Mission + Vision

“AIS Foundation fosters research, dialogues, marketplaces and robust innovation ecosystems to harness homegrown innovation across all sectors, drive systemic change, and unleash Africa's promise to create an equitable, prosperous future for all.”

Importantly, we believe Africa's transformation will be driven primarily by homegrown innovations that can bring systemic change. Our purpose is ensuring that innovation becomes the way Africans address the challenges facing the continent. We are therefore fostering a culture of innovation through three interrelated areas: First, we are supporting the emergence of thriving innovation ecosystems by conducting research to inform policy and advocating for environments where innovations can flourish. Second, we are developing a continental marketplace connecting African entrepreneurs, investors, and support services to help startups scale up. Third, through high-level summits and ongoing dialogues, we are fostering collaborations and showcasing African innovation in action. Our ideas of innovation include but extend beyond science, technology and engineering. We believe innovation must permeate all aspects of society and national development management so as to help drive structural shifts and transformations that will uplift all of Africa. Join us to convert Africa's vast promise into reality. Together, we can drive innovations to create a future with dignity for all.

First, we are supporting the emergence of thriving innovation ecosystems by conducting research to inform policy and advocating for environments where innovations can flourish.

Second, we are developing a continental marketplace connecting African entrepreneurs, investors, and support services to help startups scale up.

Third, through high-level summits and ongoing dialogues, we are fostering collaborations and showcasing African innovation in action.

Our History

2012

>> Launched the Africa Innovation Summit (AIS) at a special event in Praia, Cabo Verde with former President of Cabo Verde H.E. Pedro Pires and Dr. Donald Kaberuka, then President of the African Development Bank.

2013

>> Produced a special issue African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development - “How African Countries Can Build Innovation Driven Economies”

>> Organized the first AIS innovation challenge with 20 start-ups selected

2014

>> Organized the First Africa Innovation Summit in Praia, Cabo Verde, with over 600 participants

2016

>> Published the first AIS edited volume - Innovation Africa: Emerging Hubs of Excellence. Bingley: Emerald Publishing, 2016

>> Organized the second AIS innovation challenge with 50 start-ups selected

2018

>> Organized the Second Africa Innovation Summit in Kigali, Rwanda, with over 2000 participants and satellite events in Addis Ababa and Johannesburg

2020

>> COVID-19 disrupted the organization of the third edition of AIS

2021

>> Produced a special issue of African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development - “Can Innovation Address Africa’s Challenges?”