Beyond skills and expertise: The essential role of connectivity in ecosystem growth

CONNECTIVITY is the lifeblood of innovation. Yet, in an ecosystem burdened by trust deficits, access gaps, fragmented markets and opaque power structures, building and leveraging networks is anything but straightforward. Leadership at all levels, particularly at the executive tier, must prioritise a continuous activation of high-value connections – both local and global – to unlock the full potential of Africa’s digital and mainstream economies. However, this need for robust networks presents its own set of challenges. Africa’s vast and culturally diverse markets face numerous geopolitical risks, regulatory complexities and an uneven distribution of critical knowledge and opportunities. So, how do we, as African and Africa-focused ecosystem innovators, foster collaboration and navigate this intricate terrain? The answer lies in mainstreaming connectivity as a core discipline – an everyday practice, rather than…