On 22 July 2024, the Organisation of Southern Cooperation (OSC) and the Ministry of Innovation and Technology of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia hosted a
Diplomatic Briefing on the Greater South Fair for Endogenous Technologies (GreSFET) at OSC Headquarters. To be held in its first edition on 1-4 October 2024 at the Science Museum of Addis Ababa, GreSFET is a biennial international fair convened by the OSC to promote endogenous technologies, foster strategic partnerships, and facilitate South-South technology transfers.
Key Highlights from the Event: Promoting Endogenous Technologies
During the briefing, the Secretary-General, H.E. Manssour Bin Mussallam emphasised the importance of fostering endogenous technologies as a means to sustainably bridge the techno-digital divide. He underscored the need for Member States to “become drivers, instead of remaining passengers” of the techno-digital revolution as producers and innovators.
H.E. Bayisa Badada, State Minister of Innovation and Technology of Ethiopia, stated that the fair would facilitate knowledge exchange, collaboration, and networking opportunities that can drive innovative and sustainable development in the Greater South.
In his presentation of GreSFET, Dr. Shumete Gizaw, Under-Secretary-General for Technological Innovation and Digitalisation Enhancement (TIDE), emphasised harnessing local expertise and resources to drive sustainable development and innovation. He also noted the OSC’s promotion and in-house development of open-source solutions to overcome vendor-dependence and achieve context-specific solutions.
Strategic Partnerships and Collaboration
The Diplomatic Briefing event highlighted the OSC’s commitment to fostering strategic partnerships and collaborations. By bringing together innovators, policymakers, researchers, and industry leaders, GreSFET aims to create a platform that facilitates the convergence of local innovations with global platforms. This collaborative approach is essential for nurturing innovation and ensuring the sustainable development of technologies that cater to the specific needs and contexts of the Greater South.
Objectives of GreSFET
By providing a platform for innovators, the private sector, academia, and research institutions to collaborate, GreSFET seeks to address the unique priorities and interests of societies in the Greater South through technology. The Fair will feature an
exhibition area with booths for up to three startups and technology companies per Member State, as well as interactive activities such as panel discussions, debates, competitions, and networking events.
Looking Forward to GreSFET 2024
Scheduled to take place on 1st to 4th October 2024 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, GreSFET promises to be an interactive and dynamic event. It will focus on priority sectors including education, sustainable agriculture, financial inclusion, clean energy, sustainable mobility, and integral health. The Fair will showcase practical solutions to local challenges, leveraging local contexts and national priorities.
Invitation to Participate
In his concluding remarks, the Secretary-General extended a cordial invitation to all Member States to actively participate in GreSFET 2024. He highlighted the Fair’s potential as a catalyst for technological innovation based upon national and regional capacities. H.E. Bayisa Badede also invited participants to join in this groundbreaking event, emphasising the importance of collective efforts in driving technological advancements.
Read More and Join Us
For more information on GreSFET 2024 and to stay updated on upcoming events, please visit our newly launched GreSFET website. Join us in this transformative journey towards technological sovereignty and sustainable development for the Greater South.
