STEM Positive Disruptor - MIA conversation with special guest, Associate Professor Karuri-Sebina PhD, Wits School of Governance

This is another STEM Positive Disruptor - MIA conversation with special guest, Associate Professor Karuri-Sebina PhD, Wits School of Governance (The University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa). She describes herself as a thinker, researcher and sometimes a doer, you need to listen to our conversation and she works in the intersection between people, place and technological change, an expert in futures and foresight. Based in South Africa, with a background in computer science, architecture, sociology, and urban planning. Geci has a background in using tech and innovation to work with communities on a wide range of local development and social transformation issues and currently lectures on innovation systems policy for developing countries, and innovation systems for social purposes. Her expertise is broad and varied, she has written a few books and articles as an individual but also in collaboration with others, the most recent book is called "Innovation Ecosystems in Africa" and there is a follow-up coming soon.   I am so grateful that Geci was able to make time to have a conversation with me (what a powerful and thought-provoking conversation it was). I asked among other things,  if  STE(A)M and Innovation is the game changer in Africa and if Africa is ready to be in the fore front of change and bridge the gap and provide solutions where education, industry and government is concerned in Africa and globally. Again listen to our conversation to hear her response.   I will share some of the facts that I gleaned from our conversation and solutions provided: 1. Innovation does happen in Africa, during COVID, 12% of technological innovation across the world came from Africa in the first year. 2. To encourage more young people, especially females to take on STEM subjects and profession, we have to show the interconnection between technical subjects, sciences and actual developmental and social issues affecting our world. 3. The Eco-System in Africa has to enable the thinkers, innovators, and doers to flourish, which includes investing in them (capital) and also link the formal and informal systems (not everyone will go through the educational path currently in place) 4.  You need to listen to her recommendation for the government, education, and industry in Africa and beyond, especially the concern we have on skills shortage globally.   This platform is to Educate, Raise awareness, Demystify and Change Perception about STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and make it more accessible to the public.