Dip Your Toes into our African Pilot Regions!

Organised by various SEADE partners

THE PROGRAMME

The SEADE Learning Expedition Programme gave EU and SSA R&IID attendees the opportunity to dip their toes into one of our four African pilot regions, their actors, markets, and success criteria. This week-long programme also connected participants with local partners, customers as well as research institutes.

GHANA LEX

30 September – 06 October 2024

Organised by hapaSpace

Ghana is rapidly emerging as a West African digital hotspot, with a GDP of around €65 billion in 2025 and a digital economy contributing about 4% of that total. Accra’s vibrant innovation hubs, combined with national initiatives like mobile money interoperability, the national ID system, and a forward-looking Digital Economy Strategy, are fueling a new wave of tech-driven growth. For investors and entrepreneurs, Ghana offers a dynamic environment where digital solutions can scale across the country and the wider region.

SENEGAL LEX

12 May – 16 May 2025

Organised by Bond’innov

Senegal is one of West Africa’s safest and connected economies – its Atlantic gateway links Europe, the Americas, and the CEDEAO (ECOWAS) market, while membership in UEMOA and AfCFTA opens even wider regional doors. The digital economy is set to reach 10% of GDP in 2025, driven by hubs in Dakar, Diamniadio and Saint-Louis, supported by major infrastructure such as the Diamniadio Digital Technology Park and the national data centre. This steadily growing digital landscape offers fertile ground for innovation.

SOUTH AFRICA LEX

27 November – 05 December 2024

Organised by Methys

South Africa is the largest economy in Africa by nominal GDP – approximately €373 billion in early 2025. Cape Town and Johannesburg serve as dynamic innovation hubs benefiting from a cluster of universities and startups such as Aerobotics, SweepSouth, and Yoco that have achieved international visibility. The digital economy is forecast to contribute between 15 % and 20 % of South Africa’s GDP by 2025. Key growth sectors include Fintech, Healthtech, AgriTech, EdTech, and GreenTech.

KENYA LEX

18 August – 22 August 2025

Organised by Methys

Kenya is emerging as East Africa’s digital powerhouse, with a projected GDP of approximately €120 billion in 2025. The digital economy is set to contribute up to 9.24% of GDP, driven by robust policy reforms and rapid adoption across sectors. Nairobi leads as the innovation epicentre, complemented by hubs in Mombasa and Kisumu. National initiatives like mobile money interoperability, the e-Citizen platform, and the Digital Economy Strategy are accelerating digital transformation, creating fertile ground for innovation.