Africa Program

The Africa Program at IE University’s GPC is dedicated to fostering informed dialogue and research-driven insights on the African continent’s evolving global influence. By fostering collaboration with African innovators, institutions, and the diaspora, the program advances understanding of the continent’s development trajectory and contributes to sustainable, inclusive, and globally relevant policy solutions.

Our work is anchored in three key areas:

• Digital Transformation: The program provides actionable policy insights to bridge the digital divide, promote inclusive growth and ensure a resilient and equitable digital ecosystem in Africa. By exploring both challenges and opportunities in digital adoption, it guides policymakers on best practices for infrastructure development, cybersecurity, and digital literacy. Its research focuses on harnessing technology to drive economic growth and social development across the continent, fostering sustainable and impactful digital innovation.
• Energy Transition: By leveraging the strengths of both the EU and Africa, GPC’s Africa Program aims to drive mutual progress towards sustainable energy solutions. It explores EU-Africa energy partnerships, collaborative projects, funding mechanisms, and knowledge exchange initiatives. By providing policy-oriented research and solid partnerships with African partners and institutions, the program seeks to accelerate the adoption of renewable energy technologies and enhance energy security both in Africa and the EU.
• Narratives & Global Perception: The Africa Program’s research on Narratives explores how storytelling shapes Africa’s identity and global perceptions. Through the analysis of public opinion, policy decisions, and cultural understanding, the program provides policy-oriented research to craft communication strategies on Africa’s achievements and potential. It highlights the need for new, positive, more accurate and diverse representations of the African continent. The program seeks to amplify African voices and showcase the continent’s realities and aspirations, fostering a more balanced and informed global discourse.

Through academic research, thought leadership, and real-world engagement, the Africa Program generates actionable insights, empowers African-led solutions, and contributes to a more balanced and informed global conversation on Africa’s future.