As patron of the AIS, I am delighted about this book because for Africa there will be no better future without vibrant and developmental cultures, systems and institutions that actively leverage the innovativeness of our greatest asset: our people. This book shines a light of enquiry on some of what we have done in Africa at our best, and perhaps too at our worst when we have not managed to sustain or fully beneficiate our innovation systems. It is an important contribution to our learning, reflection and action.

Pedro Pires, Ex President, Republic of Cabo Verde (2001-2011) and 2011 Mo Ibrahim Leadership Laureate

Innovation is a key enabler of development and structural transformation. At a time when Africa has bold aspirations through Agenda 2063, innovation is a must for the continent to confront challenges such as the ascendant demographic curve, green industrialization and domestic resource mobilization. The number of case studies presented in this book showcase Africa is ability as well as potential to research and offer solutions that will leave their mark. An exciting opportunity to make Africa the continent of the future is around the corner if we just pay attention to the messages of this book.

Carlos Lopes, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA)

While acknowledging the many challenges, the diversity and richness of case studies that carry this book not only systematically show how Africa is indeed innovative in its own way, but also very skilfully demonstrates the fact that innovation goes beyond the technological. This is a must-read book for any serious innovation scholar and policy maker.

Bitrina Diyamett, President, AfricaLics

There is growing interest among African governments and international organizations for mobilizing innovation for development in Africa. But there is still a scarcity of knowledge on how innovation actually takes pIace in different contexts. This book helps close this knowledge gap. Edited by the organizers of the 2014 African Innovation Summit, it presents a number of case studies on innovation from four out of the five major regions of Africa. The case studies cover different sectors spanning from innovation in the use of mobile phones, in public administration, in cassava production and in heavy industry. The case studies add important specific insight and they are helpful in understanding the potential as well as the barriers for innovation.

Bengt-Ake Lundvall, Aalborg University and Secretary General for Globelics

Innovation Africa is an important and original contribution to our better understanding of "rising Africa". While recognizing the challenges faced, the book assesses the true assets of the continent for innovation and technological upgrading, based on a detailed analysis of illustrative case studies. The message is clear: the future of Africa lies in its ability to develop and nurture innovation and the potential is there. Calling for a distinctly new approach to innovation for the African continent, this book is a source of inspiration for policymakers, business leaders and the public at large.

Anne Miroux, Former Head of the UN Commission on Science and Technology for Development and Visiting Fellow, Emerging Markets Institute, Cornell University

There is an imperative role for innovation in Africa iss continued development. Innovation is not about waiting for a good idea to strike - it must be a deliberate practice and process to ensure that good ideas, including those emerging at local levels, are enabled by the right policies, and shaped for social and/or ecological benefits. Without being prescriptive, this timely book offers case studies that serve as detailed roadmaps to guide the way and is a welcome addition to any leaders toolkit.

Kippy Joseph, Associate Director for Innovation at The Rockefeller Foundation

• Adetokunbo Olugbenga Abiola The Hope Newspapers, Akure, Nigeria
• Olugbenga Adesida Ihaba, Praia, Cabo Verde
• Neville Raymond Comins Innovation Systems and Science Park Development Consultant, Pretoria, South Africa
• Abdelkader Djeflat Faculty of Economics, University of Lille, Villeneuve d'Ascq, France
• Julius Gatune African Centre for Economic Transformation (ACET), Accra, Ghana
• Geci Karuri-Sebina South African Cities Network, Johannesburg, South Africa
• Erika Kraemer-Mbula Institute for Economic Research on Innovation, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa
• Nisreen Lahham Arab Organization for Agricultural Development, League of Arab States, Cairo, Egypt
• Mammo Muchie Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa
• Wilfred Mutua Mworia Consultant and Entrepreneur, Nairobi, Kenya
• George Omondi Okongo United Nations University (UNU-Merit) / Maastricht Graduate School of Governance, Maastricht, The Netherlands
• Joao Resende-Santos Department of Global Studies, Bentley University, Waltham, MA, USA

• Chapter 1: Introduction
• Chapter 2: Towards a Unified Theory of Pan-African Innovation Systems and Integrated Development
• Chapter 3: Innovation Hubs in Southern Africa
• Chapter 4: Electronic Government in Cape Verde: The Prospects and Limits of Innovation in Small Island Developing States
• Chapter 5: Mobile Technology Innovation Ecosystem in Kenya
• Chapter 6: Nollywood: A Case Study in Nigeria
• Chapter 7: Cassava as a Driver of Innovation: The Case of Ghana and Nigeria
• Chapter 8: Using Agricultural By-Products in Egypt: Palm Residues Industry
• Chapter 9: The Role of Commodity Boards in Innovation Policy Coordination: Case Studies of the Sugarcane and Tea Sub-Sectors in Kenya
• Chapter 10: Innovation Hub in the Steel Sector in Algeria
• Chapter 11: Suame Magazine: The Evolving Story of Africa's Largest Industrial Cluster
• Chapter 12: Innovation Africa: Looking Forward