Wits University was announced as number 1 in Sub-Saharan Africa, for innovation, in the 2025 Global Innovation Index (GII).
The information was published by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
Wits beat 139 other Universities worldwide.
Professor Lynn Morris, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Innovation, at Wits, said the WIPO assessed how effectively nations translate knowledge, research, and technology into economic and social value.
South Africa was ranked 61st globally, maintaining its position as a regional innovation leader, with Wits at the forefront of that performance.
“Wits is proud to be recognised as the leading innovation partner in Sub-Saharan Africa. 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 said in a statement, the win can be attributed to the Uni’s contributions in scientific excellence, intellectual property generation, technology commercialisation, and start-up creation.