Benjamin Netanyahu and then-Kenya President Uhuru Kenyatta issued a joint statement in Jerusalem in 2016, the author said. (Photo source: Amir Cohen/Reuters)
With the change of global innovation hubs and the emergence of new markets, sub-Saharan Africa is becoming a key stage for opportunity.
By the end of this century, an estimated 40% of the world's population will live illegally. This is not just a population trend. This is a geopolitical hub. The only question is whether Israel stays behind as a partner or as an afterthought.
With the change of global innovation hubs and the emergence of new markets, sub-Saharan Africa is becoming a key stage for opportunity.
With population momentum, fast technology and bold economic ambitions, the continent is not only catching up. It sets pace in the most important areas. So, how do we capture this potential and align with the trends shaped tomorrow?
Sub-Saharan Africa offers one of the most important opportunities in the 21st century. Its youth, growing population and urgent needs in agriculture, water, energy and healthcare make it a natural fit Forisraeli innovation – solutions that improve quality of life and accelerate development.
However, engagement in Israel remains limited. Trade with Kenya, for example, is one of Africa's most dynamic economies, totaling only tens of millions of dollars. By contrast, Kenya's trade with the United Arab Emirates and the Netherlands is similar to the size of Israel and can enter billions of dollars.
The First Lady of Kenya (Second L) was joined by KKL Leadership and Forester when visiting Israel at Eshtaol Nursery in KKL-JNF. (Photo source: Rafi Ben Hakon/KKL-JNF Archives)
It's not just an economic gap; it's moral. Africa has no help to global carbon emissions, but it is the first to be climate change, including droughts, floods and food insecurity. These are exactly the areas where Israeli technology can have lasting impact.
Some adventures have shown this potential. NOF, a company that develops a portable off-grid cooling solution for protecting agricultural products, is helping to reduce food losses in emerging markets. The company originated from the Pears Challenge, a risk-building program hosted by Nura Global Innovation Lab, which supports Israeli entrepreneurs in developing scalable technologies to address real-world challenges in development areas.
These efforts reflect Israel’s growing awareness that global development innovation must be based on a deep understanding of local reality. Real impact requires co-creating solutions with local communities, building long-term partnerships with ecosystem leaders, and designing products and business models tailored to the real needs of the field. These partnerships aim to position Israel’s climate technology in a global effort to address urgent challenges in agriculture, water and infrastructure, especially in arid areas.
A powerful example of such ecosystem construction is NEGEV's Desertech and Climate Innovation Center. The Center is committed to turning climate challenges into business opportunities by promoting cutting-edge technologies, supporting new businesses, and connecting talent, research and industry.
In 2024, Nura and Desertech organized a new pear challenge cycle, specifically targeting the connection between NEGEV innovators and East African communities, facing similar environmental conditions. The model strengthens Israel’s position as a long-term partner in sustainable development in deserts and climate-killable areas.
Israel has a long-term involvement in Africa – innovative startups, academic excellence, research institutions, and a growing network of public-private partnerships. However, its current activity is still far below its potential. In East Africa, the opportunity is particularly obvious.
Countries such as Kenya and Tanzania are actively seeking partnerships for Agritech, aqueous solutions and sustainable energy. Israeli venture capital can meet this need, but success requires more than once. It requires persistent existence, cultural understanding and mutual trust.
At the same time, global race is accelerating. China, Russia, Iran, Türkiye and the Gulf countries are steadily expanding their footprints across the continent. These participants are not only technical and diplomatic, but also state-backed financing, development plans and strategic patience.
Israel’s bid to gain observer status in the African Union has been rejected recently – a symbolic warning. If Israel does not wake up, it may miss the train.
Unlike competitors, Israel lacks a coordinated national strategy to support its private sector in Africa. Many successful international companies use aid framework, preferential funds and diplomatic infrastructure to reduce risks and open doors to operate with government support. In contrast, Israeli companies often operate alone.
It is also worth noting that Africa does not wait for Israel or anyone else. Throughout the continent, the innovation ecosystem is gaining momentum powered by local entrepreneurs, regional investors and forward-looking policies. From fintech in Nigeria to electronic activities in Rwanda and Agrit technology in Kenya, African-led businesses are addressing practical problems at a large scale.
In 2023 alone, African startups have raised over $3 billion in venture capital, most of which is used for climate-rich solutions. This is not the future of creation. It's already happening. Africa advocates itself as the forefront of innovation and the people involved now will help shape what’s next. Those who hesitate may find the progress of the continent.
What Israel needs is a clear, forward-looking African strategy. This means more than just symbolic visits. This means a centralized trade mission, targeting innovative public investments and meaningful joint ventures with African partners. This is not a charity; this is a strategic policy.
Lead forward-looking companies and innovation ecosystem players before developing this strategy. Because if Israel does not move forward today, it will follow others' footsteps tomorrow.
The author is Nura – Managing Director of Global Innovation Lab. Register Business and Innovation Newsletter>>
