India has proposed a five-step approach stressing on technology transfer and establishment of pilot projects to strengthen science and technology ties with Africa. Science and Technology Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh said the primary focus should be on enhancing capacity

Inaugurating the first ever India-Africa Science and technology Ministers conference in New Delhi today, he said visits by experts from India to African nations will take place to identify potential sectors for technology transfers, organisation of joint workshops and marking out agencies that can facilitate technology transfers.

He suggested developing linkages between industry associations and small and medium enterprises to facilitate
technology transfers. Deshmukh urged his African counterparts to seize the opportunity to connect young scientists and build bridges between the next generations.

Minister of state for science and technology Ashwani Kumar said India will be happy to support the establishment of an India-Pan Africa University for Life and Earth Sciences at Nigeria. Minister of State for External Affairs Preneet Kaur said India is committed to establish more than 100 capacity building institutions across Africa.