A Critical Analysis of the “Pepper Soup of Innovation” and Emerging Technologies in Achieving Africa’s Sustainable Development Goals

This study examines Africa's "Pepper Soup of Innovation," a metaphor for its complex, unique innovation ecosystems, and their interaction with emerging technologies to advance Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study utilises a case study methodology situated in African national contexts, and this helps to make clear how different combinations of local knowledge, entrepreneurship, government involvement, and international collaboration produce scalable solutions through the use of technology that is contextually relevant to the specific countries. This study further identified persistent barriers to technology uptake for SDG delivery in those countries, such as: infrastructure challenges, affordability, digital divisions, outdated regulatory environments, and scarcity of skills. By systemically mapping these real-world instances against SDGs and aspects of innovation ecosystems, this study has identified important leverage points for policy intervention and ecosystem development. This study offers recommendations for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers operating in the development space. It stresses the importance of investing in infrastructure, building capacity, and strengthening existing and emerging cross-boundary innovation networks. By framing the integration of technology in Africa's "Pepper Soup" ecosystem, further insight can be gained about inclusive, sustainable development through emerging technologies in the African context. Keywords: Africa, Innovation, Emerging Technologies, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Pepper Soup of Innovation Proceedings Citation Format Odumesi, John O. & Sanusi, Bayonle S. (2024): A Critical Analysis of the “Pepper Soup of Innovation” and Emerging Technologies in Achieving Africa’s Sustainable Development Goals. Proceedings of the Cyber Secure Nigeria Conference held at The Ballroom Center, Central Business District, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria - 25th - 26th September, 2024. Pp 1-22. https://cybersecurenigeria.org/conference-proceedings/volume-1-2024/ dx.doi.org/10.22624/AIMS/CSEAN-SMART2024P1