The government firmly endorses the potential of research and innovation as key drivers of economic progress and sustainable development. It continues to prioritize the creation of conditions conducive to nurturing innovations and advancing technologies, according to Sam George Nartey, who serves as the minister for communications, digital technology, and innovations.
Speaking at the second edition of the Africa Research and Innovation Commercialization Summit (ARICS 2025) in Accra, he indicated that his ministry will spearhead the transformation of innovation into economic opportunities that will drive job creation, youth empowerment and sustainable development.
The minister likewise recognized the far-reaching effects of innovation and the commercialization of research throughout different parts of the economy. This spans from education, with educators crafting innovative teaching methods, to comparable technological advancements in critical fields such as agriculture and healthcare systems.
“ARICS 2025 stands as an affirmation of the collective dedication from both governmental bodies and private enterprises to harness research and innovation for catalyzing industrial transformation across various economic landscapes,” stated in remarks delivered on his behalf during the event.
He stated, “The significant potential of local innovators and researchers remains untapped because of insufficient coordinated initiatives; the government acknowledges this issue and will collaborate with all parties involved to address this matter.”
Mr. Nartey praised the Heritors Lab along with its financial supporter, the RISA Fund, and other participants in the ecosystem for their consistent efforts towards promoting research commercialization both in Ghana and throughout Africa.
ARICS stands as a premier event bringing together researchers, creators, industry leaders, and government officials to explore actionable strategies and pathways aimed at facilitating the transition of research and innovations into marketable products for enhanced economic benefits.
The theme for this year’s event was “Moving from Labs to Market: Enhancing Industry Adoption of Research and Innovation Outcomes.”
The Chief Executive Officer of the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), Seth Twum Akwaboah, stressed the importance of linking research, industry, and infrastructure to attain common developmental objectives.
Africa generates substantial research, yet converting these advancements into commercially viable products continues to pose challenges.
“A robust and continuous partnership between research organizations and industry leaders is crucial for advancing innovation and bringing products to market,” he stated.
Additionally, to promote sustainable economic development, Mr. Akwaboah emphasized the importance of investing sustainably in technological infrastructure and implementing policies that encourage industrialization and commercialization.
On his part, the vice president of Heritors Labs, Kofi Ocloo, bemoaned the high rate of African discoveries that remain hidden in research labs and called for urgent steps to entrench commercialization of innovation and research outcomes across the continent.
“Our domestic industries and business owners seek answers overseas when locally developed solutions stay confined within our laboratories. Given our stakeholder status, we should guarantee that research efforts are converted into innovations capable of transforming lives throughout the continent,” he stated.
He stated, “This summit’s theme compels governments, leading industrial figures, and youthful pioneers to close the divide between research and industry; our priority should be making innovation the key catalyst for economic advancement.”
Gameli Adzaho, who serves as the country technical lead for the RISA Fund, emphasized that ARICS 2025 provides an ideal stage for expanding the reach of research commercialization. This platform convenes key players within the ecosystem to pinpoint strategies that will drive innovations and research findings into wider market spaces, encouraging greater uptake.
He mentioned that the fund will keep promoting collaborations aimed at boosting innovation and enhancing the impact of research. He also urged for initiatives that involve rural populations, address the gender disparity, and support young researchers and innovators.
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