The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has announced its partnership with the African Technology Policy Studies Network (ATPS), and the provision of funding support to address the operational cost lapses of ATPS.

The funding support of US$ 500,000, according to the Bank, will help in the implementation and development of programmes on the African continent and to take care of the shortages in the ATPS’ resources.

Pro. Benedict Oramah, President of Afreximbank stated that “I am delighted that the Bank has entered into this partnership with the African Technology and Policy Studies Network”.

According to the Bank’s President, ATPS has shown through its record “an unwavering commitment to intellectual integrity, imagination and ingenuity in the pursuit of sustainable development on this continent”.

“This partnership aligns with Afreximbank’s mandate to stimulate a consistent expansion and diversification of African trade to ultimately increase Africa’s share of global trade.
“Strengthening and collaborating with indigenous knowledge-based African institutions fits into the Bank’s strategy.”
Afreximabnk

The Bank, acknowledging the significance of the work output of African Technology Policy Studies Network, stated that “as the provider of key platforms which encourage the commercialization and implementation of indigenous knowledge and solutions, the ATPS contributes significantly to sustainable development in Africa”.

According to the Bank, Policy Think Thanks play significant roles, as they help to provide salient ideas to help develop material solutions to some of the most pressing and complex challenges on the African continent.

“As actors equipped to understand intensely local issues, secure buy-in from relevant players, and establish sustainable partnerships across sectors and interests, these institutions are vital to maintaining and improving governance mechanisms through evidence-based decision-making for Africa’s development.”
Afreximbank

Impressive achievements of ATPS

Highlighting the milestones achieved by the African Technology Policy Studies Network, the Bank stated that, “ATPS boasts an impressive record of activity: having worked in over 30 African countries; completed 150 STI research projects; published over 1000 research papers, journals, and policy briefs”.

ATPS has developed 4 training manuals, trained over 8000 different stakeholders, and conducted over 75 training workshops on science, technology, and innovation development on the African continent.

“Alongside a diverse range of partners, the ATPS has facilitated the commercialization of more than 110 technologies, created over 12,000 jobs, worked with over 50,000 farmers, established 350 SMEs, supported over 280 new businesses across Africa and created linkages with over 20 incubators and mini-incubators across Africa.”
Afreximbank

On his part, Dr. Nicholas Ozor, Executive Director of ATPS, showing his appreciation for the partnership stated that, “I am very excited on this landmark partnership between the Afreximbank and the ATPS”.

“Through this partnership, we will strive to tackle youth unemployment which is one of Africa’s most pressing challenge, by the application of science, technology and innovation as a means for technological innovation development, commercialization and up-scaling of enterprises for job and wealth creation in Africa.”
Dr. Nicholas Ozor

Touching on availability of funding to Think Tanks, Pro. Benedict Oramah stated that “robust institutional capacity in Africa has, historically, been stymied by a shortage of funding for think tanks and their programmes – Afreximbank is pleased and proud to address this” situation.