Innovation, Tech, and Entrepreneurship

Africa is home to an impressive, growing group of innovators, techies, and entrepreneurs

The Africa Program works to elevate the accomplishments of these individuals, while also assessing the potentials and limits of technology to address employment, industrialization, and governance.

All content by Innovation, Tech, and Entrepreneurship

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Spurring Private Investment in Africa

On March 25, 2022, join the CSIS Africa Program for an expert panel on private investment in Africa. Speakers will take stock of the current business climate and explore practical ways to spur more investment.

Event by Mvemba Phezo Dizolele , Mimi Alemayehou , David Bamlango , Ken Shibusawa , and Leslie Marbury — March 25, 2022

Digital Africa: Leveling Up through Governance and Trade

Sub-Saharan Africa's progress toward digital transformation is linked to digital governance and trade as much as it is to physical and human capital. The Africa Program outlines steps that African governments and other stakeholders can take to reach new heights.

Commentary by Judd Devermont and Marielle Harris — June 9, 2021

The African Space Race

Please join the CSIS Africa Program and the CSIS Aerospace Security Project (ASP) for a public event on opportunities to advance commercial space systems in Africa, science and exploration, launch platforms, space norms, and multilateralism, as well as implications for global power competition.

Event by Todd Harrison , Judd Devermont , Dr. Monica Juma , Dr. Julie Klinger , and Temidayo Oniosun — April 30, 2021

The Great Cities Partnership

President Biden, as a candidate, pledged to launch an urbanization initiative for sub-Saharan Africa. Judd Devermont, Gyude Moore, and Todd Moss propose a multi-agency initiative to unlock the potential for thriving, green, and resilient African cities.

Report by Judd Devermont , Gyude Moore , and Todd Moss — April 19, 2021

Getting It Right: U.S. Trade and Investment in Sub-Saharan Africa

U.S. government efforts to increase U.S.-Africa trade and investment will require building on existing programs and dreaming bigger. The CSIS Africa Program recommends improvements to Washington’s storytelling and a focus on enabling environments abroad.

Commentary by Judd Devermont and Marielle Harris — March 24, 2021

African Venture and Startup Predictions for 2021

Which technological breakthroughs and headline-grabbing deals will happen in Africa in 2021? From cryptocurrency models to artificial intelligence platforms, Senior Associate Eliot Pence outlines his ten top venture and startup predictions.

Commentary by Eliot Pence — February 3, 2021

The Train Is Leaving the Station: Digital Currency in Sub-Saharan Africa

Mobile money and digital currencies are booming in sub-Saharan Africa, especially since the start of the pandemic. Judd Devermont and Topaz Mukulu walk through the advantages and disadvantages of the technologies and outline recommendations for their adoption.

Commentary by Judd Devermont and Topaz Mukulu — December 3, 2020

Online Event: Digital Currency and Remittances in the Time of Covid-19

The Africa Program invites you to join us on August 18 from 9-10 am EDT for a discussion on the opportunities and challenges in digital currency technologies in sub-Saharan Africa during a global pandemic.

Event by Judd Devermont , Michael Kimani , Marie McAuliffe , and Amani Abou-Zeid — August 24, 2020

Is the United States Losing the African Space Race?

The United States is lagging behind China and Russia in the African space race. Judd Devermont and Temidayo Oniosun argue Washington can advance its economic, diplomatic, and national security interests by increasing its role in the region’s rapidly growing space sector.

Commentary by Judd Devermont and Temidayo Oniosun — June 26, 2020