Two weeks ago in this column, I argued that Africa must look beyond aid if we are to build sustainable futures. That argument was not theoretical. At last week’s United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80), I saw it in practice; African innovators, governments, and communities demonstrating that we are not waiting for permission, we are already shaping the solutions the world urgently needs.
“The thread running through all of this is clear: innovation is not a product to be bought; it is a system to be nurtured.”
It was a privilege for eHealth Africa to co-host Africa-led Innovation: Shaping Sustainable Futures With or Without Aid, alongside PSI, Population Council, and Reach Digital Health. The title was deliberate. For too long, aid has dominated the development conversation. But in the packed room of leaders, practitioners, and funders, the energy was different. The focus was on Africa’s leadership and on the kinds of partnerships that can make our innovations last.
The global stage, the African voice
Our session was just one of many at UNGA80 grappling with the reality that the development landscape is undergoing a shift. A long-anticipated declaration on noncommunicable diseases stalled in last-minute controversy, yet what stood out to me was not the discord but the clear momentum from governments and civil society pushing for accelerated action. Similarly, bold replenishment calls in global education reminded us of the urgency; nearly 900 million children could leave school by 2040 without decisive investment.
These global debates underscore why Africa’s voice matters. We cannot afford to be mere recipients of frameworks negotiated elsewhere. We must co-create the solutions and ensure they are rooted in our realities.
Innovation as identity
Hon. Minister Chernor Bah opened our dialogue with the simple truth that “innovation is who we are as Africans.” This is not new. From community systems that bridged gaps in the absence of state capacity to the digital health platforms now connecting workers across borders, our history is one of innovating out of necessity and resilience.
But as Minister Salima Bah reminded us, innovation must be sector-specific. Different challenges require tailored responses. A one-size-fits-all model of aid or investment will not deliver sustainable futures.
Read also: African leaders champion homegrown innovation at UNGA 2025
From shiny objects to systems
Too often, innovation is confused with technology alone. Yet as Michael Holscher observed, “innovation is rarely about a single shiny object.” Policy, partnerships, and business models are just as important. Without them, even the most brilliant app or device risks fading after a promising pilot.
Fara Ndiaye underscored that accountability only works when governments, funders, the private sector, and communities move side by side. Dr Kemi DaSilva-Ibru reminded us that solutions must be designed with the most marginalised in mind. Judith Bruce made a compelling call for investment in “female infrastructure” as a foundation for sustainable growth.
The thread running through all of this is clear: innovation is not a product to be bought; it is a system to be nurtured.
Health as an economic driver
Another theme at UNGA80 resonated deeply: health is not a drain on economies; it is a driver of prosperity. Vanessa Kerry, WHO’s Special Envoy on Climate and Health, captured it well when she said, “Health workers are the very versatile front line of responding to all the crises we see today.” Strong health systems stabilise communities, support economic growth, and provide the resilience needed to withstand climate shocks.
The capital question
But if innovation is who we are, financing remains the test of whether it can endure. Too much capital in global health and development is rigid, short-term, and donor-driven. What Africa’s innovators need, what the world needs, is flexible, trust-based capital.
Trust-based does not mean unchecked. It means financing that respects local expertise, allows for adaptation, and creates room for growth. It is the kind of capital that recognises that those closest to the problems are often closest to the solutions. This approach is gaining traction globally, but it must become the norm, not the exception.
Building forward together
Leaving UNGA80, I felt both urgency and optimism. Urgency, because the scale of global challenges, from climate change to noncommunicable diseases to education gaps, is staggering. Optimism, because I saw first-hand the brilliance and resilience of African leaders, innovators, and communities who are already shaping solutions.
The lesson for all of us is clear. Health, education, climate, and finance cannot be siloed. Partnerships must be cross-sectoral, inclusive, and long-term. Women, girls, and marginalised communities must be at the centre. And innovation must be nurtured not as a series of pilots, but as systems built to last.
If we do this, Africa will not only shape its own sustainable future, but it will also help shape the world’s sustainable future.
Ota Akhigbe is the Director of Partnerships and Programmes at eHealth Africa and a weekly contributor to BusinessDay. She writes about innovation, health systems, and Africa’s role in shaping sustainable futures on the global stage.
