Djembe Consultants, a communications consultancy, has launched its latest ‘Insights Report’ in partnership with AfriLabs, the largest pan-African network of technology and innovation centres.
The report assessed the impact of COVID-19 on the continent’s young innovators and entrepreneurs and provided perspectives from industry experts as to how African decision-makers from both the public and private sectors can accelerate support across the full innovation spectrum including education, inclusivity, investment, policy and research and development.
The report was launched during a panel discussion at the virtual 5th AfriLabs Annual Gathering.
Djembe Consultants’ Chief Executive Officer, Mitchell Prather, said, “Djembe’s latest Insights Report reaffirms our strongly held belief that the African innovation ecosystem is singularly the most important enabler of widespread socio-economic development.
“Despite the innate resilience African innovators and small and medium enterprises have shown during this challenging year, this ecosystem urgently needs further intervention of policymakers and industry supporters to create a more conducive environment for innovators and SMEs to survive and thrive. While the uncertainties of COVID-19 continue to threaten economic stability and growth, future economic prosperity can be greatly enhanced by nurturing the African innovation spirit to prepare the continent for incredible success, just when it needs it most.”
Speaking on the document, Anna Ekeledo, Executive Director at AfriLabs and contributor to the report, added, “The continent’s survival DNA, always durable to internal and external shocks of all shapes and forms, proves a resilience in its youthful demographic, one that is constantly creating, innovating, and looking ahead.
“Though we are have observed policymakers and governments step up to varying degrees, more needs to be done to drive greater innovation inclusivity from securing access to data, to reimagining education, investing in research and development and supporting international expansion. By building a more resilient innovative Africa, the region can truly embrace its full potential.”
