Limited investment in research and development (R&D) is obstructing technology innovation in Africa.

This is according to the 2017 Africa Sustainable Development Report, released in collaboration with the African Union, Economic Commission for Africa; African Development Bank and the United Nations Development Programme.

The report tracks progress of Agenda 2063 (and its first ten-year implementation plan) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – which includes technology innovation and infrastructure.

The UN says currently Africa spends less than 0.5% of its GDP on R&D, compared with more than 1% in the developing region as a whole and 2% in the developed regions.

"Research and development expenditure as a share of GDP stagnated at 0.4% during the period 2000-2013 in Africa (excluding the North). On the other hand, North Africa experienced an increase from 0.28% to 0.51% during the same period," states the report.

Steven Ambrose, CEO of Strategy Worx, says the lack of investment is having a massive effect on development across many areas including technology.

He also describes the lack of broad connectivity as another key barrier.

Ambrose says greater emphasis on the basics, such as education and infrastructure development, is needed.

"Both of these are long-term projects and will take decades to come to fruition. Short-term goals are the harmonisation of policies that promote a level playing field in telecommunications and other business-related environments which will allow for investment both local and international."

"Greater spending on research and development may not in itself lead to greater innovations, the lack of adjacent areas such as infrastructure and education will hold back a faster growth and development trajectory," he added.

The report also notes that the significant increase in mobile cellular services and related coverage represents an opportunity for social and financial inclusion.

"Reliable access to broadband Internet is a key driver of economic growth, job creation, and social inclusion. In addition, it facilitates a transition to knowledge-intensive economies by enhancing access to information.

"The proportion of the population covered by 3G mobile networks in Africa increased significantly, from 25% to 65% during the 2010-2015 periods. This trend has enhanced financial inclusion by facilitating virtual access to financial services by previously unbanked segments of society."