The World Bank and the Governments of South Africa and Finland hosted the Knowledge for Africa's Development Conference in May 2006 in South Africa. The objective of the conference was to enhance understanding and awareness about the issues that all African countries need to address relevant to access to, and use of, knowledge to strengthen their competitiveness and increase their economic and social well-being. The event brought together African countries to discuss and share their experiences and challenges of building knowledge-based economies. The publication outlines the role of Science, Technology and Innovation as a means to building a knowledge-based economy. The World Bank, 2008.