The Global Innovation Index 2026, published by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), has ranked 139 countries based on 79 indicators. These indicators assess innovation capacities, including research and development expenditure, information and communication technology usage, and technological patent applications. The index provides a comprehensive overview of global innovation trends, with a focus on institutional capacities, technological ecosystems, and research and development spending. Africa has shown overall progress in innovation, with 16 countries improving their ranking compared to the previous year.
Mauritius has emerged as the most innovative economy in Africa, securing the 50th global rank with a score of 34.1 points. The island nation in the Indian Ocean gained three ranks compared to 2025, driven by its strong performance in institutional and market sophistication pillars, ranking 34th and 38th globally, respectively. Morocco follows closely, ranking 54th globally and second in Africa, with notable progress in creative products, ranking 46th worldwide. The country's advancements in intellectual assets have contributed to its improved ranking.
South Africa ranks third in Africa, standing at 63rd globally, followed by Tunisia (71st), Botswana (82nd), Egypt (83rd), Senegal (90th), Rwanda (96th), and Kenya (97th). Ghana completes the top 10 African countries, ranking 101st globally. A total of 16 African countries have improved their ranking compared to 2025, with Rwanda, Madagascar, Botswana, and Tunisia achieving the most significant gains. These improvements reflect enhanced institutional capacities, consolidated technological ecosystems, and increased research and development spending across the continent.
The Global Innovation Index assesses countries based on seven pillars and two sub-indices, covering innovation inputs and outputs. The methodology assigns equal weight to the two sub-indices, with specific pillars receiving a 25% or 10% weighting. The index provides a comprehensive evaluation of innovation ecosystems, enabling countries to identify areas for improvement and track progress over time.
The WIPO's Global Innovation Index 2026 highlights Africa's progress in innovation, driven by improvements in institutional capacities, technological ecosystems, and research and development spending. The report emphasizes the importance of continued investment in innovation to drive economic growth and development. As the continent continues to advance, countries will need to focus on strengthening their innovation ecosystems to remain competitive.
The ranking also underscores the need for African countries to prioritize innovation and research and development to drive sustainable economic growth. By investing in innovation, countries can create new opportunities for economic development, improve living standards, and address pressing societal challenges.
The list of the top 10 most innovative African economies in 2026, as per the Global Innovation Index, is as follows: 1. Mauritius (50th globally), 2. Morocco (54th), 3. South Africa (63rd), 4. Tunisia (71st), 5. Botswana (82nd), 6. Egypt (83rd), 7. Senegal (90th), 8. Rwanda (96th), 9. Kenya (97th), and 10. Ghana (101st).
Key points
- Mauritius leads Africa's innovation ranking for 2026.
- The Global Innovation Index 2026 assesses 139 countries based on 79 indicators.
- A total of 16 African countries have improved their ranking compared to 2025.
