Africa’s innovations are overlooked because global measures don’t fit: what needs to change

African governments and development agencies have embraced science, technology and innovation as levers for development over the past two decades. Science, technology and innovation boost productivity, cut transaction costs, open new business opportunities and promote social inclusion. They also help societies tackle grand challenges such as climate change and persistent poverty.

By 2020 at least 25 African countries had a national policy framework for science, technology and innovation. This compares with only about 8 in 2010.

Science, technology and innovation measurements are essential because they allow policymakers to see whether investments are yielding results. Without adequate metrics, scarce resources can be misdirected and progress towards Africa’s development goals will stall.

But are African governments, development partners and scholars measuring what matters?

Read this thought piece in The Conversation Africa