Technological innovation can't be imposed on poor people — they must be engaged to select ideas that suit their lives, writes Lawrence Gudza.

Stunning fundraising success at Stellenbosch University is a model for others in Africa, but leadership is crucial, says Linda Nordling.

Africa must use this week's science forum to adapt its innovation initiatives to fit a changing world, argues Linda Nordling.

There is a pressing need for Africa to bolster its pharmaceuticals industry, and that requires the right policy framework, argues Priya Shetty.

Improving health for the poor depends on nurturing local innovations — and learning how to deliver them, argue Abdallah Daar and Peter Singer.

Africa needs to up its game in malaria research, but by doing what it does best, not by replicating Western research, says Linda Nordling.

African governments with technology policies that focus only on ICT should rethink their priorities, says Ndubuisi Ekekwe.

Africa lags behind other developing regions in local collaboration — and in building its own scientific capacity, says Linda Nordling.

South Sudan's prosperity depends on more public universities serving more students — and focussing on S&T, not humanities, says John A. Akec.

Open innovation is key to the success of iHub and can change the working culture of any community of innovators, says Linda Kamau.

The scientific community should create new intergovernmental organisations that promote innovative science in Africa, says Calestous Juma.

Angola has the money, connections and political will to be a force in African science. But will it tackle inequality, asks Linda Nordling.

Pragmatism must trump profit when African leaders commit to a green development agenda, argues Linda Nordling.

Few science centres offer hands-on experience for young people in Africa. Support is needed for an expansion plan, says Graham Durant.

'Boundary organisations' offer a space away from politics for scientists to engage government officials with their research, says Scott Drimie.

The East Africa famine calls into question the wisdom of investing in early warning systems without improving take-up, writes Linda Nordling.

Ambitious plans for a 'desert development corridor' in Egypt could provide a concrete example of the social value of science, says Athar Osama.

Critics looking for more from the first African Innovation Outlook should realise it is a solid base on which to work, says Linda Nordling.

Egypt's 'science city' will not build a science culture without its people empowered by academic experience abroad, argues Austin Dacey.

A new southern African climate plan is impressive, but needs more funding if it is to plug the continent's data gap, writes Linda Nordling.