REA-BRIDGE Africa

About

Led by a consortium comprised of Business France and ANIMA, the REA-BRIDGE Africa project aims to contribute to the strengthening and development of the African entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystem, while also fostering closer ties with the French ecosystem.

The project’s significance lies in establishing a harmonious community of entrepreneurial actors, forming a network of networks known as “African Entrepreneur Networks,” ranging in size from 3 to 250 entrepreneurs and spanning various sectors such as agriculture, audiovisual, and cultural industries.

These networks, initiated by entrepreneurs, NGOs, or actors within the African entrepreneurial ecosystem, operate on a peer-to-peer logic, enabling members to assist each other, engage in training and mentorship activities, share contacts, navigate support mechanisms aligned with their stage of progress, and exchange their experiences and business opportunities. Around fifteen networks have been established using this approach, through the implementation of 3-year REA FSPIs in 2020 and 2021.

Prior consultations with the African Entrepreneur Networks have revealed their requirements for connecting with the continent’s ecosystem, engaging with the diaspora, collaborating with their French counterparts, and acquiring tools and knowledge to ensure the sustainability of their efforts.

Consequently, the project equips these networks with the essential tools to energize and mobilize their members, including training and best practice exchanges through a twinning program, business meetings, participation in major events, and a mentoring program facilitated by the diaspora.

The REA theme is initiated and funded by the Fund for Solidarity in Innovative Projects, Civil Societies, Francophonie, and Human Development (FSPI) under the Directorate-General for Globalization, Culture, Education, and International Development of the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs.