Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Start Innovation Hub, Hanson Johnson, has urged key players across Africa’s innovation landscape—including funders, technology hubs, government agencies, and development partners—to adopt a more collaborative and forward-looking approach in order to effectively co-create the continent’s future.
In a recent statement shared on LinkedIn, Johnson argued that the current model of short-term, project-based initiatives is no longer sufficient for driving sustainable growth within the startup and innovation ecosystem. He stressed the need for a transition to patient, long-term capital that strengthens the broader ecosystem rather than focusing solely on isolated projects. According to him, this kind of funding enables innovation hubs and entrepreneurs to experiment, grow, and scale without the pressure of unrealistic timelines.
Johnson also emphasized the importance of moving from traditional consultation methods to genuine co-design of policies and programmes. He noted that meaningful collaboration—where communities, innovators, and policymakers work together from inception—produces solutions that are better aligned with local needs and realities.
Another critical shift, he said, involves prioritizing decentralized and hyper-local initiatives. Johnson believes that innovation should not be concentrated only in major cities; instead, communities across regions must be empowered through localized support systems that reflect their specific contexts.
He further highlighted the value of embracing blended and flexible financing models. Such models, he explained, give innovation hubs and startups the adaptability required to navigate evolving challenges, experiment with new ideas, and attract diverse partners.
Finally, Johnson called for the creation of shared learning platforms and stronger knowledge-brokering structures. These, he said, would promote cross-sector collaboration, accelerate capacity-building, and ensure that insights generated in one part of the ecosystem can be leveraged across the entire network.
Johnson’s remarks reflect a growing consensus within Africa’s technology and development community: that true progress will require deeper cooperation, intentional investment, and a collective commitment to building resilient innovation ecosystems.
ANTHONY EMEKA NWOSU
Another critical shift, he said, involves prioritizing decentralized and hyper-local initiatives. Johnson believes that innovation should not be concentrated only in major cities; instead, communities across regions must be empowered through localized support systems that reflect their specific contexts.