EuroAfrica-P8 · Supporting policy dialogues and cooperation with Africa to enhance ICT cooperative research links between Europe and Africa in the framework of the Africa-EU Strategic Partnership 8""

The 8th Africa-EU Strategic Partnership interlinks 3 priorities which can leverage a faster socio-economic development in Africa. Africa/Europe have recognised that the development of STI & the spreading of ICT to all components of a society are key. P8 new Action Plan lists as a priority the development of an inclusive information society in Africa. In that perspective is being formed a multi-stakeholder implementation group (co-chaired by the AUC/EC) aiming at enhancing cooperation between the 2 regions. The EuroAfrica-P8 project will support policy dialogues & cooperation with Africa to enhance ICT research links in the framework of P8. It will seek to promote collaborative research on ICT in the framework of P8/P3; promote a more coordinated approach of the European MS towards P8; carry on an update of the identification/analysis of joint ICT research priorities; provide evidence-based recommendations to the EC/AUC for future cooperation initiatives; organise events in both regions synchronised with policy dialogue meetings; strengthen ICT cooperative research links between European/African organisations with the aim of reinforcing P8; support the activities of the P8 implementation group; enhance the participation of African organisations in FP/ICT collaborative projects; and facilitate the access of EU organisations to third country programmes. The project is gathering partners able to significantly impact the expansion of Euro-African cooperation on ICT research in close liaison with the EC/AUC and in partnership with key stakeholders in the field. The Consortium consists of 12 partners having a significant experience of ICT policies in both regions, as well of Africa-EU S&T/ICT cooperation. They enjoy access to important networks and they have previously participated in FP projects. Collectively they complement in each other in such a manner that the consortium is well-balanced and qualified with all the necessary resources to reach the project objectives.