This paper reports on the long-term objectives and current research results of the on-going Renewable Energy to Africa (REAfrica) project. The purpose of the REAfrica project is to increase knowledge of renewable energy solutions and markets in Sub-Saharan Africa in order to support Finnish renewable energy sector companies in entering the African market. Entry into a new geographical area also involves entry into a new business culture. This paper considers the potential for collaboration and networking with local partners in both business and research as a means of fostering business innovation. To achieve this, it is proposed that research collaboration needs to evolve as ecosystem-level collaboration on three levels - business, research and governmental - in order to create a 'piloting gateway' for new technologies.