NEWS

Ilari Lindy, SAIS 2 Lead Expert, offers key points on the role of innovation financing within SADC.

The National Commission for Research, Science and Technology (NCRST) of Namibia is both a Focal Point for Namibia as well as the host of Southern Africa Innovation Support Programme (SAIS 2) as per the intergovernmental agreement signed between the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland (MFA) and the Ministry of Higher Education and Technology and Innovation of Namibia (MHETI).

The Southern Africa Innovation Support Programme (SAIS 2) recently held an official launch of the projects selected through the SAIS 2 Innovation Fund Call for Proposals in Pretoria, South Africa.

On 29 November 2018 the SAIS 2 Programme was a part of organising an international networking event, Connecting Drivers of Change - advancing entrepreneurship in Africa

“Building a company is like sailing. You can try and navigate the best you can, but ultimately you are venturing boldly to the unknown.” With these words Moaffak Ahmed, a serial entrepreneur and the Chairman of the Board at The Shortcut introduced the 2-day workshop for impact-driven start-ups in Windhoek, Namibia as School of Startups wrapped up its African tour with Slush GIA in Namibia with the help of Fablab Namibia.

Vincent Van Wyk has had a tremendously successful year. With his PEBL innovation being picked up by international investors and endorsed by government the sky seems to be the limit for him. With a passion for relationships and skills sharing, he offers an overview of what and how he is making his way to the top.

SAIS Connected Hubs and Slush Global Impact Accelerator (Slush GIA) partnered together to support early-stage entrepreneurs in 2018. Calls for early-stage startups solving societal problems were opened in Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania and Zambia, and through pre-coaching events in three countries, 215 aspiring entrepreneurs were coached in pitching and business models.

The Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH), through the Directorate of Life Sciences (DLS) recently embarked upon developing a Research and Innovation Impact Bulletin which gives details of research results funded by the National Fund for Advancement of Science and Technology (NFAST).

SAIS 2 facilitated a collaboration between the City of Windhoek’s Economic Development Division and Demos Helsinki, a leading think tank from Finland in creating a common vision and roadmap for the implementation of its youth entrepreneurship strategy using Foresight methodology.

Tumelo Mapila is a force to be reckoned with in the growing data driven economy of Botswana. Young, vibrant and very energetic, the founder of Focus Survey clocks in on the impact of international exposure and his take on what it takes.

Across its three key result areas, SAIS 2 focuses on promoting connected ecosystems, strengthening start-ups, early-stage enterprises, and promoting inclusive entrepreneurship with a special emphasis on young entrepreneurs and innovations serving previously disadvantaged populations. The programme seeks to contribute meaningfully towards the development and increased networking of innovators in the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) region.

The Annual Southern Africa Innovation Forum (ASAIF) is aimed at being a regional platform to facilitate knowledge, networking and learning, the 2018 ASAIF was held under the theme “Inclusive Innovations” and attracted thought leaders, industry experts, startups, and public and private sector representatives from across SAIS stakeholders.