Systemic Innovation

One of the most important events for 𝐄𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐢𝐧 𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚 is here! 🌍 ⚡ After many months of work behind the scenes, I'm proud to bring you the first of its kind research workshop on Entrepreneurship in Africa hosted by the AUC Onsi Sawiris School of Business, AUC Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at The American University in Cairo, in partnership with Utrecht University. The workshop will take place on 𝐖𝐞𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟏𝟔𝐭𝐡, in Moataz Al Alfi Hall at the AUC New Cairo Campus. You are invited to join a community of African Entrepreneurship scholars, and to propose and discuss research on entrepreneurship, entrepreneurial ecosystems, economic development and on interventions (by policy, investors and other stakeholders). If you are interested in making Africa a more entrepreneurial and innovative place, join the movement and this workshop. Please register here for on-site (at the American University in Cairo) or online participation: https://lnkd.in/gzkakgyV Entrepreneurship in Africa is a paradox—while the continent has an abundance of enterprising individuals, it struggles with a scarcity of productive businesses. As The Economist noted, Africa has too many entrepreneurs but too few businesses, with a high rate of self-employment often concentrated in micro-enterprises that lack the scale to drive economic transformation. In this workshop we will map and track entrepreneurship in Africa, including startups, scaleups, unicorns and other types of entrepreneurial firms. This workshop explores how entrepreneurship in Africa can move beyond subsistence-level activity to foster the growth of firms, increase productivity, create sustainable jobs, and contribute to inclusive prosperity. Speakers include: Muhammad Aliyu (Carnegie Mellon University Africa) João Barros (Carnegie Mellon University Africa) Marcio Cruz (World Bank) Roy Esibe (Carnegie Mellon University Africa) Seham Ghalwash (American University in Cairo) Ayman Ismail (American University in Cairo) Robert McDonald (Utrecht University) Emmanuel Buadi Mensah (Utrecht University) Erik Stam (Utrecht University & Stellenbosch University) Tevin Tafese (German Institute for Global and Area Studies) Ismaeel Tharwat (American University in Cairo) Scott Walker (Systemic Innovations) The American University in Cairo AUC Onsi Sawiris School of Business AUC Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation Utrecht University Utrecht University Centre for Global Challenges (UGlobe) Institutions for Open Societies (Utrecht University) Utrecht University School of Economics Playground (Utrecht University's Centre for Entrepreneurship)

The resources created by Griffith Centre for Systems Innovation were best in class so it’s fantastic to see that’s continued following their evolution into The Good Shift This learnbook is superb – and who doesn’t love a learnbook?? The Good Shift highlight the importance of ‘Learning Forward’: “Anyone who is embarking on this type of work needs to be comfortable with learning forward, and working with diverse approaches that are context dependent. We share learnings not to suggest that this is ‘the’ way to undertake systems innovation, but to share one way that is showing promise in a particular context." This resource focusses on 4 key insights to inform initiatives targeting system change: 1️⃣ Human systems are complex and dynamic. When we are working in complex domains, we need to ‘learn forward’. 2️⃣ Shifting systems requires collaboration across multiple structures, sectors and organisations. The way collaboration is organised shapes action. And if the context is complex, then organising needs to be adaptive. 3️⃣ Leading systemic shifts is about collaborating, sharing power and distributing action. Governance models need to adapt to dynamic action and collaborative leading. 4️⃣ Data is critical, but let’s be clear about the type of data that is needed and how it is used. Action towards systemic change in human systems requires human-centred, lead data. On page 9, the creators offer a fantastic Learning Loop Diagram which could act as a north star to us all. They make the point that: “The important thing is that this is a looped and continuous process that is collective in nature. This is not a ‘phase’ or a one-off process. It is a continuous learning approach to generate and support forward momentum in complex change work. It helps us to ask constantly: What are we learning that helps us take the next best step to navigate in the direction of what we are wanting to shift or change?” 👏👏

Super helpful thinking from Donna Loveridge - thank you

DATA FUELLING GROWTH In a world where data drives decisions, the Kenya Startup Ecosystem Data Platform is transforming how we understand, support, and scale entrepreneurship. By centralising real time insights on high growth ventures, enablers, and market trends, this tech powered platform - with built in AI tools - is bridging gaps and breaking down silos, making critical information more accessible, actionable, and impactful. As Grace Wachori, Regional Director, Africa, ANDE East Africa explains, this platform is not only a repository of data. It’s a game changer for decision making. It has the potential to inform policies, shape funding strategies, and strengthen capacity building efforts, all while spotlighting business models that work, funding flows, and good practices. More importantly, it helps identify gaps that need urgent intervention, enabling the ecosystem to evolve strategically and sustainably. By continuously refining and updating insights, the platform ensures that entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and ESOs have the right data to drive smarter, bolder, and more effective decisions—paving the way for long-term impact and growth. The Kenya Startup Ecosystem Data Platform  is developed in collaboration with Systemic Innovation, GrowthAfrica, and The RISA Fund, leveraging the expertise of technology partners Dealroom.co to provide unparalleled insights into Kenya’s innovation landscape. Have you explored the platform yet? Explore for more insights: https://kenya.dealroom.co/ #GrowthAfrica #StartupDataKenya #KenyaStartupPlatform #InnovationEcosystem #KenyaInnovation #Entrepreneurship #Innovation #RISAFund #Dealroom #KenyaStartups #DataDrivenDecisions #StartupEcosystem #RISAFund #InnovationKenya Magdalena Banasiak, Paul Mpuga, Harry Devonshire, Simon Meier, Saskia van der Mast, Elom Lassey, Caleb Maru, Tine Fisker Henriksen, Dr. Jasper Grosskurth, Gabriella Mulligan, ASHENAFI EMBEZA, Kenneth Mogane Joram Mwinamo, Bernard J M., Gwendolyn Beeman, Mercy Kimalat, Francis Gitau, Godfrey Sanga, Karina Faßbender, Pauline W Mbayah, Rachel Wanyoike, Victor Ndiege, Vincent Rapando,HSC, Hallelujah Kibru Fonja, Hubert Hongo, Joan Magua, Obama Joseph, Lydiah Zachary, Erik Stam, Mbadi Olila, PhD., Ian Isherwood, Ian Lorenzen, Scott Walker, Florent Nduwayezu, George Windsor

Can the UK FCDO revive its role as a champion of value for money (VFM) in international development? 🤔 Pete Baker and I argue that a strategic rethink is needed for the FCDO to truly maximise its impact. We recommend that FCDO can overhaul its approach to VFM by: ✅ Recognising its role as a secondary funder ✅ Enabling recipient countries to achieve higher VFM ✅ Leveraging a joined-up approach to foreign and development policy ✅ Focusing on fewer countries and initiatives ✅ Strengthening evidence use in strategic planning ✅ Routinely collecting and publishing unit cost data Read more here: https://lnkd.in/ecgFJm_g #GlobalDevelopment #ValueForMoney #FCDO #UKAId #DevelopmentPolicy #AidEffectiveness

📢 Who should fund AI-driven innovation in LMICs - governments or the telecom industry? Between 2016-2029, FCDO has allocated £115M to GSMA’s Mobile for Development (M4D) programme—yet the global telecoms sector generates ~$1.8T annually. So why is UK taxpayer money subsidising industry-led innovation rather than telcos stepping up at scale? Public funding has a role in de-risking early-stage, high-impact initiatives, but shouldn’t major telecom firms - who stand to gain both commercially and socially - co-invest alongside aid agencies rather than relying on public grants? Their CSR programmes could go beyond in-kind contributions to genuine match-funding models. With public spending under increasing pressure, shouldn’t co-investment be a prerequisite before allocating taxpayer funds - especially when 40%+ of the funding supports research and insights that directly benefit the industry? FCDO’s own value-for-money principles suggest the need for stronger private sector commitments. If AI-driven mobile solutions are the future, telcos must shift from passive beneficiaries to active co-investors. Should public funding still play this role, or is it time for telecoms to take (much) more responsibility? #AI #MobileForDevelopment #Telecom #Innovation #DevelopmentFinance

🌍 Gender equality and social inclusion (GESI) is fundamental to fostering sustainable and inclusive development in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Rwanda. Donor funding has played a significant role in supporting progress across these countries, particularly in skills development, entrepreneurship, and rural livelihoods. However, despite successes, there is more to do - new analysis for the RISA Fund by GrowthAfrica and Systemic Innovation finds 11% of donor-funded projects across Ethiopia (15%), Kenya (115) and Rwanda (7.5%) explicitly target GESI priorities. ✨ How can we improve donor coordination and drive GESI outcomes? The report has 5 key recommendations: 🔷Unified GESI metrics across donors 🔷Collaborative platforms to reduce redundancy 🔷GESI-integrated project design with cross-donor coordination 🔷Localised interventions through community partnerships 🔷Standardised M&E frameworks for better accountability Read the research on our website: https://lnkd.in/eAe6B7fk #GESI #Ethiopia #Kenya #Rwanda

🌍 International Donor Overlap and Strategic Innovation Focus in East Africa Our analysis of donor funding for innovation and entrepreneurship across Ethiopia, Kenya, and Rwanda reveals not only who is funding what but also how resources are being allocated across these countries. While this funding is essential, overlapping donor initiatives present both challenges and opportunities: ⚠️ Redundancy risk—similar initiatives could lead to inefficiencies ✅ Strategic coordination—aligning efforts could amplify impact and optimise resource use With ongoing challenges in USAID’s global operations, ensuring cohesion and coordination among donors is more critical than ever. Stronger collaboration can: 📌 Reduce duplication and eliminate inefficiencies 📌 Achieve economies of scale, maximising impact 📌 Enable more adaptable, systemic funding approaches 📊 Our analysis visualises where donor funds are flowing, but to optimise coordination, a more effective framework is needed: ✅ Locally-led, evidence-informed priority-setting ✅ Improved donor collaboration to mitigate aid volatility risks ✅ A shift from fragmented models toward greater cohesion The Centre for Global Development recently emphasised that donors must recognise and proactively address volatility risks. Now is the time for leadership—to forge a new direction where aid is sustainable, strategic, and impact-driven. See our longer report and analysis via the comments section. #DonorCoordination #Ethiopia #Kenya #Rwanda #Innovation #Investment #Entrepreneurship Ian Lorenzen Scott Walker George Windsor Nick Graham Obama Joseph Trudy Natabona - MPRSK Agnes Tsuma Cecil Kang'ara Jason Bygate Jason Eaves Emmeline Skinner Donor Committee for Enterprise Development Thomas Feeny GrowthAfrica The RISA Fund Erik Stam Grace Wachori Christian Lippitsch Growth Firms Alliance Dr. Emmy Chirchir (PhD) MBS Mbadi Olila, PhD. Lydiah Zachary Tewodros Makonnen Gebrewolde Enos Masinde Weswa Jean Rene Hakizimana O'Maxwell Gad Michael Tomas Gebremariam Utrecht University Centre for Global Challenges (UGlobe) African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS) Ojenge Winston, PhD Leonardo Brucato

KENYA’S DATA GOLDMINE Here’s what Ms. Khatuchi Khasandi, the Network Coordinator for the Kenya Innovation Ecosystem Funders Forum, has to say about the Kenya Startup Ecosystem Data Platform. Have you explored the wealth of data it offers? What stands out for you? Key features to explore: ✅ In-Depth Research Capabilities: Dive into funding data, valuations, team insights, and more. ✅ Investor Intelligence: Spot opportunities, benchmark performance, and stay ahead of market dynamics. ✅ Collaborative Ecosystem Building: Strengthen connections and drive impactful, data-backed policymaking. Take the leap and explore the platform today: Kenya Startup Ecosystem Data Platform #GrowthAfrica #StartupDataKenya #KenyaStartupPlatform #InnovationEcosystem #KenyaInnovationWeek #Entrepreneurship #Innovation #RISAFund #Dealroom #KeNIA #KenyaStartups #DataDrivenDecisions Tommaso Lucentini., Asma B., Dr. Rachid Ejjami, Alema Pelesić, Katia Kobylinski, Belinda Bowling, Derrick Adu Gyamfi, Selahattin Ciritci, MSc. PhD. Candidate, Jonghyun LEE, Ph.D, Jason Eaves, Dimitris Saltaferis, MANAL MERABTI, Michael Karaimu, Amity Watts, Peter van Sabben, Douglas Lomotey Alimo, Mohsen Mokhtari, Diana Helme, Anne Katrine Buch Vedstesen, Joanna Sabat, Marta T. Marques, Oscar Scoppa, Sree (Sreekanth Nagabhushana), Paul Turyahabwa, Geofrey Oduwo, Berend van den Boomen, Jeremi Nawawi, Janne Kindt, Tommaso Condulmari, Louis Geoffroy-Terryn, Kati Nikopensius, Sebastiaan Vaessen, Yoram Wijngaarde, Angela Logan, Matthieu Demolin, Orla Browne, Pascal van Baren, Lorenzo Chiavarini, Luke Lantsoght Bartoli.

🎉Introducing our new learning hub 🎉 We’ve created the first section of our learning hub. It offers tools, materials and methods that bring to life the Deep Transitions framework and implementation of Transformative Investment for true and lasting systems change. This is part of our training and outreach programme, which aims to create a global network of investors, policy makers and academics. We will build knowledge, foster mutual learning and provide training and capacity-building for practitioners, as well as for the next generation. We’ll be regularly highlighting specific tools and materials from the hub – so keep an eye out! Take a look at the hub: https://lnkd.in/eHvjJpXH Johan Schot, Roberta Benedetti del Rio, Victoria Shaw, philip johnstone, Diana Velasco, Transformative Innovation Policy Consortium (TIPC), Bipashyee Ghosh, Edward Steinmueller, TWIST: Investing for Systems Change, TransCap Initiative, Utrecht University Centre for Global Challenges (UGlobe), Pathways to Sustainability (Utrecht University)