About OACPS R&I Programme

In a rapidly evolving world marked by scientific and technological advancements and emerging crises, research and innovation (R&I) are increasingly recognised as crucial for sustainable and inclusive development. They are essential for addressing pressing societal and economic challenges, accelerating the green transition, enhancing climate resilience and crisis preparedness, creating jobs and businesses, and reducing poverty. R&I is central to achieving all 17 Sustainable Development Goals outlined in the United Nations 2030 Agenda.

A growing number of African, Caribbean, and Pacific (ACP) countries are integrating R&I into their national development strategies. However, to maximise the impact of their R&I investments, they must improve their systems and policies, enhance skills development, and foster collaboration between R&I institutions, businesses, academia, and civil society.

Effective R&I capabilities depend on a robust innovation ecosystem, not just access to scientific knowledge. R&I should be viewed systemically, with interconnected and fully participative actors.

To explore further:

OACPS R&I Programme brochure

Actors of change

Status of R&I in ACP countries

Previous programmes in a nutshell

Other R&I related initiatives

The 79 countries of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) share significant innovative potential, which can be unlocked with proper funding and the right policy framework.

In this context, the OACPS, with support from the European Union, has launched a new programme to strengthen R&I capacity in ACP countries and unlock their innovation potential. This programme builds on the successes of previous ACP-EU initiatives in research, science, technology, and innovation.

Objectives: The programme’s main objective is to unlock the inclusive innovation potential of OACPS member countries, supporting their transition to knowledge-based economies to accelerate sustainable development and reduce poverty. It aligns with the United Nations Agenda 2030, particularly SDG 9, and contributes to progress across all 17 SDGs.

Specific objectives include:

1. Creating a conducive R&I environment in ACP countries.
2. Facilitating access to R&I knowledge, transfer, and cross-fertilization.
3. Enhancing the quality of R&I policies and systems.

Tools: The programme employs three main tools:

• An Innovation Fund to finance projects that enhance the environment for innovation, improve digital literacy, technology transfer, and promote local knowledge.
• A Policy Support Facility offering tailored services to improve the quality and efficiency of R&I policies and systems.
• A Web portal to facilitate networking, information exchange, and collaboration among R&I professionals in ACP countries.