This archive report was first published on 2 July 2021.
July 2, 2021 - The International Association of Science Parks and Areas of Innovation (IASP) has elected Eng. John Tanui, CEO of Konza Technopolis, as its new Africa Division President.
Eng. Tanui takes over from Ms. Hauwa Yabani, CEO of Abuja Technology Village Free Zone Company in Nigeria, who led the division since May 2019. Ms. Yabani was the first female president of the IASP Africa Division since its establishment in 1984.
The IASP organization is an independent, non-profit, non-governmental body with a worldwide network of over 350 science parks. Its key objective is to coordinate an active network of professionals managing areas of innovation.
Eng. Tanui will now lead the Africa Division and represent Africa in the international board, which includes notable members such as Botswana Innovation Hub, Konza Technopolis, and Abuja Technology Village Free Zone Company.
Speaking during the virtual ceremony, Eng. Tanui expressed gratitude for the confidence bestowed upon him and emphasized the need for collaboration and unity among members to unlock Africa's vast innovation potential.
He highlighted the importance of tapping into science and digital potential to meet the continent's needs and challenges, citing statistics from the e-economy Report of 2020, which indicates that Africa's digital economy will have a value of over $180 billion by 2025.
