SEADE R&I Summit 2024: Bridging Innovation Across Continents

The SEADE project is happy to announce the upcoming Research and Innovation (R&I) Summit, to be held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre in South Africa on December 4, 2024. This inaugural summit will gather researchers, innovators, and influential stakeholders from across Africa and Europe to foster cross-continental collaboration in digital research and innovation. Through dynamic discussions and interactive sessions, participants will explore new pathways for digital transformation and generate actionable insights to advance the African-European innovation ecosystem.

Advancing International Cooperation and Expanding Networks

Building on the legacy of Horizon 2020 initiatives—such as AfriConEU, HUBiquitous, and ENRICH in Africa—the SEADE project aims to strengthen international cooperation and collaboration by providing a route to market for the research and innovation in digital actors in Africa. This year’s summit will feature three keynote speakers, five engaging panel discussions, and success stories from five innovation trailblazers working within Africa's research and innovation ecosystem.

Summit Highlights

The SEADE Summit will feature a range of very interesting sessions, including Human-Centered Design in AU-EU Collaboration, Building Trust in Generative AI, and Expanding Horizons: Entering New Markets. These discussions will be complemented by a fireside chat titled Bridging the Gender and Youth Gap in R&I, as well as an awards ceremony celebrating pioneering innovators, each event underscoring SEADE’s dedication to fostering inclusive and impactful innovation.

Networking and Opportunities

The SEADE Summit provides attendees with unmatched opportunities to connect with key players in innovation, research, and policy-making. This summit is an ideal space for forming new partnerships, exchanging insights, and staying informed on recent developments in the research and innovation as well as international collaboration. Through collaborative sessions and shared experiences, participants will gain the tools needed to shape the future of innovation and drive sustainable solutions across continents.

"The R&I Summit series organized by the EU-funded SEADE Project fosters collaboration between Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa, creating a unique platform for cross-continental innovation. Our goal is to bring together researchers, innovators, and industry leaders to strengthen ties in digital transformation and promote research-driven, market-ready solutions to address global challenges,"-Jan Ertmann, SEADE Coordinator and Project Manager at Steinbeis Europa Zentrum.