East African Universities empowered to lead in innovation and technology

Kigali, 11th November 2024, University faculty across East Africa are set to gain pivotal skills in innovation and technology transfer, thanks to the launch of the Incubation Leadership and Innovation Management Program for Universities in the East African Community (EAC).

This new initiative, part of the Digital Skills for an Innovative East African Industry (dSkills@EA) project, is supported by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and the Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA).

The five-day program, hosted in Kigali, will train 114 participants, including University Hub Managers and Technology Transfer Officers, from Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda.

The training includes workshops, seminars, and mentorship sessions designed to elevate the capacity of East African universities in digital skills training and technology transfer.

The program specifically aims to build a strong foundation in innovation leadership, equipping university staff to guide students through the process of ideation, development, and eventual commercialization of their projects.

“We’re focusing on universities because they’re filled with bright, young innovators who need support to take their ideas to market,” said Patience Abraham from the Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology and the Buni Innovation Hub, who is part of the program’s organizing team. “By training university innovation managers, we’re empowering them to help these students establish successful businesses based on their innovations.”

The initiative underscores the critical role that universities play in East Africa’s digital transformation. Participants will be trained to better manage intellectual property, enhance research commercialization, and foster a supportive environment for young entrepreneurs.

This focus on practical outcomes is essential, according to Tarvi Motsi, a creative economy and digital marketing expert. “When we nurture innovation that benefits our communities, we elevate Africa as a whole,” Motsi shared. “The goal is to back initiatives that leave a positive mark, something we can look back on with pride.”

Networking is another key aspect of the program. Participants will connect with others across different countries and sectors, strengthening the regional ecosystem for technology and innovation. “We’re encouraging them to expand their networks, collaborate on ideas, and share strategies,” Motsi added. “Knowledge is powerful, but so is the ability to connect with others to create bigger, impactful projects.”

The training doesn’t end in Kigali. Participants will gain access to an online community of practice, enabling them to continue learning, exchange experiences, and collaborate with peers from seven East African nations.

This program is implemented in partnership with several key organizations, including the Buni Innovation Hub, the SA Innovation Summit, E4Impact Foundation, Ennovate Ventures, Aclis, and Koneta Hub. Together, they are working to solidify the role of East African universities as drivers of technology transfer, innovation, and economic growth.