Social and Technological Innovation in Africa: Sustaining a Post COVID-19 Research for Development

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.  Review “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