Kenya has made a remarkable leap in the Global Innovation Index (GII) for 2024, securing the 96th position globally, up from 100th in the previous year. This improvement was detailed in a report released by the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), which tracks the innovation performance of approximately 130 economies.
Kenya’s notable rise in the rankings reflects its enhanced performance in innovation outputs, particularly in knowledge and technology. The country garnered 21.00 points in this year’s index, showing a slight decline in its overall score compared to last year’s 21.24 points. However, Kenya still advanced four places, making it one of the most improved countries in the Sub-Saharan region.
Highlights:
- Kenya ranks 96th globally, moving up from 100th position in the 2023 rankings.
- Sixth among Sub-Saharan nations, behind Mauritius, South Africa, Botswana, Cabo Verde, and Senegal.
- Improvement is driven by innovation outputs, particularly in knowledge and technology creation.
- Ranked first in East Africa, ahead of Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi.
- Switzerland retains the top global spot, followed by Sweden, the United States, and Singapore.
Sub-Saharan Region Rankings
In the Sub-Saharan region, Kenya now ranks sixth, ahead of its East African neighbors. Mauritius continues to lead the region as the most innovative economy, followed by South Africa, Botswana, Cabo Verde, and Senegal. Kenya’s progress, particularly in terms of innovation outputs, is seen as a key factor in its rise, with the country advancing into the top 100 for the first time.
Kenya also outperformed its East African counterparts, taking the top spot in the region, followed by Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi. This improvement signals a growing focus on innovation-driven development and investment in knowledge-based industries within the country.
Global Innovation Leaders
On the global stage, Switzerland retained its position as the most innovative country, earning 67.5 points. It is followed by Sweden, the United States, Singapore, and the United Kingdom. Other countries in the top ten include South Korea, Finland, the Netherlands, Germany, and Denmark. On the other hand, several African nations, including Burundi, Mozambique, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Mali, Niger, and Angola, ranked at the bottom of the list.
Kenya’s Commitment to Innovation
Kenya’s climb in the rankings comes months after President William Ruto reiterated his government’s commitment to fostering innovation across various sectors. Speaking during the Innovation Challenge and Awards ceremony held in Nairobi earlier this year, Ruto highlighted initiatives like the Presidential Innovation Challenge, Hustler Fund, Youth Enterprise Fund, and Women Fund. These programs have been instrumental in providing financial support to innovative ventures, helping to unlock the potential of young innovators and entrepreneurs in the country.
“As a government, we are committed to fostering innovative mindsets across all facets of our administration,” President Ruto stated during the event, emphasizing the need for a conducive environment that nurtures creativity and entrepreneurship in Kenya.
With continued support for innovation and entrepreneurship, Kenya is well-positioned to build on its recent progress and climb further up the global innovation rankings.
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