Who We Serve

Private Sector

For Businesses and Enterprises

Overview of Engagement

Private companies across Africa are sitting on unsolved challenges that local research talent can address — if the right connection exists. Thinkng makes that connection structured, managed, and low-risk. Whether you need to develop new IP, solve a specific operational problem, or build a research pipeline, we create a pathway from your challenge to a measurable outcome.

How Thinkng Supports You

Reduce risk on R&D investment through structured project governance, milestone tracking, and transparent reporting frameworks managed by Thinkng.

Accomplish more for your business and grow through access to a skilled R&D talent pool — cost-effectively compared to traditional methods.

Future-proof your business by resourcing blue-sky innovation projects to generate valuable IP using local research talent.

How to Partner With Thinkng

You can engage Thinkng in three ways: commission research with a defined scope and budget; work with our advisors to turn a business problem into a structured research brief; or sponsor places on Thinkng Ignite.

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Government & Public Institutions

For Governments and Public Institutions

Overview of Engagement

Governments across Africa carry national R&D targets that are difficult to meet without the right infrastructure. Thinkng works with public institutions to redirect and optimize existing public R&D funding toward high-impact, industry-aligned research — strengthening local innovation ecosystems in a way that directly supports economic development goals.

How Thinkng Supports You

Catalyse investment in local R&D capacity strengthening to address systemic barriers that hinder business innovation and productivity.

Optimize ROI on public R&D funding by targeting early-stage research capacity building for student researchers and young graduates.

Foster efficient and productive local innovation ecosystems by deepening the connection between local research talent and industry needs, advancing economic development goals at national and sub-national levels.

Support small business innovation and competitiveness to generate long-term economic upside that helps reduce unemployment and increase tax revenues.

Access transparent evidence and reporting frameworks that demonstrate measurable progress toward national R&D commitments.

How to Partner With Thinkng

Government partners can engage Thinkng by commissioning research at national or sub-national level, by funding open calls in a priority sector, or through direct funding partnerships. We work closely with public procurement and policy teams to ensure all engagements meet governance requirements.

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RESEARCH FUNDERS (RFOs)

For Research Funding Organizations

Overview of Engagement

Research funding organizations face a persistent challenge: deploying capital into contexts where local governance, capability assessment, and outcome measurement are weak. Thinkng provides the infrastructure that makes African R&D investment tractable — giving funders confidence that their capital reaches qualified research providers, produces credible outputs, and generates measurable impact.

How Thinkng Supports You

Identify and fund research projects that align with national research priorities and specific industry needs.

Build meaningful country-level research partnerships with governments, researchers, and businesses, and foster collaborative innovation and resource sharing.

Achieve increased efficiency in funding allocation, leveraging data-driven insights on actual research needs to minimize duplication and eliminate waste in research funding.

Achieve higher accuracy in measuring the national and regional-level outcomes and impact of the research projects you fund; better assess your return on investment.

Contribute to building local research capacity and talent, which leads to sustainable economic growth and innovation in the region.

How to Partner With Thinkng

Research funding organisations can partner with Thinkng as a delivery partner for existing funding instruments, as a co-funder on sector or country-level initiatives, or to design new funding mechanisms for African R&D capacity. We provide full governance and reporting infrastructure for every engagement.

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Students & Research Talent

For Students and Research Talent

Overview of Engagement

For students and early-career researchers in Africa, the biggest barrier to a meaningful R&D career is not ability — it is access. Access to structured training, to industry networks, to funded projects, and to the kind of credentialing that makes employers take notice. Thinkng opens that access through a structured pathway from learning to earning to impact.

How Thinkng Supports You

Gain access to real-world research projects with real companies and organizations; apply your knowledge while getting hands-on experience and building credibility.

Develop employable skills while building a professional network connecting with students, researchers, and industry professionals; expand your potential career opportunities.

Make a positive impact by engaging with projects that address real-world challenges and contribute meaningfully to societal development.

Access research funding opportunities to pursue innovative ideas and projects without financial constraints.

Complete Thinkng Ignite and you finish with verified certificates from the institutions providing the courses, and a place in the Thinkng research talent pool.

How to Partner With Thinkng

Apply to Thinkng Ignite when a cohort is open. Research calls are published openly on the platform as they are commissioned, and registered providers compete for them.

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