The Third African Innovation Outlook (AIO-3) presents the status of Research and Experimental Development (R&D) and Innovation performance in Africa, focusing on the period from 2013 to 2016. The information is derived from R&D and Innovation surveys conducted periodically by African Union Member States as part of the African Science Technology and Innovation Indicators (ASTII) initiative. This Outlook builds on the experience and expertise developed in Member States over the years and provides improved insights based on lessons learnt from the previous editions.