The theme for CODIST-I is Scientific Development, Innovation and the Knowledge Economy. The Committee on Development Information, Science and Technology (CODIST) is one of the seven subsidiary bodies of the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) composed of senior officials and experts from member States who meet on a biennial basis. The role of CODIST is to review challenges and issues pertaining to the information and communications technology (ICT), geoinformation, science and technology sectors; formulate policies and strategies to address Africa’s development challenges; and determine priorities to be reflected in the work programme of the ICT, Science and Technology Division of ECA.