By the end of this century, an estimated 40% of the world’s population will live in Africa. This demographic trend is not just a statistical shift; it is a geopolitical pivot that holds significant implications for Israel. As global innovation hubs shift and new markets emerge, Sub-Saharan Africa has become a critical arena of opportunity. The continent’s youthful, fast-growing population and urgent needs in agriculture, water, energy, and healthcare make it a natural fit for Israeli innovation—solutions that can improve quality of life and accelerate development.
Current Engagement
However, Israeli engagement remains limited. Trade with Kenya, one of Africa’s most vibrant economies, totals only tens of millions USD. In contrast, trade with the United Arab Emirates and the Netherlands—economies similar in size to Israel’s—reaches into the billions.
Economic and Moral Implications
This economic gap is not only an issue but also a moral one. Africa contributes little to global carbon emissions but bears the lasting shocks of climate change, including:
- Droughts
- Flooding
- Food insecurity
These are precisely areas where Israeli technology could make a lasting impact.
Promising Ventures
Some ventures are already showing this potential. For example, NOF developed a portable off-grid solution for preserving agricultural produce, helping to reduce food loss in emerging markets. This initiative is part of its growth out of the Pearls Challenge venture-building learning program hosted by NURAGlobal Innovation Lab, which supports Israeli entrepreneurs developing scalable technologies addressing real-world challenges in developing regions.
Building Local Partnerships
These efforts recognize a growing awareness within Israel that global development innovation must be grounded in a deep understanding of local realities. Real impact requires:
- Co-creating with local communities
- Long-term partnerships with ecosystem leaders
- Designing equipment and services tailored to actual needs on the ground
These partnerships aim to position Israeli climate tech within global efforts to address subterranean challenges such as:
- Agriculture
- Water treatment
- Infrastructure management, especially in arid regions
Example of Innovation
One example of this approach is the Desert Tech Climate Innovation Center, which works to convert climate challenges into business opportunities, supporting new ventures and connecting talent with research and industry. In 2024, NURA partnered with the center to organize a new cycle of the Pearls Challenge, specifically focused on building connections between innovators in the Negev and domestic communities in East Africa.
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