the African Union and New Partnership for Africa's Development

The newly formed African Union (AU) and the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) special programme have recommitted Africa to the development and application of science, technology and innovation towards socio-economic development and transformation of the continent. This paper looks at the AU/NEPAD policy frameworks for promoting S&T development. The paper argues that the AU/NEPAD frameworks now provide new direction for Africa. The revival of S&T initiatives in the various sub-regional organisations and the interest and commitment shown by some countries, such as South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt and other architects and supporters of NEPAD S&T initiatives, including the intention of some bilateral and multilateral development agencies to improving S&T capacity building, have added fresh impetus to the new direction.