By providing a “network of networks” and creating improved linkages across the innovation value-chain (from idea generation to implementation) the platform helps overcome fragmentation of research efforts and supports the translation of scientific results into applications in agricultural and food systems
The Association of African Universities (AAU), through the Africa–Europe Innovation Platform (AEIP) Project, was represented at this flagship event by Ms. Jemima Deladem Dotsey (AEIP – AAU Communication Officer) and Dr. Agyemang Okyere Darko, both of whom are actively engaged in the AEIP Project’s communication, coordination, and stakeholder engagement activities.
Extracts of the programme
Opening
- Francesca Doria (Head of Unit, European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency, EISMEA)
- Brando Okolo (Head of Science, Technology and Innovation, AUDA-NEPAD)
Keynote: “Latest developments in the AU-EU Innovation Agenda”
- Vincenzo Lorusso (Policy Officer for Science, Technology, and Innovation Cooperation with the AU and bilateral cooperation with Rwanda, Nigeria and South Africa, European Commission DG Research and Innovation) See video @ 36:40
- Lukovi Seke (Principal Programme Officer for African Science, Technology, and Innovation Indicators, AUDA-NEPAD), Co-Chairs AU-EU Innovation Agenda Working Group
PANEL 1: Unveiling the Africa-Europe Innovation Platform: Features, activities and next steps
This presentation of the Africa-Europe Innovation Platform (AEIP) included the first demo of the digital
component of the Platform, its objectives, and an onboarding of stakeholders, presented by Tendai Pasipamire (EiAC). A panel of AEIP Project team members briefly presented their activities and through a panel, answered questions about key components of the AEIP. Activities that were addressed included:
component of the Platform, its objectives, and an onboarding of stakeholders, presented by Tendai Pasipamire (EiAC). A panel of AEIP Project team members briefly presented their activities and through a panel, answered questions about key components of the AEIP. Activities that were addressed included:
- Moderated by Silvi Serreqi (Project Adviser, EISMEA).
- Tendai Pasipamire (EiAC) – Demonstrated the AEIP digital platform and outlined its core objectives: to facilitate collaboration along the innovation value chain, strengthen Africa–Europe R&I partnerships, and streamline access to funding, capacity-building and community resources.
- Stephan Kreutzer (Technopolis Germany) – Presented the Thematic Challenges component, explaining how multi-stakeholder challenge calls will link policy priorities to market-driven solutions in sectors such as climate-smart agriculture, digitalisation, and sustainable energy.
- Covadonga Rayon (EBN) – Outlined the Capacity-Building and Training track, aimed at
strengthening innovation management skills among entrepreneurs, researchers, and intermediaries through workshops, mentoring and online courses. - Tegan George (VC4A) – Introduced the De-risking Support for SMEs, detailing how AEIP will work with investors and accelerators to bridge early-stage financing gaps, offer investment readiness support, and reduce perceived risks in African innovation ventures.
Tegan George is a Project Manager at VC4A (Venture Capital for Africa), where she leads initiatives focused on de-risking support and investment readiness for African start-ups and SMEs within innovation ecosystems. In the context of the Africa–Europe Innovation Platform (AEIP), her work is centred on helping entrepreneurs bridge the critical “valley of death” between innovation and investment by improving access to finance, mentoring, and investor networks.
See video @ 1:49:33Baluku Dounnah is a Senior Programmes Officer at AfriLabs (Abuja, Nigeria)
, a leading pan-African network of innovation hubs supporting over 400 technology and entrepreneurship centres across more than 50 African countries. His work focuses on strengthening innovation ecosystems through capacity building, hub-to-hub collaboration, and cross-regional partnerships. Within the Africa–Europe Innovation Platform (AEIP), Baluku Dounnah is responsible for the Twinning component, which connects African and European incubators, accelerators, and research organisations. This initiative promotes peer learning, joint innovation projects, and mutual capacity enhancement between ecosystem actors on both continents. - Covadonga Rayon (EBN) on behalf of Baluku Dounnah (AfriLabs) – Presented the Twinning Programme, which will pair African and European incubators, accelerators, and research organisations to promote peer learning, co-creation, and network expansion.
- Dr Agyemang Okyere Darko (AAU) – Discussed the Communities of Practice (CoPs), which will serve as ongoing, thematic knowledge-exchange groups connecting academia, private sector, and civil society to foster continuous collaboration beyond project cycles.
PANEL 4: Diaspora's contribution to innovation at the Africa-Europe interface
knowledge brokers driving innovation between Africa and Europe. It emphasised that diaspora networks are not only sources of remittances but key enablers of technology transfer, business incubation, and cross-continental collaboration. Participants underscored the need for policy frameworks and investment instruments that formally recognise and support diaspora-led innovation ecosystems.
- Moderated by Abu Cassim (Acceleration Team Lead, VC4A).
- Ninon Duval (Bond’Innov) – Shared experiences of facilitating diaspora entrepreneurship through
innovation hubs and support services that bridge African start-ups with European partners and investors, stressing the value of institutional partnerships for sustainability. - Maureen Duru (The Food Bridge) – Highlighted how diaspora-led food initiatives foster innovation in agri-food systems, linking cultural food heritage with business development, nutrition awareness, and sustainable value chains across both continents. See video @ 6:11:03
- Michelle Amoakoh (AiDiA) – Presented AiDiA’s work in creating digital and financial tools that empower African innovators abroad to invest and collaborate effectively with local ecosystems, advocating for stronger investment pipelines connecting diaspora capital to African start-ups.
- Mirana Rajoharison (ALEFA Diaspora) – Illustrated how diaspora associations can mobilise expertise, mentorship, and collective action to address systemic barriers in education, research, and enterprise creation in Africa, especially for youth and women innovators.
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