Leveraging Science, Technology and Innovation for Africa's Development: The Role of Africans in Diaspora

Today as never before, humanity is faced with the challenge of contending with the ravages of endemic threats to man’s life such as terrorism, climate change, and overpopulation, etc. Africa in addition, is specifically encumbered by a multitude of development challenges ranging from lack of capital and technical know-how to deficits in political leadership. This paper interrogates the utility of science, technology and innovation as means through which Africa can achieve sustainable development. Using survey research design, the paper employs qualitative method of data collection and analysis. The paper notes that African leaders are aware of the continent’s development deficits and are out to do the needful in order for Africa to develop. It is the discovery of the study that science, technology and innovation are veritable tools with which the development of Africa can be engendered and that Africans in the Diaspora are catalysts to the promotion of science, technology and innovation in Africa. The study recommends that leaders of Africa should mobilize the Diaspora to assist the homeland in the promotion and deployment of science, technology and innovation for Africa’s development. Keywords: Africa, Diaspora, development, science, technology, innovation.