ABSTRACT
More than two decades after attaining political independence most of Africa's fifty-two independent states have not significantly improved their indigenous science and technology capabilities. The failure to establish indigenous capabilities has been an important factor contributing to low agricultural productivity, negative economic growth in many countries, the persistence of endemic health and environmental problems, and the inability to effectively transfer technology. South Africa remains highly dependent on imported commercial technology and non-propietary science. It is capable though of a high degree of technological self-reliance, and very sophisticated end runs to counteract possible sanctions. The failures, disillusionment and disappointments of the post-independence years are often explained by shortages of manpower aggravated by brain-drains of African scientists, inadequate government funding and attention, and insufficient external aid. Drought, famine, rapid population increase, declining agricultural output, and unpayable external debts are the elements of an African crisis in the 1980s that is resulting in a new evaluation of the role of science and technology.
