Astronomy for African development

Abstract In recent years there have been a number of efforts across Africa to develop the field of astronomy as well as to reap benefit from astronomy for African people. This presentation will discuss the case of the SALT (Southern African Large Telescope) Collateral Benefits Programme (SCBP) which was set up to ensure societal benefit from astronomy. With African society as the target, the SCBP has embarked on various projects from school level education to public understanding of science to socio-economic development, the latter mainly being felt in the rural communities surrounding the South African Astronomical Observatory (home to SALT). A development plan for “Astronomy in Africa” will also be discussed. This plan has been drawn up with input from all over Africa and themed “Astronomy for Education”. The Africa case stands as a good example for the IYA cornerstone project “Developing Astronomy Globally” which focuses on developing regions.