Building a Collaboratively Network of Innovation Agencies in Africa

Fostering Collaboration for a Stronger Innovation Ecosystem

The workshop was not just a meeting of minds; it was a collaborative effort to share best practices, exchange resources, and build a network that will drive Africa’s innovation agenda forward. Nearly 50 participants from around the world attended, including leaders and representatives from various African innovation agencies, experts and scholars in the field of innovation and development, representatives from international organisations supporting innovation in Africa, and regional bodies fostering collaboration in science, technology, and innovation.

Key Themes of Discussion

The dialogue throughout the day revolved around four crucial themes. The first was the regional innovation landscape and its alignment with national and regional development goals. Participants explored the role of innovation agencies in shaping policies and strategies that support long-term sustainable growth. Secondly, discussions addressed the challenges faced by innovation agencies in strengthening national innovation systems, including limited funding, policy constraints, and capacity-building issues.

Another key topic was untapped opportunities in the innovation space. The workshop highlighted how leveraging technology, fostering public-private partnerships, and improving access to resources can create a more vibrant innovation ecosystem. The final discussion focused on the importance of skills development and knowledge-sharing, particularly between well-established innovation agencies and those still in the early stages of development. Participants emphasized the need for co-learning platforms to exchange experiences and best practices.

Commitment to Action

As the workshop progressed, a shared commitment to creating a formal network of innovation agencies in Africa began to take shape. Participants expressed a strong desire to establish collaborative mechanisms for knowledge-sharing, collective problem-solving, and co-funding opportunities to drive impactful projects. This commitment aligns with a broader goal of strengthening innovation infrastructure across Africa and fostering an inclusive and sustainable digital economy.

The conversation also underscored the importance of institutional partnerships and policy alignment to ensure that innovation agencies operate effectively within national and regional innovation ecosystems. By strengthening linkages between government institutions, private sector players, and research bodies, innovation agencies can better position themselves as key drivers of economic transformation.

Moving Forward: Key Takeaways

The workshop provided more than just a platform for discussion; it set the stage for meaningful action. Participants agreed on the importance of creating collective funding mechanisms that will support innovation projects across Africa. They also stressed the need to develop inclusive policies that ensure equitable access to innovation resources and opportunities. Another major outcome was the proposal to design new business models that foster digital economic growth while promoting sustainability. Additionally, the idea of establishing a formal network of innovation agencies emerged as a key priority, aimed at facilitating ongoing collaboration and knowledge exchange.

As these ideas gain momentum, further discussions and planning will refine them into concrete initiatives that drive positive change in Africa’s innovation landscape.

Acknowledgments

This research and workshop were made possible with the support of the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) in collaboration with the South African National Research Foundation. Their commitment to fostering transformative innovation remains instrumental in shaping Africa’s innovation future.

Looking Ahead

The discussions and commitments made during this workshop mark the beginning of a transformative journey for innovation agencies in Africa. In the coming months, participants will reconvene to refine strategies, formalize partnerships, and implement actionable steps toward a robust and interconnected innovation network. By fostering collaboration, Africa’s innovation agencies can collectively address challenges, seize opportunities, and drive sustainable development in the years to come.