The African Science and Technology consolidated plan (herby, referred to as ASTCPA) came about as a result of the first African Ministerial Conference on Science and Technology (AMCOST) in 2003. It aimed to consolidate S&T programmes from the African Union (AU) and New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD). The conference saw participating countries commit to increasing public spending on R&D to a minimum of 1% of GDP within 5 years.

Through this it was hoped that the continent would enhance its capacities to fight diseases, eradicate poverty and stem environmental degradation, and improve economic competitiveness. It was also hoped that development and use of science and technology from R&D would lead to the socio-economic transformation of the continent and its integration into the world economy. The consolidated plan of action highlighted a focus on the development of capacity building, knowledge production, and technological innovation in order to achieve this transformation.

This was a significant event as it was the product of the decisions from the first AMCOST. It marks the intention of the continent to move beyond aid, and achieve self sustaining growth. It also marks the intention of African countries to move away from the historical reliance of importing existing technologies, highlighting its intentions to begin stimulating the internal development of technologies and technological capabilities.