Adopting a “EU strategy for Africa” in 2005 (promoting in particular a more coordinated approach of the European Member States policies and activities regarding Africa) and agreeing with the AU on a “Africa-EU Joint Strategy and Action Plan” during the Lisbon EU-AU Summit at the end of 2007, the EU is definitely striving for closer links with Africa. On its side, Africa has also recognised that S&T and ICT are key vectors for bridging the scientific and digital divides, for reducing poverty, ensuring a socio-economic development and for reaching the MDGs. In this context, the EuroAfrica-ICT Initiative (funded by the EC, DG INFSO, FP7) stands for a strengthened and enhanced cooperation on ICT research between the 2 continents.

Coordinated by Sigma Orionis, the EuroAfrica-ICT project provides a platform for discussions (joint research priorities, best practices, search for partners, cooperation events, community of researchers, helpdesk and guidance, etc.) and for raising awareness on FP7/ICT cooperation opportunities.