• Youth
  • Digital

Future Africa-EU: Changing narratives and fostering Africa- Europe partnership through Digital Skills Development and Technological Innovation

  • The Africa-Europe Foundation

Share article

Register to join the youth dialogue here.

In an era where technological advancement is reshaping global dynamics, the partnership between Africa and Europe stands at a critical juncture. As outlined in the foresight document, Artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies are not only transforming economic landscapes but also presenting new security challenges and opportunities. This context calls for a renewed focus on digital skills development and technological innovation to foster a stronger, more equitable Africa-Europe partnership.

By addressing the uneven access and adoption of emerging technologies, both continents can co-create an intelligent and secure future that harnesses the positive impacts of AI while mitigating associated risks. This event aims to explore strategies for changing narratives and strengthening collaboration in areas such as cybersecurity, data protection, and the development of critical digital infrastructure, with the goal of building a more resilient and prosperous technological ecosystem that benefits both African and European nations.

This webinar is organized by the Africa Europe Foundation in collaboration with PLACE Network and is part of Future Africa-EU dialogue series.

Related content

Concept note: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development webinar

Program

Thirty young experts in community development and digital innovation will convene to discuss key themes vital to the Africa-Europe Partnership. The event aims to foster communication between the two continents through technology, business, arts, and more, emphasising collaboration to share insights and propose actionable strategies aligned with the AU-EU framework.

Experts will present facts and experiences on various themes before breaking into groups to identify challenges and urgent recommendations in an engaging manner. The webinar will conclude with an open debate to agree on key recommendations and create an outcome document for distribution among organisers and contributors.

Proposed Experts

  • Talla Ndiaye, Director of Just Digital Transformations Program . Supporting Business and Government in the Development and Implementation of Data-Driven, Digital, and Innovation Strategies.

  • Samuel Opoku Founding Partner & CEO of Start.Up Lounge Africa . Start.Up Lounge Africa is the management partner for startups and SMEs across Africa and Europe.

  • Dr. Elsa Zekeng, Founder & CEO SökerData, Appointed as one of the youngest Non-Executive Directors at three National organisations in the UK; University of Salford, Science and Industry Museum and Smart Works Greater Manchester Charity.

  • Daniel Spoiala, Head of the Data Economy Project in Senegal and West Africa Region at Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH.

  • Youssef Travaly, Co-Founder and CEO of EDPU Africa, is headquartered in Kigali and set-up to first operate locally and then across the continent as a platform for the early detection and prevention of non-communicable diseases.

PLACE Network is a Paris-based start-up that unlocks newcomer talent in Europe and matches it with economic actors in entrepreneurship, employment, public leadership, and higher education. The network works on changing the negative narrative about migrants in Europe by empowering newly arrived migrants to consolidate their place and integrate into their new host societies.