Innovation performance in Africa: the global innovation index assessment and Africa’s industrialisation readiness

Over the past two decades, the Global Innovation Index (GII) has been referred to as a policy instrument to inform evidence based policymaking. About 80 GII indicators deal with the framework conditions that prepare the way for innovation. This chapter is about the GII indicators and their assessment of the innovation performance of African economies in the context of Africa’s industrialization, while helping stakeholders to gain insights into the progress and health of the innovation ecosystems on the continent. With implications for both innovation measurement and policy, the chapter examines four indicators that can influence Africa’s industrialization drive in the face of uncertainties. The Global Innovation Index (GII) was launched in 2007 to provide a comprehensive depiction of innovation in society. In its 16th edition as of 2023, the GII continually evaluates innovation factors, serving as a crucial tool for decision-makers and offering a detailed metric database for refining innovation policies.