The Future of Africa: Investigating How Entrepreneurship Education Can Boost Technological Innovation In Sub-Saharan Africa

Africa is the largest continent in the world, with an impressive population-size of almost 1.4 billion people, where roughly 60 percent of its inhabitants are younger than 25 years of age. With such an extensive volume of human capital, in addition to a promising technological upsurge seen in the later years, major economic prospects are estimated to be found across the 54 African countries. That being said, the continent is at present containing the highest concentration of underdeveloped countries. Much research has been invested in understanding the current predicants that Africa is facing, and how to best overcome these challenges. According to macroeconomic theory, innovation is considered as an essential factor in enhancing socio-economic development. In this context, the researcher investigated the components required to ensure that entrepreneurship and innovation are thriving. Based on the related literature, one area that presents promising theoretical finings is the function linked to the entrepreneurial university. Much focus have been given by the academia to the connection between major universities like Sandford, and Silicon Valley. That said, less emphasis have been placed on the comparable relationship in resources scares countries. Therefore, this study attempt to investigate the aforementioned by taking a look at the Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology, and the potential impact such institutions may have in improving technological innovation in Africa. A sample of ten in-depth interviews were conducted with the MEST alumni. As the scope of this study was to capture an examine the graduates experiences and perceptions, qualitative content analysis by in-debt one-on-one interviews was believed as the most suitable method to answer the research question of this thesis. By conducting a thematic network analysis three key themes was revealed, including: 1) the role of entrepreneurship education, 2) issues related to the African market, and 3) factors related to technological innovation. These themes put forward the key barriers that Africa are currently facing to improve socio-economic development throughout the continent. Furthermore, presenting the ways in which the entrepreneurial university or entrepreneurship education potentially can contribute in order to overcome these challenges. Finally, this thesis provides a critical evaluation of the limitations found, in addition to recommendations for further studies.