19 June 2013: The African Development Bank (AfDB) and United Nations University (UNU) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to advance knowledge exchange and collaborative research on sustainable development in Africa.

The MoU outlines a partnership between the two organizations to encourage and strengthen science, technology and innovation (STI) in Africa. The partners are expected to develop a joint strategic plan and programme of activities to undertake capacity building in Africa and promote knowledge exchange. Specific activities include: supporting higher education for sustainable development in Africa; exploring the possibility of establishing a joint ‘pipeline’ for sustainable development projects; and promoting knowledge transfer initiatives.

The MoU was signed after the conclusion of the fifth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD V), held in Yokohama, Japan, in June 2013. Universities from Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa and Zambia will engage with the University of Tokyo and UNU to implement the MoU. [AfDB Press Release] [UNU Press Release] [IISD RS Story on TICAD V]