The EU-Africa Digital Innovation Hubs Collaboration Policy Recommendations Workshop Report was published as a result of the EU-Africa Digital Innovation Hubs workshop. The EU-Africa Digital Innovation Hubs (DIHs) workshop was organized by Prototipi, partner of the DIGILOGIC project and was held on June 16th, 2023, in Cape Town, South Africa. It brought together representatives of the DIGILOGIC, AEDIB|NET, ENRICH in Africa, AfriConEU and mAkE projects. 

Some of the key points of the report are the following:

Innovation-driven initiatives will dominate the future, as it is currently. Therefore, more European organisations must balance the relationship and provide market access opportunities for African start-ups. This could be achieved through private-private partnerships or partnerships between start-ups and companies from Europe and Africa. Public funding may not be necessary once the early risk stage is overcome. Ways to systematise progress in this space should also be discussed with colleagues from DG INPA, through a system that includes progress updates. One of the biggest challenges is engaging with the European market. Innovators have yet to show much interest in Africa. Much work is needed with the European Commission and political leaders to build awareness and educate on the opportunities and value proposition of working with Africa. 

Read the full report here.