By April Lanux

The launch of the 4th Africa Innovation Outlook (AIO-2024) Report arrives at a critical time in Africa’s development trajectory, coinciding with the continent’s inclusion in the G20 platform and its ongoing efforts to implement key initiatives such as the Science, Technology, and Innovation Strategy for Africa 2024 (STISA-2034). As Africa accelerates its Second Ten-Year Implementation Plan (STYIP) of Agenda 2063, alongside the AU-EU Innovation Agenda (2023-2032) and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the focus on SDG9 (Science, Technology, and Innovation) and SDG17 (Global Partnerships) is more prominent than ever.

The AIO-2024 report highlights the ongoing collaboration between African Union (AU) Member States and Sweden under the African Science, Technology, and Innovation Indicators (ASTII) programme. This partnership has significantly strengthened the capacity of over 3,500 civil servants and experts, enabling them to track national investments in research and innovation more effectively. It also ensures that Africa remains committed to achieving the AU target of 1% of GDP dedicated to research, while working towards the OECD target of 3%. This continued effort plays a key role in fostering innovation for competitiveness across the continent.

Science and technology have become the bedrock of Africa’s growth and transformation. As the continent continues to invest in research and development, there is a growing recognition of the need for global partnerships and investments that will drive Africa’s innovation ecosystem. The AIO-2024 report offers a snapshot of these advancements, showcasing the continent's commitment to fostering innovation across diverse sectors.

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• Launch of the 4th Africa Innovation Outlook

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