Our Pilot Regions in 3 months!
Organised by various SEADE partners
THE PROGRAMME
The SEADE Softlanding Programme supported the mobility of EU R&IID actors into pilot ecosystems, It enabled participants and researchers to explore one of our four pilot regions for three months and expand their activities in the chosen region through connections to local services, partners, customers, multipliers and events.
GHANA SF
April – August 2025
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 SF
September – December 2024
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 SF
November 2024 – Feburary 2025
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 SF
April – July 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.
TARGET GROUPS
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Researchers
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Start-ups
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Entrepreneurs
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Business Persons