European Union: Horizon Europe boosts EU-Africa cooperation in research & innovation

A EU’s ‘Africa Initiative’ was launched during the Africa-Europe Science and Innovation Summit, with the first Work Programme of Horizon Europe, around 40 calls for proposals and, more than 350 MEUR in funding.

The work programme of Horizon Europe for 2021-2022 includes dedicated actions to support and strengthen cooperation through multilateral initiatives in areas such as biodiversity and climate protection, environmental observations, ocean research or global health. 

It also includes targeted actions with key non-EU partners, including the first ever ambitious and comprehensive 'Africa Initiative'.

As a strategic partner, the EU seeks to enhance cooperation with Africa to promote actions targeted to finding locally adapted solutions to challenges that are global in nature, but which often hit Africa hardest. 

The Horizon Europe work programme 2021-2022 includes around 40 topics with a budget of around €350 million under Calls for Proposals that are particularly relevant for cooperation with Africa. This reflects the joint priorities as agreed at the EU-AU Research & Innovation Ministerial meeting in July 2020: Public Health, Green Transition, Innovation & Technology and Capacities for Science.

The calls for proposals require or encourage participation of African entities. Topics range from climate change, rural innovation, sustainable food systems and sustainable energy to bringing European highly innovative SMEs to the forefront of African markets.

Discover this "Africa Initiative" on 24 June 2021 during the European Research and Innovation Days with the intervention of Dr Mahama OUEDRAOGO Director of AUC Department for Education Science Technology and Innovation (ESTI). To join the live event https://www.research-innovation-days.eu/login

In addition, the European Commission is organising several regional seminars, among them on 16 July in South Africa.


More

• Factsheet on Africa initiative: Horizon Europe boosts EU-Africa cooperation in research & innovation
• Press Release launching the main work programme (2021-2022) of Horizon Europe
• News item on the new EU-Africa R&I cooperation portal
• The European Research and Innovation Days, is the European Commission’s annual flagship Research and Innovation event, bringing together policymakers, researchers, entrepreneurs and the public to debate and shape the future of research and innovation in Europe and beyond.
• Promotional videos