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Innovation in Africa: Nature and Evidence

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  • Emmanuel Pinto Moreira

Abstract

According to the Oslo Manual, innovation can be defined as “the implementation of a new or significantly improved product (good or service), or process, a new marketing method or a new organisational method in business practices, workplace organisations or external relations” (OECD, 2005, p. 46). For today’s middle-income countries in Africa, innovation is essential to sustain growth and promote the transition to high-income status. This paper begins by providing a summary of theoretical elements of the relationship between innovation and growth. It then does an in-depth review of the region’s innovation performance during the last three decades. In doing so it distinguishes between residents and non-residents, and outcomes at different income levels. Based on this analysis, and the broader literature on middle-income traps, policy recommendations to promote innovation are drawn.

Suggested Citation

  • Emmanuel Pinto Moreira, 2022. "Innovation in Africa: Nature and Evidence," Policy briefs on Economic Trends and Policies 2202, Policy Center for the New South.
    • Handle: RePEc:ocp:pbecon:pb_04-22
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Walid Hadhri & Rigas Arvanitis & Hatem M’Henni, 2016. "Determinants of innovation activities in small and open economies: the Lebanese business sector," Journal of Innovation Economics, De Boeck Université, vol. 0(3), pages 77-107.
    2. repec:wbk:wbpubs:6798 is not listed on IDEAS
    3. Agénor, Pierre-Richard & Canuto, Otaviano, 2015. "Middle-income growth traps," Research in Economics, Elsevier, vol. 69(4), pages 641-660.
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