Strategic EU R&I Projects for the Green Transition in the Mediterranean and Africa

The workshop focuses on strategic EU funded research and innovation initiatives supporting the green transition in the Mediterranean and Africa. By bringing together European and African institutions, project representatives and key stakeholders, the event provides an overview of current cooperation frameworks and ongoing R&I actions addressing shared sustainability challenges in these regions. The session will showcase concrete experiences from EU funded projects, highlighting how research and innovation activities are contributing to environmental sustainability, resilience and green growth across the Mediterranean and African contexts. Alongside Horizon Europe collaborative projects, the workshop will also highlight the contribution of national public investments supporting European Partnerships, including co-funded actions and joint transnational initiatives, as key enabling instruments for strengthening scientific cooperation and innovation ecosystems between Europe and Africa. Particular attention will be given to practical insights emerging from project implementation, with the aim of fostering a shared understanding among stakeholders involved in EU–Africa cooperation. Relevant examples may include national funding experiences developed through Long-term Europe-Africa Partnership initiatives (LEAPs), as well as actions supported under the Italian National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), to be further valorised within European projects and cooperation frameworks. These experiences can contribute to strengthening capacity building, technology transfer, green transition and sustainable innovation in strategic sectors connected to the Mediterranean and African dimension. Building on the experience of the 2025 workshop, the current edition maintains continuity in format while refining its focus on cooperation dynamics in the Mediterranean and Africa. By reflecting on lessons learned and emerging priorities, the workshop offers a forward looking perspective on how existing initiatives can inform and strengthen future EU–Africa research and innovation collaboration. The workshop will furthermore provide an opportunity to reflect on possible synergies between European R&I cooperation frameworks and the strategic priorities promoted under the Italian Mattei Plan for Africa, including flagship projects aimed at fostering sustainable development, scientific cooperation, higher education, energy transition, water management and innovation-driven partnerships with African countries. In this context, the event aims to promote a more integrated vision between European programmes, national investments and international cooperation strategies, reinforcing the role of research and innovation as drivers for sustainable growth, resilience and long-term Euro-Mediterranean and Euro-African collaboration.

Session Chair

Serena Borgna, APRE

Program

16.00 Welcome and Introduction
Serena Borgna, APRE
Michele Mazzola, Ministry of University and Research

16.10 Strategic priorities for EU–Africa cooperation in Research and Innovation
•    Overview of the main EU programmes supporting EU–Africa / EU–MED cooperation
•    Framing of priorities for the green transition and sustainability in the Mediterranean and Africa
•    Synergies between EU programmes and national investments supporting R&I internationalisation 
•    Opportunities connected to sustainability, resilience and green transition priorities in the Mediterranean and Africa

16.40 Italian priorities and initiatives for Research and Innovation cooperation with Africa
•    Contributions from key institutions and stakeholders
•    The role of institutional support and networks in strengthening EU–IT -Africa R&I cooperation
•    Synergies with the Mattei Plan for Africa and flagship cooperation initiatives 
•    Role of ministries, agencies and stakeholder networks

17.10 Strategic R&I projects in action: EU – IT- Africa experiences and perspectives
Showcase of 3–4 funded projects/participations with focus on lessons learned and future opportunities for EU-IT-–Africa cooperation

17.55 Conclusions and Closing