Reverse Linkage

84 REVERSE LINKAGE to other developing countries operating within similar socio-economic, political and geographical contexts. SSC represents an effective tool for capacity development as it ensures the creation of opportunities for countries to expand markets for their skilled workers, technologies, and products while making relevant, affordable technolo- gies available to receiving countries. SSC also helps to increase cooperation among stakeholders to achieve the agreed goals as stipulated in Agenda 2063 and the SDGs. Moreover, it strengthens country ownership while enhanc- ing the capacities of all stakeholders. SSC equally assists in expanding professional networks, increasing economies of scale through less duplication of effort, and promoting more robust sustainability, as the process is typically adapted to local contexts and capacities. The crucial role of SSC in the various capacity develop- ment interventions is illustrated by several success stories. For instance, the support provided by Tunisia to the Kollo district of Niger through mobile clinics and personalised education for different target groups helped improve access to reproductive health services. Also, with expertise from Morocco, Mali was able to design and implement an inno- vative solar energy project in rural areas. Thanks to this support and expertise, the country was able to carry out a feasibility study and develop a US$17 million project on rural electrification, financed mainly by IsDB. Another example of SSC is the partnership between East Africa and India to promote the development of an ICT tool – the ‘e-granary’ – that supports the marketing of agricultural products and strengthens cross-border trade. Understanding the importance of mapping resource centres as part of SSC Mapping resource centres in Africa The availability of a well-researched and validated roster of resource centres is the key to the success of SSC interven- tions. Resource centres are institutions that provide capacity development interventions and, most importantly, solutions to partner organizations in other developing countries. Mapping the resource centres in Africa is important in the context of SSC for at least three reasons. Firstly, a resource centres map is an essential tool for creating a successful model of SSC in a heterogeneous and diversified socio-economic and political context such South-South coordinated partnerships in Science, Technology and Innovation are key to Africa’s socio-economic transformation 2 Image: ACBF