Social and Technological Innovation in Africa

This book examines the landscape of sustained investment in research and innovation in Africa, which are critical for development. This cutting-edge analysis is based on empirical evidence and the author’s experience in managing health and related innovations on the continent and globally. It concludes, for the first time, that African innovation is largely driven by the principles of Social, rather than Technological innovation. The significance of this finding and the need to optimize, scale and sustain this dominant innovation is addressed in various chapters that analyze the status, challenges and opportunities. Particularly, the financing, collaboration and coordination patterns for these activities on the continent show a fragmented ecosystem that is largely dependent on external donors and aid. The importance of supportive policies, leadership and venture mechanisms that incentivizes public and private entities to innovate is further exemplified by the lessons of the COVID-19 pandemic. The book proposes mechanism to address identified challenges. 

“This book is a further reflection of Solomon Nwaka's persistent support for Africa innovation and development.” (Dr. Tshinko Ilunga, Chairperson of the ANDI Board) 

“Brilliantly written and sweepingly comprehensive. The parallel drawn between research, innovation and trade is refreshing.” (Prof. Benedict O. Oramah, President and Chairman, African Export and Import Bank, Cairo) 

“A food for thought for African leaders, especially in the post COVID-19 development.” (Geoffrey Onyeama, Minister for Foreign Affairs Nigeria and Ex-Depy Deputy General WIPO) 

“This is an excellent and timely book that lays out the challenges and opportunities for establishing and strengthening innovation and entrepreneurship in Africa. The idea of establishing a specialized University to address Innovation and Entrepreneurship education in Africa is brilliant and apt. As the Minister of Education responsible for Science, Technology and Innovation education in Malawi, I am very keen to explore how Malawi can take this idea forward in partnership with other African countries, development partners and investors. This is part of the solution that we seek as we strive to build resilient post-COVID education systems. I particularly like the name IDEA University (Innovation Development and Entrepreneurship Africa University). Ideas are the wellspring of innovation. Properly implemented, the IDEA University concept will be a platform to capture and nurture the creative energy of Africa's youth who form the majority of the continent's population.” (Hon. Agnes NyaLonje, Minister of Education, Malawi)

“A great resource by someone with a practical knowledge of the subject – it will certainly appeal to policy makers, academics, students, businesses, development partners and indeed the general public.” (Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, 6th and First Female President of the Republic of Mauritius and Professor of Organic Chemistry and Biodiversity)

“It is a truly cutting-edge and timely analysis by an internationally recognized African who has given a lot to the African research and Innovation landscape. It will contribute in strengthening Africa’s research and innovation beyond the present COVID-19 challenges.” (H. E. Prof Sarah Anyang Agbor, Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, African Union Commission)

“Of the many contributions on the subject of Social and Technological Innovation in Africa, this new book by Dr Solomon Nwaka shall surely join the few enduring ones. His deeply researched project looks at a post COVID-19 future for challenges that impinge on African self-determination within the global community. He brings into discussion for interrogation issues of social justice and equity; governance provisions that improve latent talents abundant on the continent; access to resources for work and a role for the teeming youth; higher quality and depth in educational institutions and ofcourse, integrity questions with their ethical considerations.” (Professor Dr Monsignor Obiora Ike, Executive Director/CEO Globethics.net Geneva Switzerland; Professor of Ethics Godfrey Okoye University Enugu, Nigeria)

“An impressive, balanced, timely and brilliant insights highlighting valuable contributions that situates technical, business, financial, capacity and sustainability aspects of African innovation into perspective and context. The author continues to contribute in strengthening Africa’s research and emerging innovation ecosystem in a diversity of ways.” (H. E. Professor Muhammadou M.O. Kah, The Gambian Ambassador to Switzerland and Permanent Representative to the UNOG, WTO and Other International Organisations at Geneva, Former Vice Chancellor, The University of The Gambia, Former provost; VPAA American University of Nigeria & Former Vice Rector for Technology and Innovation & Founding Dean, School of IT & Engineering, ADA University, Baku, Azerbaijan)

“In this excellent book, Dr Solomon Nwaka provides a very comprehensive and authoritative situation analysis of African research and innovation. In a candid and compelling manner, past and present initiatives to shape and improve the African environment for research and innovation are described and explained in a broader scientific, economical, societal and political context. This results in a well-argued identification of the many challenges facing African innovation. More importantly however, it also highlights the many opportunities that exist and leads the author to propose a number of concrete and realistic initiatives that, when implemented properly, could provide a major boost to African innovation and sustainable economic development.” (Ole F. Olesen, PhD, HD, FRCP (Edin), Executive Director, Affiliated Professor of Global Health (Copenhagen University))

Dr Solomon Nwaka is a molecular biologist and innovation leader with a PhD from the University of Freiburg, Germany. He has held senior and diplomatic positions at international, public and private organizations, including WHO and MMV, Geneva Switzerland; UN/ANDI, Addis Ababa Ethiopia; IDB, Jeddah Saudi Arabia and Canadian Biotech Company. He has also held academic or research positions in Europe, USA, Japan and Nigeria.