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About RBS NOVA
An intellectual engine for African innovation.
NOVA is a research and innovation platform where original ideas become evidence, practical tools, programmes, ventures and measurable public value.
Our Mendate
Move knowledge beyond the page.
NOVA exists to originate research that is academically credible, contextually intelligent and deliberately connected to action.
We convene research Fellows, practitioners, entrepreneurs, public institutions and communities around questions that matter – then create outputs others can cite, test, adopt and extend.
Vision
Africa recognised as a source of original knowledge and practical innovation.
Mission
To connect rigorous research with enterprise, policy and community action.
Purpose
To create ideas, tools and ventures that improve institutions, livelihoods and human capability.
Strategic objectives
What NOVA is designed to achieve.
01
Originate
Set bold African research agendas and produce original intellectual contributions.
02
Translate
Convert evidence into frameworks, tools, policy instruments and learning experiences.
03
Test
Pilot ideas with partners and communities in authentic operating environments.
04
Develop
Grow researchers, entrepreneurs and leaders able to navigate complex change.
05
Connect
Build durable collaboration across academia, industry, government and society.
06
Measure
Track outcomes, learning and longer-term contribution—not activity alone.
NOVA operating model
One ecosystem. Two output tracks.
Academic excellence and applied usefulness reinforce one another throughout the work.
Knowledge
Research reports, journal articles, policy briefs, frameworks and comparable evidence.
Application
Programmes, prototypes, tools, ventures, living labs and implementation models.
01
Frame the question
Start with a consequential challenge and the people closest to it.
02
Build the evidence
Combine rigorous methods, lived experience and cross-disciplinary insight.
03
Prototype the response
Start with a consequential challenge and the people closest to it.
04
Measure and learn
Track outcomes, refine the model and share what others can use.
Our values
The standard behind the work.
Rigour
Claims are grounded in credible evidence and transparent methods.
Humanity
Research respects people as partners, not raw material.
Originality
We pursue questions and ideas that add something genuinely useful.
Collaboration
Complex challenges demand generous, cross-sector intelligence.
Integrity
Ethics, accountability and intellectual honesty are non-negotiable.
The people behind NOVA
Meet the researchers, builders and collaborators moving the agenda forward.
Work with NOVA
Build the next piece of knowledge with us.
Bring a research question, an institutional challenge, expertise, data, field access or sponsorship into the NOVA ecosystem.
