6 Conclusion
Innovation and entrepreneurship thrive within the right legal and regulatory environment. The AfriLabs policy pathways identified policy challenges and opportunities, and laid a roadmap to success. We believe the reasons could not be more compelling for governments to continue to be innovative in their policymaking and address the cross-jurisdictional issues affecting Innovation in Africa. We also realise that the relationship between government and the innovation ecosystem, which has been antagonistic and counterproductive, is shifting. Furthermore, each African country or region has unique circumstances, challenges and opportunities based on history or specific legal systems to consider when designing innovation policies. Public policy needs to amplify these benefits, rather than to slow innovation. For Africa to fulfil its potential, policymakers must implement transformative measures to improve the business environment and address the challenges that limit the growth of startups and SMEs: the innovation-skills gap, inconsistent and fragmented policy frameworks, deficient digital infrastructure, and an inability to scale and compete internationally. Such measures should reflect the interests of all stakeholders inclusively and diversely. On our part, AfriLabs remains committed to advancing a public-private partnerships around Innovation and entrepreneurship policy, and offers our platform and the voice of our members and partners to help promote this influential agenda.
Moetaz Helmy, Chairperson, AfriLabs
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