Inclusive Community Engagement in Social Innovation, case Africa Gertjan van Stam Scientific and Industrial Research and Development Centre (SIRDC) Harare, Zimbabwe gertjan.vanstam@worksgroup.org Abstract. Social innovation necessitates engaged communities, both in the local setting and for the community of practice. Cross-cultural sensi- tivity and skills, and focus and respect for the local environment where interactions take place are crucial ingredients for inclusive and balanced activities. This paper provides insights and perspectives on community engagement, derived from long term practitioner’s experience in (rural) Africa. It contains theoretical inputs and assessment of practice, proposes targets, and a practical model for implementation. Careful positioning of community engagement is important. It must take into account the multicultural and multicontextual settings of a connected world. Com- munity engagement thrives when engineering practices are relevant and enshrined in the local community. 1 Introduction Engendering Community Engagement is part of the practice of Social Innova- tion. This paper provides an experience-informed approach to this subject, its definitions and embedding. Deductions come from literature review and the au- thor’s 13 years of field experience, living in (rural) Africa. 2 Positioning of Community Engagement The gap between rich and poor in the world is growing rapidly, even despite the structural economic growth rates in the developing world [1]. The Western response in foreign aid, soft loans, and scholarships fostered a dependent gen- eration. Poverty remains, and significant spatial, social and ethnic divides not only exists between countries, but also within most countries [2]. There is a need for a significant increase in the engineering capacity in under- served and developing regions in the world [3]. This requires a breakthrough in the development of capable people. Denying the geopolitical realities and appor- tioning of blame robs many individuals of the ability to be part of such break- through. Engagement seeks a collaborative response to the difficulties visited upon disenfranchised engineers and their communities, and addresses poverty traps [4].