Innovation data: Namibia & South Africa at a glance: a comparison of innovation activities and outcomes. Fact sheet 31

South Africa and Namibia are two of Africa's eight upper-middle income economies. Linking the two neighbouring states is also a shared colonial history of racial segregation and levels of inequality amongst the highest in the world. In recent years both economies have experienced decelerating economic growth. This Fact Sheet presents innovation activities by South African and Namibian firms as well as factors that hinder these countries' paths to innovation growth. With innovation identified as a driver for long-term economic growth worldwide, policy makers must focus on the high innovation costs and lack of funds that act as a barrier to growing innovation.