PRICNAC project in Central Africa; 158 solutions developed across six countries.

PRICNAC project in Central Africa; 158 solutions developed across six countries.

Promotion of Research, Innovation and Digital Culture in Central Africa - International Partnerships

Project duration: 5 Jan 2021 - 4 May 2025

Secondary and tertiary education providers across Central Africa have adapted their training to include skills-based learning, local development and digital transformation.

By strengthening the research capacities and digital skills of research centres and networks, improving the entrepreneurial and digital skills of companies and NGOs, and linking national authorities to market and educational needs, PRICNAC helped national and regional research and innovation (R&I) ecosystems become more inclusive and function more smoothly, in support of sustainable development across Central Africa.

Establishing a PRICNAC network with the active involvement of these stakeholders also contributed to the creation of strong R&I ecosystems in Central Africa.

PRICNAC aimed to strengthen research and innovation capacities in Central African countries by consolidating innovation ecosystems, productive synergies, entrepreneurship, digital technology and innovation policies in the service of sustainable development and poverty reduction. It specifically aimed to:

Implement structural activities targeting the four areas of focus of the ACP Innovation Fund and responding to the societal challenges of Central African countries.

Create a permanent PRICNAC network to strengthen links between the various innovation stakeholders in Central Africa.

Link research and innovation systems in Central Africa with those across the African continent, as well as with Europe and other developing regions around the world, with a view to sharing best practices.

Promote social, solidarity-based and inclusive entrepreneurship for women and young people in order to boost their employability and social integration.

PRICNAC conducted a wide range of activities to promote innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainable development across Central Africa, spanning sectors from digital technology and energy to agriculture and education. Activities included training, the creation of hubs, conferences, and the promotion of fundamental values such as equality, inclusion and sustainability, including:

Encouraging young researchers, entrepreneurs, and students to engage in innovative projects.

Organising conferences and events to foster youth engagement.

Workshops and Training: Conducting various workshops and training sessions to enhance the digital skills of young people.

Pre-incubation support : Providing pre-incubation support for young entrepreneurs in technology and applied research sectors.

Technological Sectors: Supporting youth self-employment in technological sectors.

Applied Research: Encouraging self-employment in applied research.

Creation of the PRICNAC network : Establishing the PRICNAC network to ensure the sustainability of initiatives.

Development and adoption of solutions

Number of solutions developed : 158 solutions developed across Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Congo, Gabon, Chad, and Central African Republic (CAR).

Sector : Solutions span digital technology, research and innovation, entrepreneurship and employability, and combined sectors.

Adoption by country : Cameroon led with 96 solutions, followed by DRC (52), Congo (6), Gabon (3), Chad (3), CAR (2), Equatorial Guinea (0), and Sao Tome and Principe (0).

Direct Beneficiaries : 1620 entrepreneurs (60% women), 627 researchers (26% women), 244 teachers (33% women), 99 civil society organisations (CSOs), 77 private companies, 60 public administrations, 23 higher education institutions, and 5 secondary education institutions.

Employment : Number of people employed by these enterprises

start-ups is yet to be determined.

Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF) – Afrique Centrale et des grands Lacs

Observatorio de Relaciones Unión Europea – América Latina (OBREAL GLOBAL)

Conseil africain et malgache pour l’enseignement supérieur (CAMES)

Association des universités africaines (AUA)

Réseau d’experts en ingénierie de la formation pour l’Afrique centrale et les Grands lacs (REIFAC)

Conseil africain et malgache pour l’enseignement supérieur

Democratic Republic of the Congo

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