ACTS was represented by the Executive Director, Prof. Tom Ogada and the head of the Science, Technology & Innovation, Knowledge and Society (STIKS) programme, Dr Agnes Lutomiah.

Ethiopia's Minister of Technology and Innovation, Dr Belete Molla (left) when they met with ACTS Executive Director, Prof. Tom Ogada and head of STIKS programme, Dr Agnes Lutomiah, on March 30, 2023 at the Ministry offices in Addis Ababa.

Dr. Agnes Lutomiah

The Ethiopian Minister of Innovation and Technology, Dr. Belete Molla, met with the ACTS team to discuss and understand the vision and operations of the newly established research Council. The meeting was held on March 30, 2023, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Discussions focused on modalities of how ACTS will work not only with the Ministry but also with the Bio and Emerging Technology Institute (BETin) formerly known as Ethiopian Biotechnology Institute (EBTi). The two parties discussed plans for implementation of the STI policy in the country and roadmaps for intellectual property and technology transfers. To set the collaboration framework in motion, the team also agreed to co-develop the concept note for the IDRC/FCDO funded programme on funding and managing research and innovation projects, which will be driven by national research councils. The goal of the programme is to strengthen the capacities of Science Granting Councils (SGCs) to fund and manage research and innovation projects.

To ensure structural collaboration, a memorandum of understanding (MOU) will be drafted between ACTS and the Ethiopian Biotechnology Institute