Twinning Programme
The Africa-Europe Innovation Platform (AEIP) connects key players across the innovation value chain in Africa and Europe, fostering inclusive and sustainable collaboration.
The twinning programme aims to strengthen capacities among Business Support Organisations (BSOs), promote the exchange of best practices and explore opportunities for joint action.
If you are selected for participation, you will be paired with a counterpart from the other continent, EU BSOs will be matched with African BSOs, and vice versa, to build meaningful connections across innovation ecosystems.
About the programme
Each twinning pair will have the flexibility to set the objectives of their collaboration.
Activities may include:
- Knowledge sharing and peer learning.
- Co-design of incubation or acceleration programmes.
- Participation as experts in each other’s initiatives.
- Joint development of funding proposals and collaboration on future projects.
- Staff and expert exchanges to strengthen organisational capacities and foster mutual learning.
- Soft landing support to facilitate access to new African or European markets.
- Research and innovation collaboration, including knowledge transfer and research commercialisation.
- Event collaboration, such as co-organising workshops, conferences, or networking activities.
- Mentoring opportunities, where experienced Twinning participants support new partnerships.
Collaboration will primarily take place online, but the programme also creates opportunities for in-person exchanges at AEIP-organised events.
Explore the organisations currently participating in the Twinning Programme.
How it works
Express interest
Submit an Expression of Interest or mark your organisation as Open to Twinning.
Discover partners
Find organisations across Africa and Europe and connect to explore compatibility and mutual interest.
Build a workplan
Agree objectives, activities, owners and milestones.
Exchange knowledge and co-create
Develop joint opportunities, events, programmes or resources.
Share results
Document results, publish learning and continue through the Community Voices.
Join the programme
Interested in becoming an official Twinning participant?
Complete the Expression of Interest form to help us identify suitable collaboration partners based on your expertise, needs and preferred collaboration pathway.
Continue your journey
Discover stories, resources, and insights from the wider Africa–Europe innovation community.
Explore stories, lessons, and experiences from innovation ecosystem actors across Africa and Europe.
Access practical resources, reports, toolkits, and knowledge products from across the platform.