Reversing the Flow of Innovation: Scaling African Solutions for Global Impact
Curated by Alison Nakamura Netter | Interactive Session
For too long, the dominant flow of innovation has moved in one direction: from the Global North to the Global South. But what if we flipped the script?
In this dynamic, participatory session, we’ll spotlight three African-led organizations that are leading the way on some of the world’s most urgent challenges—from gender equity and adolescent health to education and primary healthcare. These aren’t imported solutions—they’re locally rooted, rigorously tested, and globally relevant.
Speakers
Megan Mukuria - Founder ZanaAfrica
Samson Wambuzi - Co-Founder and Chief Innovation Officer Yiya Solutions
Nassar Diallo - Founder and CEO of Clinic O
Participants will move through a carefully designed experience that blends inspiration, deep listening, and co-creation:
Gallery Walk: Engage directly with African innovators, hear how their solutions are working on the ground, and explore what makes them scalable and sustainable.
Think Tank Breakouts: Join a small group organized by region or interest to explore how these innovations might translate to your own context—and what would need to shift to make them work.
Knowledge Harvest: Regroup to share insights, identify themes, and explore how to champion and support African-led innovations within your networks and institutions.
Together, we’ll explore:
What makes Africa a global leader in scalable, systems-level innovation
How to foster truly equitable partnerships that allow innovations to spread
What funders and policymakers must do to shift their lens and power dynamics
What the Global North can learn from African resilience, creativity, and leadership—especially in turbulent times
You’ll leave with:
Fresh ideas to bring into your work and funding strategy
New connections with changemakers across sectors and geographies
A renewed commitment to reverse the flow—and elevate African-led solutions for global change