Diana A Afrifa, Andrea C Del Valle
Technological transformation across African nations is progressing rapidly through digitalization, enhanced mobile connectivity, and the growth of local innovation ecosystems. However, enduring structural constraints, including limited absorptive capacity, infrastructural deficits, institutional fragility, and skills shortages, continue to impede the diffusion of innovation. Overcoming these systemic obstacles requires mobilising transnational knowledge networks and strengthening global science and innovation linkages. In this regard, the evolving bilateral collaboration between the Nordic countries and Africa presents a strategically significant opportunity for fostering inclusive innovation and sustainable development. Within this collaborative framework, the African scientific diaspora residing in the Nordic region occupies a pivotal position, given its deep integration within advanced research and innovation systems characterised by substantial public investment, technological sophistication, and a culture of international cooperation. Acting as both knowledge brokers and institutional bridge-builders, these researchers and innovators are uniquely positioned to align Nordic scientific capabilities with Africa's developmental priorities. Advancing this collaboration requires coherent policy mechanisms, institutional support structures, and long-term engagements that facilitate reciprocal knowledge exchange and promote innovation-led capacity building across both regions.