On May 21st, 2025, African and European Ministers gathered in Brussels for the 3rd EU-AU Ministerial Meeting, marking 25 years of a strategic partnership aimed at deepening ties between the continents. While the event touched on several key areas of mutual interest like peace, energy, trade, and education, one statement stood out for the innovation community in Africa: 

“Ministers took note of the adoption of the AU-EU Innovation Agenda and encouraged researchers and innovators to continue driving their scientific discoveries and innovative solutions for the benefit of sustainable economies and societies.” — Joint Communiqué, Point 15 

This single statement, though brief, carries enormous weight. It reaffirms innovation as a central pillar in Africa and Europe’s shared vision for the future and sets the tone for what could be a transformative shift in how innovation ecosystems across Africa are recognized, supported, and scaled. 

The AU-EU Innovation Agenda is a joint initiative between the African Union and the European Union that aims to foster research and innovation (R&I) in both regions, translating it into tangible socio-economic impact through products, services, businesses, and jobs. Launched in July 2023, the 10-year policy initiative is set to run through 2033. 

At AfriLabs, this is not just good news—it’s validation, an invitation to further scale our impact. We’ve long championed the power of innovation to reshape Africa’s development trajectory. As the largest network of over 500 innovation hubs across the 53 African countries, we are not only nurturing ideas but actively connecting grassroots innovation to policy and global opportunity. These hubs represent tens of thousands of startups, technologists, and changemakers who are solving real problems in climate resilience, inclusive finance, AI for education, and youth employment. In 2024 alone, AfriLabs community hubs supported over 280,000 innovators, contributing to the mobilization of tens of millions of dollars in early-stage investments across the continent. 

The AU-EU Innovation Agenda directly aligns with what we do daily: 

Innovation to us is a Diplomatic Priority. The inclusion of innovation at the ministerial level signals a policy shift—one where researchers, technologists, and entrepreneurs are not just problem-solvers but key development actors. It’s a clear message: Africa’s future will be built not only in government offices and boardrooms, but also in co-working spaces, tech labs, community hubs, and green innovation centers.  

What’s different now is that the political signal is stronger than ever. For the first time, African innovators are being formally acknowledged in joint policy declarations as essential contributors to sustainable development. This isn’t just a symbolic nod, it’s a structural shift. The future of Africa won’t be decided in isolation from its innovation ecosystems. It will be co-designed with them, in collaboration with institutions like AfriLabs. 

This moment also reinforces AfriLabs’ moonshot ambition: to catalyze a $1 trillion digital economy in Africa. This isn’t just a lofty target—it’s a continental imperative. By driving digital innovation across sectors, AfriLabs aims to tackle Africa’s most pressing social, economic, and environmental challenges while unlocking inclusive growth for all. From fintech to agri-tech, health innovation to climate solutions, the digital economy represents Africa’s next great leap and AfriLabs is building the infrastructure, partnerships, and policy environment to make it possible. 

What’s Next? Nairobi 2025 – Africa’s Innovation Future 

And as momentum builds from Brussels, all roads now lead to Nairobi, Kenya, where from October 7–9, 2025, AfriLabs will host the AfriLabs Annual Gathering 2025, themed Africa’s Innovation Future: Policy, Partnerships, and Progress. The Gathering will bring together policymakers, government leaders, development partners, researchers, hubs, entrepreneurs, investors, innovators and multilateral institutions to translate the AU-EU Innovation Agenda from a declaration into implementation. It’s where frameworks will meet funding, and bold ideas will find the support to scale across borders. 

The gathering will provide a platform to explore: 

This is the platform where the next phase of Africa’s innovation narrative will unfold with shared lessons, continental ambitions, and global partnerships. Whether it’s building AI governance frameworks, advancing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) through digital commerce, or boosting youth innovation, Nairobi 2025 will be a defining moment.  

And importantly, how African innovators can lead—not follow—on the global innovation stage. 

A Call to Innovators, Policymakers, and Partners 

The AU-EU Innovation Agenda is a blueprint—but we must bring it to life. AfriLabs is ready to lead, convene, and co-create the future of innovation on the continent. If you’re an innovator, we’re your community. If you’re a policymaker, we’re your ally. If you’re a partner, we’re your gateway to grassroots impact. 

Because Africa’s innovation future is not a possibility. It’s already unfolding and AfriLabs is proud to be at the heart of it. 

For more information about AfriLabs Annual Gathering 2025 please visit https://afrilabsgathering.com/  and to learn more about AfriLabs work visit www.afrilabs.com  
📨 Get involved or collaborate by reaching out to: [email protected]