According to an official, Egypt promised to continue building Africa's science and technology agenda when it takes over a council promoting science and innovation.

Maged al-Sherbiny, Egyptian assistant minister for scientific research and incoming chairman of the African Ministerial Council on Science and Technology, told SciDev. Net that Egypt hopes its successful scientific and technological experiences "will be passed to our African colleagues, and we will keep the momentum going."

Twenty-five African science ministers are scheduled to attend the meeting in Cairo next week, along with representatives of Washington's National Science Foundation, the United Nations' World Health Organization and other U. N. agencies.

The allAfrica. com news Web site reported that a delegation representing Japan's prime minister will also attend to discuss ways Japan can support African science.

AllAfrica. com further said that the meeting will also address funding shortages that have thwarted pan-African science initiatives. (With Input from Agencies)