Africa can learn from many regions around the world on how to develop its innovation systems. A regional-level strategy may be better since some countries are still weak to go it alone in developing some of the infrastructures and basic components needed to build innovation systems. China is as an example of a country that […]
2.2 – Charting a Way Forward
Africa needs to chart a new roadmap. The moment to rekindle the latent innovation spirit is now and the continent must begin the transitioning process of massively transmuting itself into an innovation economy where products and services are created and developed. A new type of economy where knowledge will be fundamental as a factor of […]
2.1 – Evidence in rekindling the spirit
In the last few years, the continent is improving on some important metrics that will catalyze a better future. Life expectancy has improved in Africa by more than 10%, and child mortality is falling consistently[1]. Enrollment in schools continues to improve — secondary school enrolment grew by nearly 50% between 2000 and 2008[2] — and […]
2.0 – Rekindling the Spirit, a Way Forward
For centuries, as typical of humans, Africans have constantly developed new ideas to survive. They treated the most poisonous snake bites with local herbs, repaired broken bones and melted and molded metals. In agriculture and textile, they built silos for their produce, dyed their fabrics, and made careers in local crafts. The Egyptians built the […]
1.2 – Triple Helix Partnership for Innovation
The triple helix of industry, government and university has to strengthen for innovation to flourish in Africa. When schools educate for the needs of the markets and governments make rules that accelerate economic vibrancy, the overall system improves. None can function effectively without the other elements, so partnership is important. Africa is positioned as the […]