In a rapidly changing world, innovation increasingly drives economic growth and social development. UNDP’s Innovation Facility supported initiatives in 11 countries in Africa during 2015. These initiatives tackled a variety of issues ranging from disaster preparedness to renewable energy, from policing services to employment, and from technology to youth engagement. The initiatives all emphasize involving a diverse set of actors throughout the process and linking new partners – such as youth groups, private sector and civil society – with traditional government partners. These innovation initiatives aim to accelerate the achievement of the global sustainable development goals (SDGs) to end poverty, fight inequality and injustice, and tackle climate change by 2030.