A New Era of African Innovation

Joanne Manda, Global Lead at Timbuktoo, a UNDP-backed initiative supporting Africa’s innovation ecosystem, believes the continent is undergoing a fundamental shift. “We are no longer waiting for handouts,” she stated during the recent Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, Rwanda. “We are getting our hands dirty and actually doing the work.” This sentiment reflects growing domestic investment in African ventures, which accounted for 45% of total commitments in 2025—a significant increase from previous years.

Timbuktoo’s Approach to Building Ecosystem Infrastructure

Timbuktoo operates as a partnership platform connecting governments, private sector corporations, and the Timbuktoo Foundation. The initiative currently supports over 3,480 innovators through six thematic hubs and 16 University Innovation Pods across Africa, with plans to expand further.

“Our focus is on making sure Africa takes its future into its own hands,” Manda explained. “We need to nurture the creativity of our young population by creating real opportunities.” This includes addressing talent gaps through targeted training programs and partnerships with universities.

Rethinking Capital Architecture for African Markets

Manda emphasized that the challenge isn’t a lack of capital, but rather its structure. Existing financial models often fail to account for Africa’s unique market characteristics—where 80% of economic activity occurs in the informal sector and startups emerge from unconventional backgrounds.

“We need to rethink how we deploy capital, blending different sources and tailoring approaches to suit local contexts,” she said. This includes encouraging greater participation from domestic investors, particularly high-net-worth individuals who are increasingly recognizing the value of reinvesting in their own economies.

With African investors now contributing 40% of venture funding—up from 23% just two years ago—the momentum toward self-reliance is clear. As Manda concluded, “Africa’s technology transformation won’t be gradual; it will arrive with force.” This requires a concerted effort to unlock institutional capital and create supportive infrastructure that allows African innovation to flourish.