At the heart of this initiative, AfriLabs plays a key role in shaping how Africa navigates its energy transition. Leading Work Package 4 (WP4), AfriLabs is at the forefront of expert engagement and co-design processes, fostering meaningful conversations that bring together researchers, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and innovators. Through structured workshops, exchanges, visits, and discussions, the organization is facilitating a multi-stakeholder dialogue aimed at creating tangible solutions for Africa’s clean energy landscape. A key focus of this work is the development of a comprehensive roadmap that will guide energy innovation across the continent. With input from leading experts, this roadmap will outline research and innovation (R&I) strategies, helping to define clear pathways for clean energy adoption. At the same time, AfriLabs is spearheading efforts to identify policy gaps and propose market-driven solutions, ensuring that African innovators are not just participants but key drivers in shaping the future of the energy sector. Through participatory labs, AfriLabs is enabling real-time knowledge exchange between African and European stakeholders, fostering cross-continental collaboration that accelerates the adaptation of proven clean energy solutions. Additionally, AU-AU study visits provide a platform for African countries to learn from each other’s successes and challenges, creating an interconnected ecosystem that is stronger together. But beyond discussions and strategic frameworks, AfriLabs is putting action at the center of the conversation. The insights gained from two pilot case studies will directly inform policies that promote sustainable energy solutions, ensuring that Africa’s transition is not just theoretical but deeply rooted in practical, scalable innovations. By leveraging its expansive network and commitment to fostering innovation, AfriLabs is not just contributing to Africa’s clean energy transition—it is actively shaping it. Through collaboration, policy advocacy, and knowledge exchange, the organization is helping to build an Africa that is energy-secure, climate-conscious, and future-ready. Landscape Analysis of AI Innovations in Africa Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping industries across the world, and Africa is increasingly emerging as a key player in this transformation. To gain a deeper understanding of the AI ecosystem on the continent, AfriLabs in collaboration with Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation embarked on a comprehensive landscape analysis of AI innovations in Africa. This project sought to map AI startups, identify key stakeholders, and assess the level of support available to AI-driven enterprises. Using a combination of primary and secondary research methods, including desk research, targeted outreach, and engagement with investors, hubs, and startup communities, AfriLabs built a robust dataset capturing the scope and scale of AI innovation in Africa. The research process engaged six AI and research experts, as well as two AfriLabs hub members who served as consultants, providing critical insights into the evolving AI landscape.
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