EyeCity Africa was honoured with the AfricaX Innovation Impact Award at the 2026 edition of the AfricaX Summit, hosted by the African University of Science and Technology. The AfricaX Summit brings together ecosystem leaders, institutions, policymakers, and innovators to drive dialogue, collaboration, and action around the future of African innovation, entrepreneurship, and higher education, and it has become an important platform reinforcing the growing momentum around Africa's innovation economy. The recognition reflects years of work strengthening innovation systems across Africa's higher education landscape..
The award was received on behalf of EyeCity Africa by Isaiah Ugwueke, Government Relations and Partnerships Lead at EyeCity Africa.
Through our Higher Education Institution (HEI) Innovation Practice, we currently work with more than 300 institutions across Africa, alongside industry stakeholders, development partners, and ecosystem enablers, to strengthen Innovation and entrepreneurship systems, Enterprise development capacity, Industry-academia collaboration, Commercialisation and startup support structures, and Future-ready talent development.
Across these engagements, we have seen a clear shift in how universities approach innovation. The conversation has moved from entrepreneurship as an idea to the practical systems behind it, commercialisation, startup support, talent pipelines, and stronger links between academia and industry.
While this award carries the name of EyeCity Africa, the recognition belongs equally to the universities, institutional leaders, faculty members, ecosystem partners, and innovators who have trusted us and built with us over the years. Every institution that opened its doors to new ideas, every partner that invested in ecosystem development, and every young innovator working to solve real problems across the continent is part of this recognition. Ecosystem building is collective work, and meaningful impact is only possible through collaboration.
We extend our sincere appreciation to Professor Azikiwe Peter Onwualu, President of the African University of Science and Technology, for his leadership in shaping the AfricaX Summit into a continental convening for innovation, entrepreneurship, and higher education. Under his stewardship, AUST has positioned itself as one of the African institutions actively reimagining the role of higher education in continental development, with a strong commitment to research, applied science, and the transformation of African universities into engines of innovation and enterprise.
His vision for the Summit reflects a broader truth that EyeCity Africa shares deeply: that Africa's innovation future depends on institutional leaders who are willing to build the platforms, partnerships, and convenings through which ideas, talent, and capital can meet. The AfricaX Summit is one of those platforms, and it has earned its place as a meaningful contributor to the continental conversation on innovation-driven higher education..
This recognition strengthens our resolve to keep building the systems that allow African institutions and innovators to thrive. As the continent's innovation landscape evolves, the role of higher education institutions in shaping entrepreneurial talent, advancing research commercialisation, and driving inclusive economic growth will only deepen.
EyeCity Africa remains committed to supporting that transformation through partnerships, ecosystem development, and institution-focused innovation strategies that create lasting impact. We are grateful for this recognition, and even more inspired by the work ahead..
Learn more about our Higher Education Institution (HEI) Innovation Practice
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