Innovation Agencies in Africa (IAA) Network Holds First Steering Committee Meeting
21 October 2025 – Chief Executive Officers and representatives from member innovation agencies and partner institutions convened virtually for the inaugural meeting of the Innovation Agencies in Africa (IAA) Network Steering Committee. The meeting marked a significant milestone in advancing the Network’s governance and operational framework, reinforcing its role in promoting coordination and collaboration among Africa’s national innovation agencies.
The meeting was attended by representatives from the Kenya National Innovation Agency (KeNIA) – Dr. Tonny K. Omwansa; Botswana Digital and Innovation Hub (BDIH) – Diane Mongudi; National Research Foundation (NRF), South Africa – Mr. Mark Johnson; NOSI, Cape Verde – Mr. Carlos Tavares Pina; Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (UNCST) – Dr. Martin Ongol; Ethiopian Ministry of Innovation and Technology (MInT) – Mr. Selamyhun Adefris; Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), South Africa – Ms. Tandokazi Nquma-Moyo; and the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) – Mr. Matthew Wallace and Dr. Emmy Chirchir. The IAA Network Secretariat, led by Ms. Sheila Solomon was also present.
The meeting reaffirmed the Network’s commitment to fostering a collaborative and integrated innovation ecosystem across Africa, supporting policy alignment, research commercialization, and technology-driven development. The Steering Committee endorsed the Network’s interim governance structure, composed of an Oversight Board, Steering Committee, Advisory Council, and Secretariat. The Secretariat, currently hosted by KeNIA, will continue to provide coordination and technical support as the Network transitions toward full institutionalization.
Discussions emphasized the strategic importance of collective action to strengthen innovation systems across the continent. Members highlighted the need for stronger public–private partnerships, enhanced innovation financing, and deeper regional collaboration aligned with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa (STISA-2024).
The Steering Committee agreed on key priorities, including finalizing the Advisory Council framework, developing the 2026 work programme, and advancing the establishment of a Pan-African Innovation Fund to support technology development and commercialization. Members also confirmed plans for the first in-person Steering Committee Meeting, scheduled for November 2025 in Pretoria, South Africa, to be hosted by the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) during the Science Forum South Africa (SFSA).
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to strengthen institutional collaboration, promote shared learning, and advance Africa’s innovation agenda through a unified and sustainable continental framework.