STPs and Africa’s economic recovery

What role can science parks and innovation ecosystems play in the post-pandemic economic recovery? That was the big question on the agenda at our IASP Africa division web forum on March 18th, organised by our colleagues at Konza Technopolis.

Focusing on the African context, the forum theme was “The place of STPs in Africa’s economic recovery – impact of the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement.” It brought together almost 200 participants from across the region and globally, to hear from experienced IASP members from the African division as well as from Italy, China and the UK, and explore how STPs/AOIs can support their companies and communities.

The African context

Opening with a warm welcome from Konza Technopolis, CEO Eng. John Tanui  presented Konza’s plans to develop Kenya’s innovation ecosystem.  Attendees also heard from other members of the IASP Africa division, who shared details of what they are doing to support their local economies: from Botswana, Alan Boshwaen presented the Botswana Innovation Hub, its focus sectors and special economic zone; while Adv. Pieter Holl discussed how The Innovation Hub in South Africa supports sector-specific economic reconstruction and recovery through innovation. Hauwa Yabani, President of the IASP Africa Division, also presented the Abuja Technology Village (Nigeria) and the planned infrastructure and services as the project develops.

Global perspectives

In her keynote address, IASP CEO Ebba Lund reflected on new goals for science parks and innovation ecosystems worldwide, the importance of internationalisation and how the IASP network can help parks in Africa and the rest of the world to stay connected and on top of the latest trends.

Then it was over to global experts for their perspectives from the rest of the world. From MIND – Milano Innovation District in Italy, Alberto Mina highlighted its ‘born nature’ thanks to the site’s legacy of the Milan World Expo, and the collaboration between the private sector and public institutions. From China, Zhou Teng focused on Zhongguancun Software Park (Z-Park) as a science community in Beijing’s Silicon Valley, while from the UK, Dr Malcolm Parry emphasised close university ties to support entrepreneurship and international links to secure investment.

There was also time on the agenda for an in-depth discussion of vaccine production in Africa, moderated by Dr. McLean Sibanda, as well as greetings from Kenyan government representatives, highlighting the role that the Konza Technopolis plays in developing the country’s knowledge economy. Although the project is still under development, it is already operational with many completed buildings, and companies in residence, and IASP is proud to announce that Konza Technopolis is now a full member of our association.

For the latest on other IASP regional division events, keep an eye on our website!