Call for Research Contributors: Sustainable Funding for African Innovation Hubs
The AfriLabs Research Group invites hub leaders, researchers, ecosystem experts, and funders to contribute to a collaborative study examining sustainable funding models for innovation hubs across Africa.
Research Focus:
This study will explore:
• Key sources of funding for innovation hubs across the African continent.
• Regional, sectoral, and model-specific funding gaps that hinder hub sustainability.
• Successful sustainable financing models, including public-private partnerships (PPPs), blended finance approaches, and innovative revenue generation strategies.
• The roles of government entities, development partners, and investors in supporting hub sustainability.
• Policy and investment recommendations to foster a more resilient funding landscape for African innovation hubs.
Who Can Contribute:
We welcome contributions from:
• Researchers and analysts specializing in innovation ecosystems and sustainable development.
• Hub managers and ecosystem builders with practical experience in funding and managing innovation hubs.
• Development partners and funders actively supporting innovation and entrepreneurship in Africa.
• Members of the AfriLabs Research Group.
How to Participate:
Interested contributors are requested to submit a concise Expression of Interest (maximum 300 words) by August 8, 2025, to peter@afrilabs.com, with a copy to zeineb@afrilabs.com and itoro@tqstem.org.
The Expression of Interest should include:
• Your name, affiliation, and area of expertise.
• Your preferred focus area for contribution (funding gaps, sustainable models, or both).
• The format of your intended contribution (e.g., case study, data analysis, interview, literature review).
Selected contributions will be credited and featured during the AfriLabs Annual Gathering this October.
Let’s collaborate to shape resilient funding futures for Africa’s vibrant innovation hub ecosystem.