Papyrus Global Urges Africa to Turn Research Into Marketable Products
An appeal has gone out for Africa to build more effective routes that turn research findings and technical know-how into tangible goods, services and commercial ventures. The Papyrus Global, which made the call, said these connections are essential for the growth of the continent's technology sector.
The organisation issued the call while drawing attention to the business path taken by a Zimbabwean technology specialist, Engr. Fungai Jacqueline Kiwa, who founded and heads KiwaConnect (Pvt) Ltd. She was named Africa's Most Outstanding Emerging CEO in Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation for 2026.
The honour falls under the 9th Global Distinguished CEOs Awards (GLODICEA) 2026, a global initiative created by The Papyrus Global to spotlight and honour business figures who are helping to build Africa's private sector and professional economy.
In explaining the choice, the organisation pointed to Kiwa's professional background in digital engineering, artificial intelligence, machine learning, software development, ICT for development, research and innovation, alongside her rising entrepreneurial leadership at KiwaConnect.
Her work in developing and applying artificial intelligence and other digital technologies was a key reason for the award, The Papyrus Global said. It observed that her professional efforts merge technical skill with a development-focused method of tackling current problems.
Among her innovations is Zim ServicePulse, a project that seeks to use digital and AI-powered technologies to address public-service and societal challenges. According to a selection document issued by The Papyrus Global, the project was also picked as one of the top entries in Zimbabwe's 2026 AI for Impact Challenge.
The organisation stated that Dr. Kiwa has strengthened Zimbabwe's technology and innovation landscape by linking research, technical knowledge and innovation to enterprise growth through KiwaConnect. Her approach, it added, shows a commitment to building technology suited to African conditions, factoring in local institutions, communities, economic realities and development goals.
The Papyrus Global said Dr. Kiwa's career illustrates a shift from technical and research work into emerging business leadership, noting that at KiwaConnect she is translating her technology and research background into entrepreneurship and technology-driven solutions.
Her entrepreneurial path, the organisation said, forms part of the wider need to reinforce the routes by which African research and technical knowledge can be converted into practical products, services and businesses.
In an acceptance letter dated September 12, 2026, Dr. Kiwa thanked The Papyrus Global and confirmed she would accept the GLODICEA 2026 recognition. "I am deeply honoured to be considered among the distinguished leaders being recognised for their contributions to business, leadership, innovation and society," she said. She also confirmed she would attend the GLODICEA 2026 award ceremony in person.
The ceremony is set for October 30, 2026, at The Brookside, Maitama, Abuja. Business leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, diplomats, policymakers and other stakeholders from Africa and selected international markets are expected to attend. During the event, Dr. Kiwa will also be inducted into the Global Distinguished CEOs Fellowship (GLOCEF).
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