The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za.

Wits University has been recognised as the top-ranked university in Sub-Saharan Africa for innovation performance in the 2025 Global Innovation Index (GII).

Published by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), the GII 2025 measures the innovation performance of 139 economies worldwide, assessing how effectively nations translate knowledge, research, and technology into economic and social value. South Africa ranked 61st globally, maintaining its position as a regional innovation leader, with Wits at the forefront of that performance.

Leading Sub-Saharan Africa in university–industry collaboration

In the new University–Industry and International Engagement indicator, which draws on Times Higher Education (THE) data across each economy’s top five universities, South Africa ranks 24th globally and first in Sub-Saharan Africa.

This indicator captures key dimensions such as industry-linked research income, co-authorship with global partners, patent citations, and international staff and student mobility. Wits’ strong research output, active partnerships, and global networks have been central to this achievement.

“Wits is proud to be recognised as the leading innovation partner in Sub-Saharan Africa,” says Professor Lynn Morris, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Innovation. “This ranking reaffirms our commitment to excellence, impact, and collaboration in pursuit of a more inclusive and sustainable future. The GII 2025 highlights the growing importance of universities in shaping national and regional innovation systems, with Wits positioned as a crucial anchor in Africa’s innovation landscape.”

Wits anchors the region’s top innovation cluster

According to WIPO’s innovation cluster methodology, which identifies geographic areas with high densities of PCT patent inventors, scientific publications, and venture-capital activity, the Johannesburg-Pretoria corridor — home to Wits and several leading research institutions – stands out as Sub-Saharan Africa’s top innovation cluster.

This recognition reflects where innovation truly occurs, rather than relying on administrative boundaries. Wits’ contributions in scientific excellence, intellectual property generation, technology commercialisation, and start-up creation make it a central catalyst in this regional innovation ecosystem.

“By the GII’s cluster methodology—combining PCT patents, high-impact research articles, and venture-capital deal activity—the Johannesburg-Pretoria corridor stands out as Sub-Saharan Africa’s leading innovation hub. Wits is proud to anchor this ecosystem with strong industry partnerships and a truly global research network,” says Letlotlo Phohole, Director of the Wits Innovation Centre.

Expanding global partnerships

“This recognition underscores the power of global collaboration and strategic partnerships in advancing Africa’s innovation agenda,” says Dr Samia Chasi, Head of the Internationalisation and Strategic Partnerships Office.