Adoption of AU-EU Innovation Agenda

A new Innovation Agenda to enhance cooperation in science, technology and innovation was adopted by the African Union (AU) and the European Union (EU) on 19 July 2023.

First presented in February 2022, the draft of the Innovation Agenda was thoroughly discussed throughout the year and finally adopted in July 2023. This new joint AU-EU Innovation Agenda aims at increasing the innovative capabilities of both European and African researchers and innovators, by strengthening and developing a long-term sustainable Research and Innovation (R&I) cooperation model between the two continents. The Agenda includes a set of actions to address four priority areas – Public Health, Green Transition, Innovation and Technology, and Capacities for Science –, and create tangible outputs and impact.

Africa is a long-term partner with whom the EU has established a sustainable collaborative relationship across various policy areas, and the AU-EU Innovation Agenda represents a significant commitment for both continents in terms of R&I partnership. Stemming from the AU-EU High Level Policy Dialogue (HLPD) on Science, Technology and Innovation, where long-term priority areas for cooperation are regularly discussed and defined for both continents, the Agenda’s goal is to face Africa and Europe’s shared challenges and contribute to inclusive development, economic growth and job generation, ultimately reducing poverty and existing inequalities.

You can find more details about the AU-EU Innovation Agenda here.

Contact:

European Commission Chief Spokesperson Eric Mamer: eric.mamer@ec.europa.eu