Overview
The ACP-EU Programme to Strengthen Research and Innovation Capacity in ACP Countries is a €60 million initiative led by the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) and funded by the 11th European Development Fund (EDF). The programme aims to boost inclusive and sustainable socio-economic development across ACP countries by strengthening their research and innovation (R&I) ecosystems.
Recognising that science, technology and innovation are powerful levers for achieving the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the programme supports both public and private stakeholders to enhance their capacities, collaboration, and impact in R&I.
Key information
- Location: Western Africa, Central Africa, Eastern Africa, Southern Africa, Caribbean, Pacific
- Duration: 2020-2026
- Topics: Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Total budget: € 60 million
- Implementing partners:
- University of the West Indies
- Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie
- Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA)
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology icipe
- International Livestock Research Institute (ILRIà
- Institut de la Francophonie pour le Développement
- Southern African Development Community (SADC)
- Indian Ocean Commission (IOC)
- The Pacific Community
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement
Approach and objectives
The main goal of the programme is to unlock the inclusive innovation potential of OACPS member countries and support their transition towards knowledge-based economies. The programme aims to:
- Create an enabling environment for research and innovation in ACP countries.
- Facilitate access, transfer, and cross-fertilization of R&I knowledge and results.
- Improve the quality and effectiveness of R&I policies and systems.
To achieve its objectives, the programme operates through three key instruments:
- Innovation Fund – Finances projects that foster innovation-friendly environments, strengthen digital literacy, support technology transfer, and promote local and indigenous knowledge.
- Policy Support Facility – Provides tailored policy services and expertise to enhance national and regional R&I systems and governance.
- Web Portal – Serves as a collaborative online platform for networking, information sharing, and cooperation among R&I professionals across ACP countries.
Building on a decade of ACP-EU cooperation in science and technology, the programme adopts a tailor-made approach that considers the different levels of development of national innovation ecosystems. This ensures that interventions are context-specific, strengthening capacities at the national, regional, and ACP-wide levels for lasting impact.
Under the ACP-EU Programme to Strengthen Research and Innovation Capacity, 11 projects were launched:
- AGriDI
- HIT RESET
- VaRRIWA
- AIRTEA
- PDTIE
- PRICNAC
- RERIPA
- COHESA
- PAWES
- RINaWa
- TWENex
