African Research and Innovation Hub launched at IATF2025 to boost industrial transformation

Africa has taken a major step toward powering its industrial future with the launch of the African Research and Innovation Hub (ARIH) on the sidelines of the Intra-African Trade Fair 2025 (IATF2025) in Algiers. The initiative, driven by Afreximbank, the African Union, and the AfCFTA Secretariat, aims to strengthen research capacity, promote homegrown innovation, and convert intellectual capital into industrial competitiveness.

According to Dr. Yemi Kale, Group Chief Economist and Managing Director for Research at Afreximbank, Africa contributes less than 3% of global research output while carrying a heavier share of global challenges. He stressed that the continent’s research and development spending averages under 0.5% of GDP, far below the global average of 2.2%.

“History shows us that deliberate investment in research ecosystems has been the foundation of industrial transformation. Sustained competitiveness requires research, innovation, and the industrial capacity to transform ideas into products and services that can stand at the frontier of global markets,” Dr. Kale said.

Driving innovation through ARIH

ARIH is designed to provide a platform for academics, researchers, and students to collaborate on solutions that promote intra-African trade and industrial growth. By doubling its R&D spending to 1% of GDP by 2030, Africa could unlock $60–70 billion annually in additional value across agriculture, digital technology, and manufacturing, according to Afreximbank.

During IATF2025, ARIH is hosting roundtables, pitch sessions, and exhibitions for innovative projects and startups. The initiative is also being coordinated technically by Algeria’s Ministry of Higher Education and involves African universities, national research institutions, and diaspora scientists.

Strengthening Africa’s trade and competitiveness

IATF2025, hosted by Algeria and co-convened by Afreximbank, the African Union Commission, and the AfCFTA Secretariat, serves as a platform for advancing trade-led growth. The event is projected to facilitate over $44 billion in trade and investment deals.

Dr. Kale emphasized that ARIH’s mission aligns with Africa’s broader trade and industrial strategy: “ARIH’s mission is to transform intellectual capital into industrial competitiveness and trade-led growth.”

The hub complements AfCFTA’s vision of tapping into Africa’s single market of 1.4 billion people and $3.5 trillion GDP. With three past editions of IATF generating more than $118 billion in deals, the launch of ARIH represents a critical effort to position Africa at the frontier of global innovation.