AEDIB|NET ProjectBridging Digital Innovation Between Africa and Europe

In the AEDIB|NET project, Steinbeis Europa Zentrum is working together with African and European partners to promote digitization and innovation. AEDIB|NET is part of the larger political initiative "AEDIB," launched by EU Member States (France, Belgium, and Germany) and the European Commission with the goal of strengthening digital cooperation within the EU's Digital 4 Development (D4D) process.

This project brings together a strong network of partners from the innovation ecosystems of Africa and Europe. With the establishment of 12 new African Digital Innovation Hubs (DIHs) in 9 countries and the development of an Academy for Digital Entrepreneurial Skills, we have already made significant progress. In addition, we have trained more than 100 digital entrepreneurs in transcontinental programs and reached more than 160 policymakers and innovators with our policy reform framework and associated training materials.

Another key success has been creating connections between European and African Digital Innovation Hubs, diaspora actors, and tech startups through events on both continents. These activities highlight our commitment to bringing the innovation ecosystems of Africa and Europe closer together and driving digital innovation in both regions. AEDIB|NET paves the way for future developments and partnerships aimed at advancing digital transformation on both continents.

At the AfriLabs Annual Gathering 2023, the EU Ambassador to Rwanda, Belen Calvo Uyarra, provided an outlook on AEDIB2.0. This continuation of AEDIB|NET will aim to elevate African innovation ecosystems to a new level, focusing on improving regulatory and STI policy frameworks, strengthening and connecting innovation ecosystems, including Digital Innovation Hubs, and promoting innovative financing models.