Former Vice President of Ghana, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has highlighted Africa’s abundant innovation potential, emphasizing that the primary challenge lies in establishing systems and ecosystems that can scale and sustain these innovations.
Speaking at the Cambridge Africa Business Conference themed ‘Africa’s Digital Transformation: Building Resilient Economies Through Innovation,’ on Saturday, May 17, 2025, Dr. Bawumia stated, “Africa does not lack innovation. We lack systems that scale it. We do not lack ideas. We lack ecosystems that reward and retain them. We do not lack ambition. We lack access to capital, infrastructure, and trust.”
He pointed out that while Africa has a wealth of creative ideas and entrepreneurial spirit, the absence of supportive structures—such as reliable infrastructure, access to capital, and a culture of trust—hinders the growth and sustainability of these ventures.
Dr. Bawumia also envisioned a future where African innovations transcend borders and are integrated into the global economy.
He proposed scenarios such as a tech start-up in Nairobi serving clients in São Paulo, or a shea butter cooperative in Tamale selling directly to buyers in Tokyo using blockchain traceability.
He emphasised that Africa’s innovations should not be viewed as exceptions but as the norm.
He urged African nations to focus on building robust systems and ecosystems that can nurture and scale innovations, thereby unlocking the continent’s full economic potential.
