A recent report by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has shed light on the most innovative countries in Africa, with Rwanda, Madagascar, and Burundi emerging as top performers in the low-income category. The Global Innovative Index 2024, which assesses innovation in 133 countries, provides valuable insights into the progress and challenges faced by African nations in fostering a culture of innovation.

The report highlights a significant decline in investments in science and innovation in 2023, following a boom between 2020 and 2022. However, technological adoption has witnessed fast growth, with a positive socioeconomic impact of innovation. Notably, Rwanda, Madagascar, and Burundi have performed above expectations for their level of development, demonstrating that innovation can thrive even in low-income economies.

Other key findings include an increase in labor productivity, albeit below average for the past decade, and a reduction in extreme poverty in 2022 compared to 2005 records. The report also underscores the importance of funding for research and development, entrepreneurial research attitudes, and an enabling environment for businesses to drive economic growth and improve innovation indices.