innovationlatest news & developments
Saco executive director Unathi Lutshaba

SACO’s 2025 Conference explores the future of africa’s creative economy

SACO’s conference tackles pressing questions: who owns creativity, how can creatives thrive and what does an African-led creative economy look like?

  • Eyaaz
8 min read
Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Blade Nzimande, speaking at the 4th International Conference on Public Health in Africa (CPHIA 2025), hailed a new pan-African plan to boost regional manufacturing of vaccines and other drugs as a “truly historic development”. (X)

‘Turn crisis into opportunity,’ say African health leaders

Calls mount for African solutions to respond to the vaccine cuts and the need for a broad system-wide approach to vaccine production in Africa, and for innovative financing for sustainable health systems

  • Eyaaz
4 min read
Studies estimate that if women had equal access to resources, their yields could increase by 20% to 30%.

Pilot programmes are over – Africa’s agriculture must scale, with women at its heart

Ask African governments how they feel about agricultural innovation and their answer might surprise you. “They’re tired,” says Vanessa Adams, Founder and CEO of Level4International, an organisation that aims to improve the adaptation of agri-food and farming systems to climate change. “They don’t want any more pilot programmes. Innovations that benefit 5 000 people are […]

6 min read
A university that teaches but does not innovate, that researches but does not apply, will find itself detached from the society it is meant to serve and elevate

SA’s universities must move beyond didactic and research paradigms to advancing society

A university that teaches but does not innovate, that researches but does not apply, will find itself detached from the society it is meant to serve and elevate

  • Eyaaz
9 min read
Postgraduates, the future researchers, leaders and innovators, face an uphill battle for funding and support. Graphic: John McCann/M&G

A new approach to higher education will create great opportunities

Universities need to be agile and flexible and focused on innovation and job creation to create courses tailored to needs and the job market’s demands

  • Eyaaz
6 min read
Today’s youth hold the power to lead a transformation. This time not only through protest, but through innovation with compassion.

From struggle to superpower: A letter to SA’s youth to rise through STEMI

We need thinkers who can connect the dots between science and society, code and compassion, data and dignity

5 min read
Teachers need to move beyond asking learners to memorise information to being able to ask meaningful questions and work together on real-world problems.

Less testing, more thinking: The case for project-based learning in schools

If we want to equip the next generation to lead, innovate and collaborate in a complex world, we need to move beyond outdated models of education

3 min read
Catching on: Biogas production is starting to find traction in South Africa with companies such as Elgin Fruit Juices and PepsiCo’s Simba chips plant as well as small-scale farmers and schools. Photo: Supplied

Climate crisis: Look to circular economies

Producing cement, plastic, steel, aluminium and food causes greenhouse gases, but a circular economy can reduce emissions

  • Eyaaz
7 min read
This year’s summit encourages collaborative experimentation and real-world experiences. Photo: Umamah Bakharia/ Mail & Guardian

SA risks losing tech dominance as Morocco positions itself as Africa’s AI powerhouse

South Africa’s fragmented AI strategy threatens its tech leadership as Morocco, Nigeria and others invest in deep tech, research and innovation to lead Africa’s digital future

  • Umamah Bakharia
4 min read
South Africa’s infrastructure deficit, particularly in energy and logistics, has affected growth.

We need to rethink South Africa’s growth model

The country needs to embrace productivity-led growth to ensure sustainable economic development, foster employment and spur innovation.

4 min read
From Left: Fred Zhou, Honor South Africa CEO, Minister of Communications and Digital Communications, Solly Malatsi and Daniel Wang, President of MEA, Honor

Honor spearheads dialogue on the future of the smartphone industry, echoes transparent and ethical use of AI

Honor, a global technology leader, spearheaded a panel discussion at AfricaCom and was joined by prominent leaders from Google and Cell C to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) and foldable smartphones are set to revolutionise the African market and transform people’s lives

4 min read

HUAWEI wearables lead global market growth in Q1 2024

Products are continually upgraded, providing users with improved experience, thus gaining widespread market recognition

  • Derek Davey
1 min read
Flooding in Ethembeni informal settlement, Khayelitsha, on the Cape Flats. Photo: Brenton Geach/Gallo Images

Breaking barriers: Inclusive innovation for a fairer future

Traditional innovation often relies heavily on large-scale investments in infrastructure and trained workers, two factors that are often lacking in economically depressed areas

  • Des Erasmus
5 min read

AI and the synergy between established corporate entities and start-ups

Everyone can benefit from using artificial intelligence, if we are not intimidated by it

  • Derek Davey
2 min read

Auckland Park Preparatory School paves the way for future leaders with new STEAM Centre

This dynamic environment encourages discovery, exploration, research and innovation

  • Derek Davey
3 min read