How intellectual property regimes and innovative infrastructure promote growth of Africa's technological market

Coastal countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, including Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa, have relatively sophisticated economies with direct access to trade and cultural exchange. This chapter begins with the assumption that capturing gains from investing in innovation is critical. After introducing forms of intellectual property, Teece’s research regarding “appropriability” of technology is used as a framework for analysis. After assessing the strengths and weaknesses of these countries in view of Teece’s framework, deterrents to technological innovation are examined. Based on these concepts, a mathematical solution is proposed that helps predict the ability of each of Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa to contribute to Africa being poised as one of the world’s fastest-growing technological markets and a destination for “technology tourism.”