Johannesburg – Science and technology (S&T) are reshaping Africa’s economic landscape, accelerating progress across critical sectors from healthcare to agriculture. With increasing investments and groundbreaking innovations, the continent is moving closer to achieving the ambitious goals set under the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
Recent data shows that African governments are steadily increasing their investments in research and development (R&D). In 2023, the average R&D spending across the continent reached 0.42% of GDP, up from 0.35% in 2015. Universities and research institutions are emerging as hubs of innovation, with projects aimed at solving local challenges.
The African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS), which operates in multiple countries, has produced more than 2,500 graduates specializing in applied mathematics, with 70% now working in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) sectors.
The information and communication technology (ICT) sector is experiencing significant growth, with mobile internet penetration jumping to 46% in 2024, compared to just 33% in 2018. In 2023 alone, ICT attracted $7.1 billion in investments, with leading startup ecosystems in Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa.
Among the success stories is M-Pesa, Kenya’s mobile payment platform, which now processes an average of $314 million in transactions daily, providing critical financial services to millions.
In healthcare, Africa is becoming a pioneer in leveraging technology to close service delivery gaps. In Rwanda, the Zipline drone delivery service has completed more than 500,000 deliveries, providing blood supplies and vaccines to remote areas. Healthtech startups secured $1.3 billion in funding in 2023, with governments increasingly embracing public-private partnerships to expand access to care.
Agriculture, the backbone of many African economies, is also seeing a technological overhaul. Agri-tech startups raised $640 million in 2023, a 30% increase from the previous year. In Nigeria, the e-Agriculture platform has provided over 5 million farmers with real-time weather data and market prices, boosting productivity by 20%.
Meanwhile, the renewable energy sector is emerging as a beacon of hope for sustainable development. Investments in renewables surged to $12 billion in 2023, reflecting a continental shift towards greener energy. Morocco’s Noor Solar Plant, with a capacity of 580 MW, now powers more than 1 million households, cutting annual CO₂ emissions by 760,000 tons.
Education is at the heart of Africa’s S&T transformation. In 2024, many countries increased their education budgets by 5%, channeling resources into STEM education.
The African Centre of Excellence for Engineering and Data Sciencein Rwanda has trained over 10,000 engineers and data scientists, equipping them with the skills needed to lead Africa’s digital transformation.
Experts say Africa’s rapid adoption of S&T is more than a catch-up effort. “Africa is not just following global trends—it’s creating its own solutions to local challenges,” said Dr. Mary Okello, an economist specializing in innovation policy. “Projects like M-Pesa and Zipline are proving that Africa can lead in innovation.”
With governments, private investors, and academic institutions aligning their efforts, Africa is on track to meet its Agenda 2063 milestones. Analysts predict that continued investments in research, infrastructure, and education will unlock new opportunities, cementing the continent’s role as a global leader in sustainable development and technological innovation.
“The future is bright for Africa,” Okello added. “We are witnessing the rise of an innovation powerhouse.”
As Africa strengthens its scientific and technological capabilities, the continent is poised to not only overcome its historical challenges but also shape the future of global innovation.
