• Africa’s digital economy could reach $180 billion by 2025 and $712 billion by 2050, according to IFC and Google.
• Governments are investing in tech hubs to structure innovation ecosystems and attract capital.
• More than 1,000 tech hubs operated in Africa in 2024, up from fewer than 600 in 2019.

African countries are accelerating the creation of technology hubs to structure innovation and capture a growing share of the global digital economy. Governments are investing in dedicated spaces that bring together startups, research centers, universities, and large companies. They aim to replicate, at their scale, the model of global Silicon Valleys.

Early Leaders Build Structured Ecosystems

Some ecosystems have already established themselves as benchmarks. Nairobi, known as the “Silicon Savannah,” relies on an innovation ecosystem structured around fintech and mobile services. The success of M-Pesa has helped position Kenya as one of the most advanced markets in digital payments. The Konza Technopolis project, a technology city under development, illustrates this ambition with multi-billion-dollar long-term investment plans.

Nigeria’s Lagos is emerging as the continent’s leading technology hub. The country attracts a significant share of venture capital funding in Africa. Dedicated zones such as Itana (formerly Talent City Lagos) and the Ekiti Knowledge Zone support this momentum by creating environments tailored to innovation and technology companies.

Kigali is pursuing a proactive strategy. The Kigali Innovation City project, valued at around $2 billion and spanning 70 hectares, aims to bring together universities, research centers, and companies in an integrated ecosystem supported by attractive public policies.

These hubs share common characteristics. They concentrate talent, host incubators and accelerators, provide dedicated infrastructure, and attract increasing investor interest.

A New Generation of Hubs Emerges

Beyond these pioneers, a new wave of projects is intensifying competition among African countries.

In Morocco, authorities are preparing to launch Casa Tech Valley in Casablanca. The project will cover 6.5 hectares in the Sidi Othmane district. It will build on the existing Casablanca Nearshore ecosystem and aims to attract high-value technology investments while creating thousands of jobs.

In Benin, Sèmè City is already operating as a model that combines education, entrepreneurship, and research in one location. Authorities expect at least 130,000 graduates from the International Institute of Science and Innovation (CIIS) by 2030. They also aim to create more than 100,000 jobs over the same period, including at least one-third self-employment and 40% for women.

In Guinea, the City of Science and Innovation of Guinea, launched in 2024, reflects the ambition to structure a national technology ecosystem.

Other initiatives are emerging across the continent. Senegal is developing the Diamniadio Digital Technology Park, while Gabon is planning a future technology village. These projects highlight a now widespread dynamic.

Infrastructure-Led Continental Strategy

The International Trade Centre (ITC) reports that Africa had more than 1,000 tech hubs in 2024, compared with fewer than 600 recorded by GSMA in 2019. This increase reflects a strategic shift. Governments are no longer only supporting startups; they are now investing in infrastructure capable of structuring complete ecosystems.

These hubs concentrate resources, foster synergies among stakeholders, and gradually attract investment. They are becoming essential levers to support sustainable innovation and strengthen the continent’s competitiveness in the global digital economy.

This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya

Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum