Innovation Africa: Emerging Hubs of Excellence

Olugbenga Adesida Ihaba, Praia, Cabo Verde

Neville Raymond Comins Innovation Systems and Science Park Development Consultant, Pretoria, South Africa 

Abdelkader Djeflat Faculty of Economics, University of Lille, Villeneuve d'Ascq, France

Julius Gatune African Centre for Economic Transformation (ACET), Accra, Ghana

Geci Karuri-Sebina South African Cities Network, Johannesburg, South Africa

Erika Kraemer-Mbula Institute for Economic Research on Innovation, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa

Nisreen Lahham Arab Organization for Agricultural Development, League of Arab States, Cairo, Egypt

Mammo Muchie Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa

Wilfred Mutua Mworia Consultant and Entrepreneur, Nairobi, Kenya

George Omondi Okongo United Nations University (UNU-Merit) / Maastricht Graduate School of Governance, Maastricht, The Netherlands

Joao Resende-Santos Department of Global Studies, Bentley University, Waltham, MA, USA

Innovation is a key enabler of development and structural transformation. At a time when Africa has bold aspirations through Agenda 2063, innovation is a must for the continent to confront challenges such as the ascendant demographic curve, green industrialization and domestic resource mobilization. The number of case studies presented in this book showcase Africa's ability as well as potential to research and offer solutions that will leave their mark. An exciting opportunity to make Africa the continent of the future is around the corner if we just pay attention to the messages of this book.

While acknowledging the many challenges, the diversity and richness of case studies that carry this book not only systematically show how Africa is indeed innovative in its own way, but also very skilfully demonstrates the fact that innovation goes beyond the technological. This is a must-read book for any serious innovation scholar and policy maker. 

Bitrina Diyamett, President, AfricaLics 

There is growing interest among African governments and international organizations for mobilizing innovation for development in Africa. But there is still a scarcity of knowledge on how innovation actually takes pIace in different contexts. This book helps close this knowledge gap. Edited by the organizers of the 2014 African Innovation Summit, it presents a number of case studies on innovation from four out of the five major regions of Africa. The case studies cover different sectors spanning from innovation in the use of mobile phones, in public administration, in cassava production and in heavy industry. The case studies add important specific insight and they are helpful in understanding the potential as well as the barriers for innovation. 

Innovation Africa is an important and original contribution to our better understanding of 'rising Africa'. While recognizing the challenges faced, the book assesses the true assets of the continent for innovation and technological upgrading, based on a detailed analysis of illustrative case studies. The message is clear: the future of Africa lies in its ability to develop and nurture innovation and the potential is there. Calling for a distinctly new approach to innovation for the African continent, this book is a source of inspiration for policymakers, business leaders and the public at large. 

There is an imperative role for innovation in Africa's continued development. Innovation is not about waiting for a good idea to strike - it must be a deliberate practice and process to ensure that good ideas, including those emerging at local levels, are enabled by the right policies, and shaped for social and/or ecological benefits. Without being prescriptive, this timely book offers case studies that serve as detailed roadmaps to guide the way and is a welcome addition to any leader's toolkit.