Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi addressed the opening of the Africa Technology Leadership Conference (ATLC) 2026 in Nairobi on Thursday, October 22, urging African countries to boost investment in research, technology and innovation.

He argued that the continent possesses ample human capital, expanding markets and entrepreneurial talent, but needs sustained funding for research institutions, stronger industry partnerships and better commercialisation of homegrown ideas.

Citing UNESCO data, Mudavadi highlighted that Africa lags behind other regions in research and development spending and in the number of researchers per capita, a gap he said must be closed to avoid perpetual reliance on imported solutions.

He pointed to Kenya’s mobile‑money platform M‑Pesa, launched in 2007, as a proof that African innovations can achieve global relevance when supported by appropriate infrastructure and business models.

Mudavadi outlined four priorities: integrating science and technology into diplomatic engagement; linking research to capital, industry and markets; ensuring digital coverage translates into affordable, useful services; and building trust through data‑sovereignty and resilient regulations.

He called for measurable targets on research funding, commercialised technologies, investment mobilisation and economic value generated, and urged continental cooperation on shared standards, interoperable systems and regional research infrastructure.

Reaffirming Kenya’s commitment, Mudavadi said the country will continue investing in digital infrastructure, skills and innovation while leveraging diplomatic partnerships to expand technological cooperation across Africa.