The 10 least innovative African economies in 2023

African countries are not new in the innovation arena, and while they may not be the dominant players, their progress is unmistakable. This comes as no surprise, given the continent's abundant human and natural resources. 

In a previous article, we celebrated the achievements of the 10 most innovative African economies in 2023, recording their remarkable progress and contributions to the world’s ever-evolving innovation landscape. 

We noted that African countries have recognized the vital role innovation plays in unlocking their potential and are vying to outdo one another, not just in terms of technological breakthroughs but also in fostering inclusive growth, sustainable development, and social well-being. Commendably, this spirit of striving for excellence extends to the global arena as well.

Yet, looking beyond these prominent nations, it is of equal importance to focus on the other end of the spectrum, where several African nations face unique challenges that hinder their innovation potential.

The World’s Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) recently released a report, Global Innovation Index 2023: Innovation in the Face of Uncertainty, presenting a comprehensive assessment of innovation ecosystems across 132 countries, shedding light on their strengths and weaknesses through the analysis of 80 indicators, including research and development expenditure. 

This year's report is unveiled against the backdrop of a world grappling with slow economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, soaring interest rates, and geopolitical conflicts. 

Here are the 10 least innovative African countries in 2023, according to the World Intellectual Property Organisation.