A strategic approach to innovation
Maximising the impact of Research and Innovation (R&I) initiatives across Africa and Europe requires coordinated action. With many AU and EU innovation programmes in place, effective coordination can unlock their full potential and drive greater success. Better alignment and collaboration will create synergies, leading to more effective results on the ground.
A platform rooted in partnership
Africa and Europe share a long-standing relationship, grounded in history, geography, and mutual interests. The EU is Africa’s largest trade and investment partner, reflecting a commitment to fostering a sustainable and mutually beneficial future.
At the heart of this cooperation is the AU–EU Innovation Agenda, a comprehensive policy initiative designed to translate R&I into tangible socio-economic benefits. Supporting this ambition, the Africa–Europe Innovation Platform (AEIP) has been launched, with funding from the Horizon Europe programme.
What is the AEIP?
The AEIP is a collaborative platform designed to connect stakeholders of the innovation value chain across and between Africa and Europe. Over the next two and a half years, it will develop into a fully operational and sustainable platform. Functioning as a “network of networks”, it will serve a catalyst for collaboration, bringing together:
Policy makers
Academia
Business Support Organisations
Start-ups, SMEs and corporates
Investors and funders
Civil society
The platform will facilitate meaningful engagement across the innovation landscape, ensuring activities are tailored to stakeholder needs. It will provide access to key initiatives, trainings, networking events, and funding opportunities, delivered through virtual outreach and in-person stakeholder meetings.
Ensuring long-term impact
Sustainability is at the core of the AEIP. Designed for long-term continuity, the platform will ensure that new activities and partnerships continue well beyond the project’s duration. By strengthening networks and aligning with stakeholder needs, the AEIP will contribute to:
- Sustainable and inclusive development
- Economic growth and job creation
- Resilient and connected innovation ecosystems
The AEIP marks a significant step towards a more collaborative, innovative, and prosperous future for Africa and Europe.
About the project
AEIP receives 2.5 million EUR funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe Programme for the period 01.01.2025 to 30.06.2027 under the Grant Agreement No. 101193424. The grant is part of the EU’s policy to strengthen cooperation with African countries by improving the business environment, investment climate, and ensuring a level-playing field.
AEIP is coordinated by Technopolis BV (Netherlands) and strives for an equal-level partnership between the African and European partner institutions (in alphabetical order): African Centre for Technology Studies (KEN), African Technology Innovation Hubs (NGA), Arctik SRL (BE), Association of African Universities (GHA), Digital Africa (FR), Enrich in Africa Centre Pty Ltd (RSA), European Business and Innovation Centre Network AISBL (BE), Institut für qualifizierende Innovationsforschung und -beratung Gmbh (DE), Sociedade Portuguesa de Inovação Consultadoria Empresarial E Fomento Da Inovação SA (PT), Southern African Research & Innovation Management Association (RSA), Technopolis Africa (CIV), Technopolis Deutschland Gmbh (DE), The Youth Café Ltd (Ken), VC4Africa BV (NL).