The Innovation Agencies in Africa Network: Aiming to transform the continent’s innovation landscape

The network aims to boost collaboration and resource-sharing among African innovation agencies to drive sustainable and inclusive growth through the development of solutions tailored to Africa's unique challenges. 

The need for a connected African innovation landscape is clear. Rapid technological advancements and pressing issues like climate change demand homegrown, globally competitive solutions. A recent study by the Trilateral Research Chair in Transformative Innovation at the University of Johannesburg in South Africa underscores the pivotal role of innovation agencies in bridging public policy with private sector and academic capacities. 

Building on efforts like the Science Granting Councils Initiative, the network focuses on the commercialization and strengthening of innovation-driven value chains. A foundational workshop in Johannesburg in March 2024 identified collaboration opportunities, leading to the selection of the Kenya National Innovation Agency, the National Commission on Research, Science and Technology of Namibia and the University of Johannesburg to coordinate the network’s pilot phase from 2025 to 2027. 

The network was launched at Kenya Innovation Week, in November 2024. Future activities include annual forums, collaborative research projects and joint funding initiatives.