Ludwe Macingwane, the Head of the East London Industrial Development Zone (ELIDZ) Science and Technology Park has been elected as the new Africa Division President of the International Association of Science Parks (IASP).

Macingwane is the second South African to be elected and the first black woman in the country to occupy this important office. She will officially assume her role on the 11 December 2024, taking over from the outgoing President, Eng. John Tanui from Kenya. Over the next two years, Macingwane will represent the African region on the IASP International Board of Directors on the various platforms of the IASP.

This achievement highlights the growing recognition of Africa’s role in global innovation, a cause championed by IASP since its establishment in 1984. Today, IASP connects 350 members across 77 countries, representing over 115,000 companies. The organisation has hosted 42 world conferences and 186 regional events, maintaining a strong presence through its six regional divisions: African, Asia Pacific, European, Latin American, North American, and West Asia North Africa (WANA). With offices in Málaga, Spain, and Beijing, China, IASP continues to serve as a hub for global innovation leadership.

Macingwane is the ideal candidate to lead the Africa Division of the IASP as she has been instrumental in propelling the ELIDZ Science and Technology Park to greater heights. For instance, under her leadership, the ELIDZ Science and Technology Park has achieved international recognition, notably as South Africa’s sole finalist in the 2024 Inspiring Solutions Awards held during the IASP World Conference in Nairobi, Kenya. This recognition underscores the ELIDZ Science and Technology Park’s commitment to innovation, collaboration, and global benchmarking.

“I am truly honoured to be elected. The election demonstrates my colleagues’ confidence in my ability to lead a diverse group of passionate professionals. I am truly humbled by the honour and promise to do my very best to achieve the goals of the African division as they relate to innovation,” Macingwane said.

Join us in congratulating Macingwane on this remarkable achievement. Her appointment reflects her visionary leadership, dedication, and pivotal role in advancing innovation across Africa and beyond.

We also extend our deep appreciation to outgoing President, Eng John Tanui for his outstanding contributions to the Africa Division.

Together, we can strengthen global connections, advance Africa’s innovation agenda, and inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs and innovators.

We proudly support Macingwane’ s journey and wish her success in driving science and technology innovation across the continent.