CATALYZING SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN AFRICA: THE POTENTIAL OF CHEMICAL SCIENCES AND CHEMICAL INDUSTRIES
Science in general is one of the key drivers of economic development. Advances in science and technology are instrumental to the rapid industrialization of many developed nations. Chemistry which is the only fundamental science that has a specific industry attached to it in sharp contrast to other major science disciplines, such as physics, mathematics and biology, has great potential for enhanced economic development. Records have shown that the chemical industry plays a pivotal role in the strength of many developed economies such as that of the United States, Germany, United Kingdom, Belgium, etc. and the advancement of humankind. The many sectors reliant on the United States (U.S.) chemical economy which account for about 25% of the U.S. GDP and support 4.1 million U.S. jobs are worthy of note. In this work, we present the potentials inherent in chemical sciences which are capable of catalyzing sustainable economic development in Africa. We also highlight ways chemical sciences will help to achieve sustainable development goals (SDGs) in Africa. Challenges and rich opportunities associated with an investment in chemical industries are also presented. The Chemical industry has a great positive potential for the advancement of the African economy.
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