AU-EU High Level Policy Dialogue (HLPD) on Science, Technology and Innovation

Africa is a unique partner for the EU for historical and geographical reasons. Africa and Europe have developed a long-term, broad and evolving partnership across various policy areas.

The AU-EU High Level Policy Dialogue (HLPD) on Science, Technology and Innovation is the forum where regular exchanges on research and innovation policy take place and long-term priorities to strengthen cooperation are decided. The HLPD was adopted at the 3rd AU-EU Summit in Tripoli in 2010 as an important element of the Joint Africa-EU Strategy (JAES).

Governance structure and meetings

Priorities and partnerships

The HLPD defines priority areas for research cooperation to support the implementation of the JAES.

AU-EU research and innovation priorities

The thematic priorities for research and innovation were announced during the first ministerial meeting of the African Union and European Union research and innovation ministers in July 2020. Various networks and partnerships are active within each priority area

• Green transition 
• Innovation and technology 
• Public health
• Capacities for science and higher education

AU-EU research and innovation partnerships

The main tools for implementing the priorities are 3 long-term, jointly funded research and innovation partnerships under the HLPD.

• Food and Nutrition Security and Sustainable Agriculture (FNSSA) under the green transition priority
• Climate Change and Sustainable Energy (CCSE) under the green transition priority
• Innovation under the innovation and technology priority (see for example AEIP - summary of achievements)

Research and innovation in health

• Public health represented by the European Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP) under the public health priority

Policy framework

A number of policies frame the cooperation between the African Union and the European Union.
From the Lomé Convention in 1975, to the Cotonou Agreement in 2000 and the recent new strategy with Africa, all show the long-lasting political relation between the two continents and the EU’s relationship with Africa as a key priority.

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Funding and support

The role of research and innovation activities and policy is becoming increasingly central and urgent in facing Africa and Europe’s shared challenges: the need to promote sustainable growth and jobs, green transition, digital transformation, mobility, security and good governance, and today, crucially, a pandemic.

Establishing sustainable collaboration, widening the exchange and mutual benefits, anchored in reciprocal commitment and based on shared values and interests, require investments and funding for research and innovation from both continents.

You can find the main research an innovation funding programmes of the EU, EU countries and the AU below.

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Projects and results

Research project database (CORDIS)

The Commission's primary portal for results of EU-funded research projects with Africa 

For previous research and innovation programmes, please contact the research enquiries service.

Horizon results platform

Participants of framework programmes present their results for you to search, contact their owners, and form partnerships on this platform

Contact

National Contact Points

The National Contact Points (NCPs) provide guidance, practical information and assistance on all aspects of participation in Horizon Europe.

Research enquiry service

You can contact the research enquiry service to find out more about research in Europe, the EU's research and innovation funding programmes as well as calls for proposals and project funding.

European Commission

RTD-EU-AFRICA-HLPD-BUREAU@ec.europa.eu

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