The youth are Africa’s greatest asset. Africa’s youth population is rapidly growing and expected to double to over 830 million by 2050 (AfDB, 2016). If properly harnessed, this increase could support increased productivity and stronger, more inclusive economic growth. Unfortunately, the majority of youth do not have stable economic opportunities — of Africa’s nearly 420 million youth aged 15–35, one-third are unemployed and discouraged, another third are vulnerably employed, and only one in six is in wage employment.

Africa as a whole lacks robust policies and plans on science, technology and innovation (STI), which slows its progress toward industrialization and economic development. Effective policymaking depends on evidence — and there is insufficient documentation of technological innovations, especially by youth and women, that could be supported for commercialization.

Against this backdrop, the TIDE project reviews the STI policy and institutional landscape in selected Sub-Saharan African countries — understanding their current status, what works, what doesn’t, and why.