NASENI Chief Marks Africa Day, Says Innovation and Capacity Building Key to Continent’s Future
By Onwe Wisdom, Pan Afric Reporters
The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Khalil Suleiman Halilu, has declared that Africa’s future prosperity and global competitiveness will depend largely on the continent’s ability to build local capacity, embrace innovation, and develop homegrown solutions to its unique challenges.
Halilu made the assertion in a message commemorating Africa Day, stressing that sustainable development across the continent requires more than aspirations, noting that practical investments in technology, skills development, and indigenous innovation are critical to unlocking Africa’s vast potential.
The statement was contained in a message issued by NASENI to mark Africa Day and highlighted the agency’s commitment to driving industrialization, technological advancement, and engineering excellence across Nigeria and the African continent.
According to Halilu, Africa must position itself as a producer of innovation rather than a passive consumer of technologies developed elsewhere.
“Africa’s future will be driven not just by ambition, but by capacity, innovation, and the courage to develop solutions tailored to our needs,” he said.
The NASENI chief explained that the agency’s strategic vision is anchored on developing indigenous technologies, training skilled engineers, and building sustainable systems capable of fostering economic growth and industrial transformation.
He noted that NASENI’s ongoing initiatives are designed to strengthen local manufacturing capacity, encourage technological self-reliance, and create opportunities for young innovators across the continent.
Halilu emphasized that the agency remains committed to advancing homegrown solutions that would enable African countries to compete effectively in the global economy while addressing local development challenges.
“The Africa we desire is possible. It begins with what we choose to build today,” he stated.
He further congratulated Africans on the occasion of Africa Day and reaffirmed NASENI’s resolve to continue promoting innovation-driven development and industrial growth as part of efforts to accelerate the continent’s economic transformation.
Africa Day is celebrated annually to commemorate the founding of the predecessor of the African Union and to reflect on the continent’s progress, unity, and development aspirations. Halilu’s message aligns with growing calls for African nations to leverage science, technology, and innovation as catalysts for sustainable growth and global competitiveness.
