1. SADC Protocol on Science, Technology, and Innovation
Thomas Auf der Heyde
Briefing to Select Committee
3 August 2011

2. History of SADC Protocol on STI (1)
2006: SADC Declaration on Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) drafted by SADC senior officials and adopted by Ministers in Pretoria
2007: SADC senior officials drafted SADC Protocol on Science, Technology and Innovation in Durban
2007: Ministers approved SADC Protocol in Pretoria
2008: SADC Protocol on STI approved by the SADC Heads of States and Government during the SADC Summit in Johannesburg

3. History of SADC Protocol on STI (2)
September 2009: draft Cabinet memo
October 2009: African Renaissance Committee presentation
November 2009: ICTS presentation
February 2010: ICTS Cabinet Committee presentation
April 2010: tabled in Parliament
July 2010: Presentation to Portfolio Committee
February 2011: Re-tabled by Minister Pandor

4. Key objectives of the Protocol
Provide a base for development of institutional mechanisms for regional cooperation and coordination of STI
Ensure proper coordination of resources for regional STI programmes as identified in the RISDP and CPA
Promote development and harmonisation of STI approaches in the region
Maximise public and private investment in R&D in the region

5. Regional STI interventions
SADC Policy Training
SADC SET WEEK
SADC Women-in-Science
SADC STI Strategy
SADC IPR
SADC IKS
SADC Climate Change
SADC Blue Gene

6. Financial implications
DST budget 09/10 – 11/12: R9.816m
Leveraged foreign funds: R3.310m

7. Summary
Ratification of SADC Protocol is an important step toward regional integration
Considerable progress being made in developing regional interventions; SADC the leading REC
Interest in key development partners to support regional initiatives
Bilateral cooperation growing steadily (self-financed)
BUT
SADC STI Desk weak and under-resourced
Development partners reluctant to support STI Desk