LOCAL INNOVATION KEY TO AFRICA'S DEVELOPMENT.

Article By: Phenyo Babusi

African nations urged to harness local innovation to solve development challenges instead of copying foreign models.

Speaking at the Elevate Africa Conference, Former Mauritian President Dr. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim emphasized that progress must be rooted in understanding local realities and creatively adapting global best practices.

She highlighted examples of African entrepreneurs who transformed obstacles—such as limited internet access—into opportunities through SMS-based technologies and sustainable business models.

Furthermore, Gurib-Fakim stressed that education remains central to driving innovation, economic growth, and equality. Calling for greater investment in systems that empower local talent to design scalable, context-specific solutions for the continent’s future.