Article: Innovation for societal transformation in Africa: a strategic framework for inclusive growth Journal: International Journal of Business Innovation and Research (IJBIR) 2026 Vol.41 No.5 pp.1 - 26 Abstract: Innovation is increasingly recognised as a key driver of economic development and societal transformation, particularly in regions facing complex structural challenges. Many African economies continue to experience unemployment, poverty, energy insecurity, water scarcity and education gaps despite abundant resources and a growing population. This paper develops a conceptual framework that examines how innovation ecosystems can address these challenges while promoting inclusive growth. Drawing on innovation ecosystem, entrepreneurial ecosystem, inclusive innovation and resource-based industrialisation literature, the study proposes a societal innovation ecosystem framework integrating four key drivers: digital technologies, entrepreneurship ecosystems, mineral beneficiation and public-private collaboration. The framework explains how these drivers stimulate knowledge creation, entrepreneurial experimentation, industrial upgrading and technology diffusion, leading to outcomes such as employment creation, improved service access, inclusive growth and sustainable development. The study contributes by extending innovation ecosystem theory to the African context and providing strategic insights for policymakers, industry leaders and development institutions. Inderscience Publishers - linking academia, business and industry through research

Title: Innovation for societal transformation in Africa: a strategic framework for inclusive growth

Authors: Dinko Herman Boikanyo

Addresses: Department of Business Management, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, Johannesburg, South Africa

Abstract: Innovation is increasingly recognised as a key driver of economic development and societal transformation, particularly in regions facing complex structural challenges. Many African economies continue to experience unemployment, poverty, energy insecurity, water scarcity and education gaps despite abundant resources and a growing population. This paper develops a conceptual framework that examines how innovation ecosystems can address these challenges while promoting inclusive growth. Drawing on innovation ecosystem, entrepreneurial ecosystem, inclusive innovation and resource-based industrialisation literature, the study proposes a societal innovation ecosystem framework integrating four key drivers: digital technologies, entrepreneurship ecosystems, mineral beneficiation and public-private collaboration. The framework explains how these drivers stimulate knowledge creation, entrepreneurial experimentation, industrial upgrading and technology diffusion, leading to outcomes such as employment creation, improved service access, inclusive growth and sustainable development. The study contributes by extending innovation ecosystem theory to the African context and providing strategic insights for policymakers, industry leaders and development institutions.

Keywords: innovation ecosystems; societal innovation; inclusive growth; digital transformation; entrepreneurship ecosystems; mineral beneficiation; Africa development.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBIR.2026.156550

International Journal of Business Innovation and Research, 2026 Vol.41 No.5, pp.1 - 26

Received: 22 Mar 2026
Accepted: 16 Jun 2026
Published online: 28 Sep 2026 *

Title: Innovation for societal transformation in Africa: a strategic framework for inclusive growth

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