The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has released the 2024 Global Innovation Index.
The research, which covers 133 countries, aims to measure the level of regional innovation. It examines aspects such as investments in science and innovation, technological progress, technology adoption, and the socioeconomic cycle of innovations.
According to the report, investments in science and innovation, which had risen rapidly since 2020, saw a decline in 2023.
Green technology is developing at a very slow pace. However, there has been an increase in technology adoption.
Between 2005 and 2022, the number of people living in poverty decreased by half. Worker productivity is also showing an upward trend.
Across Africa, countries are classified into four categories based on income: high, upper-middle, lower-middle, and low income.
However, low-income countries such as Madagascar, Rwanda, and Burundi have made significant strides in innovation. Other countries classified as low-income include Togo, Uganda, Mozambique, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Mali, and Niger.
Countries in the lower-middle-income category include Tunisia, Kenya, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Algeria, Benin, Cameroon, Angola, Nigeria, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Tanzania. South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, and Mauritius are classified as upper-middle-income countries.
Among African countries, Mauritius ranks first, globally standing at 55th place. South Africa ranks 69th, while Botswana is ranked 87th.
The report also highlights a positive correlation between the innovation index and economic growth. Therefore, it is essential to create an environment in African countries that fosters investment in innovation.
