GABORONE, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- The 16th Conference for Mathematics, Science and Technology in Africa kicked off on Tuesday in Maun, northwest Botswana.
The meeting brought together member states of Strengthening Mathematics and Science Education in Africa (SMASE) organization to discuss issues related to mathematics, science and technology education.
SMASE is a pan-African organization that gathers regional countries to look for approaches to boost mathematics and science education.
Professionals from Botswana, Gambia, Kenya, South Africa, Namibia, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe were expected to share ideas on advancing the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) agenda at the conference.
Botswanian Minister of Basic Education Bagalatia Arone said quality development is underpinned by quality education and highlighted the importance of channeling more resources towards education and empowering teachers to nurture modern talents.
As a SMASE beneficiary, his country fully supports the organization's endeavors, he added.
He lauded this conference as a major step towards realizing the goal of SMASE, the African Union Agenda 2023 and the Continental Education Strategy for Africa 2025 as well as a platform for mutual assistance on STEM against rising economic challenges.
