Innovation Agencies in Africa Network

Africa stands at a pivotal moment in its journey toward becoming a knowledge-based and innovation-driven continent. The Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa (STISA-2034) provides the framework for achieving that vision. Developed under the African Union Commission, the strategy lays out a coordinated approach to harness science, technology, and innovation (STI) as catalysts for sustainable industrialization, job creation, and social transformation across the continent.

STISA-2034 builds on the foundation of STISA-2024, which raised awareness of the importance of science and innovation in development planning. The new strategy moves from awareness to implementation. It focuses on operationalizing science and technology through stronger institutions, better coordination, and increased investment in research and innovation. The goal is clear: to position Africa as a global competitor capable of developing home-grown solutions to its challenges.

At the Innovation Agencies in Africa Network (IAA Network), this continental framework provides the direction for national action. By working closely with member agencies and ministries, the Network supports the alignment of national innovation systems with STISA-2034, ensuring that countries can translate policy into impact.

Six Strategic Priorities Shaping Africa’s Innovation Agenda

STISA-2034 is anchored in six interconnected strategic priorities that together form the pillars of Africa’s scientific and technological transformation.

Accelerating Sustainable and Inclusive Industrialization
Industrialization remains central to Africa’s growth ambitions. STISA-2034 calls for a shift toward technology-based production that increases competitiveness, creates decent jobs, and adds value to raw materials. To achieve this, countries must expand investment in research and development (R&D), promote smart manufacturing, and strengthen standards and quality assurance. Building robust innovation ecosystems and encouraging open science will be key to raising Africa’s share of high-technology exports.

Building Human Capital, Infrastructure, and Skills
No innovation system can thrive without skilled people and modern infrastructure. STISA-2034 emphasizes investments in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education, as well as technical and vocational training. It also prioritizes the modernization of laboratories, data centers, and research facilities. Strengthening human capital and infrastructure will allow Africa to tackle development challenges in health, agriculture, energy, and manufacturing while creating a generation of innovators prepared for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Building African Capabilities in Frontier and Emerging Technologies
Artificial intelligence, biotechnology, robotics, quantum computing, and other emerging technologies are reshaping economies globally. STISA-2034 urges African countries to invest strategically in these areas by building foresight capabilities, creating centers of excellence, and developing regulatory frameworks for safe and inclusive adoption. By doing so, Africa can move from being a consumer of technology to a creator of new innovations that address its own needs and global challenges.

Strengthening Science Diplomacy and Partnerships
Collaboration is essential for scientific progress. This priority promotes intra-African partnerships and deeper engagement with global research networks. Through science diplomacy, African countries can strengthen their participation in international forums, negotiate from a position of knowledge, and influence global policy discussions on technology, climate, and sustainable development. Expanding regional and bilateral cooperation will also help Africa pool resources and share infrastructure for research and innovation.

Private Sector Engagement
The private sector is a crucial engine of innovation. STISA-2034 calls for stronger partnerships between governments, academia, and industry to drive research commercialization and entrepreneurship. Encouraging private investment through incentives, co-funding schemes, and innovation-friendly regulations can stimulate new industries and jobs. Public-private partnerships will be vital for turning scientific discoveries into practical solutions that advance economic growth.

Addressing Youth and Gender Inequalities
Africa’s young population is its greatest asset. Yet women and youth remain underrepresented in science and technology. STISA-2034 promotes inclusive innovation by expanding access to STEM education, creating mentorship and scholarship programs, and recognizing indigenous knowledge. Harnessing the creativity of youth and women will not only make Africa’s innovation agenda more equitable but also more dynamic and sustainable.

Turning Vision into Action

The success of STISA-2034 depends on coordinated implementation at national and regional levels. Innovation agencies play a central role in linking policy with practice. They can help design funding mechanisms, align programs with national development plans, and foster partnerships across government, industry, and academia.

The IAA Network supports these efforts by facilitating collaboration among innovation agencies, strengthening institutional capacity, and promoting knowledge exchange across the continent. 

STISA-2034 invites African institutions, researchers, entrepreneurs, and policymakers to work together in shaping a continent where science and innovation drive prosperity and resilience. The IAA Network remains committed to advancing this vision through partnership, learning, and shared leadership in innovation.