A new collaborative initiative, the Innovation Agencies in Africa Network, has been launched to strengthen ties among African innovation agencies and address the continent’s unique developmental challenges. Spearheaded by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), alongside South Africa’s National Research Foundation (NRF), Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), and Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), the network aims to foster sustainable and inclusive growth through homegrown solutions tailored to Africa’s needs.
The network was officially unveiled during Kenya Innovation Week in November 2024, responding to the critical need for an interconnected African innovation ecosystem. Africa faces urgent challenges such as climate change, rapid technological advancements, and the demand for globally competitive, locally relevant solutions. A recent study by the Trilateral Research Chair in Transformative Innovation at the University of Johannesburg emphasized the pivotal role innovation agencies play in bridging gaps between public policy, academia, and the private sector.
“This network positions African innovation agencies to take the lead in developing solutions uniquely suited to the continent,” said an IDRC official. “By enhancing collaboration and resource-sharing, we can unlock Africa’s potential to drive social and economic progress.”
The initiative builds on the successes of the Science Granting Councils Initiative, focusing on strengthening innovation-driven value chains and advancing the commercialization of new ideas. The first pilot phase, set to run from 2025 to 2027, will be coordinated by the Kenya National Innovation Agency, Namibia’s National Commission on Research, Science and Technology, and the University of Johannesburg. These institutions were selected following a collaborative workshop held in Johannesburg in March 2024.
Future activities under the network will include hosting annual forums, promoting joint research projects, and facilitating collaborative funding initiatives. These efforts aim to accelerate innovation across the continent and enable African countries to lead in addressing global challenges.
The establishment of the Innovation Agencies in Africa Network reflects the growing recognition of the role of collaboration and innovation in tackling Africa’s pressing issues. By uniting the expertise and resources of African innovation agencies, the initiative seeks to pave the way for a more sustainable and prosperous future for the continent.
Article by Nyokabi Wanjiku
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