Building Sustainable Partnerships and Networks for Research and Innovation

Innovation doesn’t happen in isolation. In today’s interconnected world, the biggest breakthroughs emerge when researchers, innovators, institutions, and decision-makers work together. The IDIA Strengthening Innovation Ecosystems paper highlights this truth: collaboration isn’t optional — it’s essential.

Yet building strong networks across an innovation ecosystem is not always easy. Competition, mistrust, and limited understanding of each actor’s role often hold back partnerships that could create real impact. Overcoming these barriers requires intention, investment, and platforms that help people connect.

That’s where the Research and Innovation Systems for Africa (RISA) Fund, supported by International Development UK, comes in.

Between 2021 and 2025, RISA supported more than 25 organisations across Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa, Ghana, and Nigeria, helping them build stronger, more inclusive research and innovation ecosystems. Guided by IDIA’s Ecosystem Strengthening Goals, RISA placed particular emphasis on networking and collaboration — the glue that connects researchers, innovators, universities, investors, and government agencies.

Through convenings, partnerships, and vibrant networks, RISA partners have gained access to critical knowledge, new opportunities, and stronger pathways to scale impactful solutions. These connections are not just beneficial for individual projects — they strengthen entire national and regional R&I ecosystems.

Our new publication explores how these networks were built, what they enabled, and why collaboration remains central to Africa’s innovation future.

Read the full report to learn how partnerships are driving sustainable, scalable impact across the continent.