In this context, the actors would include the material resources (funds, equipment, facilities, etc.), the government (enabling and regulator roles through policy and resources) and the human capital (students, faculty, staff, industry researchers, industry representatives, etc.) that make up the institutional entities participating in the ecosystem. The purpose of building an innovation ecosystem to address the development challenges through innovation as

it is necessary to wholistic development and to build an entrepreneurial ecosystem that relies on the ability to innovate.
Generally, Innovation Systems (Innovation Ecosystem) in Africa are broadly characterized for having low levels of science and technology activities, a high reliance on government or foreign donors as a source of R&D, limited science-industry linkages, low absorptive capacity of firms, limited use of IP, and a challenging business environment. (WIPO)