Africa is stepping boldly into a future where innovation fuels prosperity. The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has unveiled the African Research and Innovation Hub (ARIH), a transformative platform designed to unlock up to US$70 billion in annual economic gains by turning research into real-world impact.
Turning intellectual capital into trade power
For too long, Africa has underinvested in research and development, spending less than one per cent of its GDP and contributing less than three per cent of global research output. ARIH aims to change that narrative. By connecting academia, industry, and policymakers, the hub will double R&D spending and push African economies toward greater technological sovereignty, trade diversification, and structural transformation.
Dr. Yemi Kale, Afreximbank’s Group Chief Economist and Managing Director for Research, framed it as a pivotal turning point:
“The African Research and Innovation Hub marks a pivotal moment for Africa’s scientific and technological ecosystem. Our vision is to transform Africa’s intellectual capital into industrial competitiveness, trade expansion, and sustainable development.”
Innovation meets opportunity
The launch at Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2025) showcased Africa’s ingenuity. Over 200 researchers, students, and innovators from across the continent and the Caribbean submitted their projects, with 12 groundbreaking ideas earning awards. These projects, ranging from climate-smart solutions to digital platforms, highlight the immense potential of African innovation when given the right platform.
Mrs. Kanayo Awani, Afreximbank’s Executive Vice President for Intra-African Trade and Export Development, presented the awards, while Dr. Anthony Coleman, the Bank’s Director for Development Research, urged the winners to scale their ideas into continent-wide solutions.
“ARIH is more than a hub. It is a springboard for collaborative efforts among scientists, innovators, and entrepreneurs to close Africa’s technology gaps,” Dr. Coleman said.
A continental moment of unity
The ARIH launch drew leaders from Algeria, Lesotho, and the Central African Republic, underscoring the political will to build Africa’s innovation ecosystem. Their presence reinforced ARIH’s vision: a connected Africa where knowledge creation fuels trade-led growth.
That spirit of unity was mirrored in the broader IATF2025, which attracted 112,000 visitors from 132 countries, 2,148 exhibitors, and US$48.3 billion in trade and investment deals. Against this backdrop, ARIH’s unveiling was more than symbolic—it was proof that Africa’s future rests not just on raw resources, but on the creativity and resilience of its people.
Why ARIH matters now
The timing could not be more critical. From climate change to digital transformation, Africa faces challenges that demand homegrown solutions. By nurturing talent and fostering partnerships, ARIH positions Africa to shape its own destiny in the global economy.
If Africa doubles its R&D expenditure, as ARIH envisions, the continent could unlock US$70 billion annually—a figure that represents not just economic growth, but a shift in mindset: that African knowledge is Africa’s most powerful export.
