Our practice, across systems and institutional contexts.
Selected work with multilaterals, foundations, and government partners.
Data Foundations in Ethiopia
Developed with Professor Erik Stam (Utrecht University) and sponsored by the International Growth Centre (IGC). The study introduced the four growth metrics - scaleup conversion, capital leverage, dropout distribution, ecosystem recycling. We then authored Ethiopia's Startup Scaleup Strategy, informed by them.
African Scalecraft
Applied research on the conditions and success success factors for African scale-ups. (www.africanscalecraft.com). The programme proposes the African Scaleup Lab as its principal institutional response, with Scaling in Africa 2026 as the current expression.
From Necessity to Economic Opportunity
Applied research on youth livelihoods, commissioned by Generation Unlimited (UNICEF) and Youth Business International network. Currently in development; launching at UNGA, September 2026.
Systemic impact measurement scan
Commissioned by a leading European foundation to map best practice in systems measurement across funders and foundations.
Open data platforms for innovation ecosystems
Building open data platforms across East Africa (Kenya, Rwanda, Ethiopia) under the FCDO-sponsored RISA Fund. Ongoing research on firm and ecosystem data to inform ecosystem and Ministry diagnostics in each country
Institutional design for AI in government
Co-authored white paper with i4Policy and sistemaFutura. Sets out an institutional architecture for AI-assisted decision-making in low-resource governments - designed for absorption into existing state capability rather than standalone technology deployment.
Assessing public reform infrastructure
Co-authored white paper with i4Policy diagnosing the systemic absorption failures behind Africa's challenge programmes. Introduces a readiness-led design framework to embed innovation into procurement, budgets, and state capability over time.
Evaluating the institutional architecture of UN innovation programmes
Analytical paper documenting how vertical integration across UN innovation programmes generates structural market distortions, and the institutional redesign moves required to address them. Presented at the OECD as part of the Strengthening Innovation Ecosystems learning journey.
Offshoring African Startups - beyond founder choice
Discussion paper examining the patterns, structures, and incentives behind African startup offshoring. Co-authored with Sendemo. providing practical guidance for founders, early investors, and policymakers.
South Africa - township entrepreneurship
Systems design for a UK Government commission, targeting township entrepreneurs across the South African innovation ecosystem. Programme interventions synergised activity across multiple government and corporate organisations, leveraging significant impact investment.
MTN - cross-functional co-creation for sustainability strategy in Nigeria
Lagos-based co-creation across MTN's executive functions, generating sustainability concepts for Nigerian market contexts. The sessions broke siloed working patterns and established a new collaborative approach inside the firm.
UK Government - IP Adviser to the Prime Minister
Commissioned to author an advisory report and activate business stakeholder engagement for the IP Adviser to the UK Prime Minister. The work subsequently shaped UK education policy.