Work Packages

DIGITAfrica counts with seven Work Packages:

  • Lead: Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Italy and Université de la Manouba (Tunisia).
  • Objectives: This work package aims to identify the gaps and needs in African research infrastructures through consultations and workshops. By understanding existing capacities and shortcomings, the project can better tailor its interventions.
  • Key Tasks:
    • Task 1.1: Consultation Workshops to Engage Stakeholders. Leader: CNR.
    • Task 1.2: Analysis of RI capacities in Africa. Leader: UMA
    • Task 1.3: Identification of relevant research communities in Africa in Digital Sciences. Leader: UCAD. 
    • Task 1.4: Analysis of RI services needs at multiple scales and contexts in Africa. Leader: CNR
  • Lead: INRIA, France and University of Cape Town, South Africa 
  • Objectives: To develop a comprehensive framework and deployment strategy for the digital infrastructure, ensuring a solid foundation for the project’s success.
  • Key Tasks:
    • Task 2.1: Requirements gathering and definition/validation of needed services. Leader: UCT. 
    • Task 2.2: Link with the GreenDIGIT project to lower the environmental impact. Leader: UvA.
    • Task 2.3: Initial Design. Leader: STR. 
    • Task 2.4: Proof of concept deployment. Leader: INRIA.
  • Lead: University of Thessaly (UTH), Greece and Université Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar, Senegal (UCAD). 
  • Objectives: To finalise the blueprint for a pan-African research infrastructure that incorporates best practices for open data, reproducibility, and sustainability.
  • Key Tasks:
    • Task 3.1: BluePrint of an African RI. Leader: UTH. 
    • Task 3.2: Testing the concept of the BluePrint. Leader: UN.
    • Task 3.3: Data management and reproducibility. Leader: UvA 
    • Task 3.4: BluePrint assessment and lessons learned
  • Lead: Universiteit van Amsterdam (UvA), Netherlands and Strathmore University (Kenya)
  • Objectives: To strengthen research capacity across African institutions by providing targeted training programs and promoting inclusivity in digital sciences.
  • Key Tasks:
    • Task 4.1: Identification of the priority needs. Leader: STR. 
    • Task 4.2: Articulation with the SLICES/SoBigData Academy and TheNetworkingChannel. Leader: SU.
    • Task 4.3: Training courses, workshops, and winter/summer schools. Leader: UvA. 
    • Task 4.4: Qualifications and micro-credentials. Leader: SU.
  • Lead: Sorbonne Université (SU), France and Université de la Manouba (MA), Tunisia. 
  • Objectives: To ensure the long-term sustainability of the project through strategic planning and the establishment of a pan-African research network.
  • Key Tasks:
    • Task 5.1: High-level policy liaison and funding concept. Leader: BSC.
    • Task 5.2: Proposition of a common research agenda. Leader: CNR.
    • Task 5.3: Design study for an EU-African DIGIT RI. Leader: UMA. 
    • Task 5.4: DIGITAfrica MoU. Leader: SU.
  • Lead: Mandat International (MI), Switzerland and Université de Ngoundéré (UN), Cameroon. 
  • Objectives: To effectively communicate the project’s progress and results to stakeholders and the wider public through various channels.
  • Key Tasks:
    • Task 6.1: Communication and Dissemination Activities. Leader: MI.
    • Task 6.2: OLiaison with Regional Authorities and Recommendations. Leader: UN.
    • Task 6.3: Synergies and Dialogue with the Civil Society and Industry. Leader: MI. 
  • Lead: Sorbonne Université (SU), France
  • Objectives: To ensure efficient coordination and management of the project, covering financial oversight, risk management, and reporting requirements.
  • Key Tasks:
    • Task 7.1: Scientific and technical coordination. 
    • Task 7.2: Administrative project management
    • Task 7.3: Contractual and legal management