• Africa counts more than 1,000 tech hubs in 2024, up from fewer than 600 in 2019

• Leading ecosystems in Kenya, Nigeria and Rwanda attract capital and talent

• New projects across Morocco, Benin and Guinea intensify competition for digital investment

Africa accelerates the development of technology hubs to structure innovation and capture a larger share of the global digital economy. Governments invest in dedicated spaces that bring together startups, research centers, universities and large corporations. Moreover, policymakers seek to replicate, at a local scale, models inspired by global Silicon Valley ecosystems.

Pioneer hubs already shaping ecosystems

Some ecosystems already establish themselves as benchmarks.

In Nairobi, often referred to as “Silicon Savannah,” innovation relies on a structured ecosystem centered on fintech and mobile services. The success of M-Pesa drives Kenya’s position as one of the most advanced digital payments markets. The Konza Technopolis project illustrates this ambition with multi-billion-dollar long-term investment plans.

In Nigeria, Lagos confirms its role as the continent’s leading technology hub. The country captures a significant share of venture capital funding in Africa. This momentum also relies on dedicated zones such as Itana and the Ekiti Knowledge Zone, which structure environments designed to attract technology companies.

In Rwanda, Kigali implements a proactive strategy. The Kigali Innovation City project, valued at about $2 billion and spanning 70 hectares, aims to bring together universities, research centers and companies within an integrated ecosystem supported by attractive public policies.

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

New generation of hubs emerges

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

In Morocco, Casa Tech Valley aims to structure a technology hub in Casablanca. Authorities plan to deploy the project across 6.5 hectares in the Sidi Othmane district. The project builds on the existing Casablanca Nearshore ecosystem and seeks to attract high-value technology investment while creating thousands of jobs.

In Benin, Sèmè City already operates as a functional model that combines education, entrepreneurship and research within a single space. Authorities expect at least 130,000 graduates from the CIIS by 2030. They also target the creation of more than 100,000 jobs, including at least one-third self-employment and 40% for women.

In Guinea, the Cité des Sciences et de l’Innovation de Guinée, launched in 2024, reflects efforts to structure a national technology ecosystem.

Other initiatives emerge across the continent. Projects include the Parc des technologies numériques de Diamniadio and Gabon’s planned technology village, which illustrate a now widespread dynamic.

Infrastructure-led strategy drives ecosystem growth

According to the International Trade Centre (ITC), Africa counted more than 1,000 technology hubs in 2024, compared with fewer than 600 recorded by the GSMA in 2019.

This increase signals a structural shift in strategy. Governments move beyond supporting startups and invest in infrastructure capable of shaping full ecosystems.

These hubs concentrate resources, foster synergies among stakeholders and gradually attract investment. As a result, they become critical levers to support sustainable innovation and strengthen Africa’s competitiveness in the global digital economy.

 Samira Njoya