DIGITAfrica is building a next-generation research infrastructure to support data-intensive science, AI applications, and advanced digital experimentation across Africa; including 5G/6G networking, cloud–edge platforms, distributed testbeds, and large-scale data ecosystems.

Universities, research centers, laboratories, technoparks, enterprises, and student communities are eager to engage with this vision.

DIGITAfrica offers a structured yet flexible space for institutions and communities to follow the project, contribute insights, build capacity, and gain early access to partner platforms such as SoBigData+, SLICES, and other European research infrastructures.

Why Contribute?

DIGITAfrica is committed to creating a collaborative community of interested stakeholders. Its ambition is to:

• Facilitate engagement with DIGITAfrica’s vision, architecture, services, and roadmap
• Prepare African institutions and communities to use advanced research infrastructures
• Promote capacity building in data science, AI, cloud computing, cybersecurity, FAIR data, and digital experimentation
• Enable the exchange of needs and use-cases, ensuring that African priorities are reflected in the DigitAfrica Blueprint and PoC
• Strengthen synergies between research, innovation, industry, and scientific communities
• Stimulate early adoption and experimentation through practical, hands-on activities

Who can join?

DIGITAfrica welcomes a diverse group of stakeholders from across Africa and beyond, including:

Membership is voluntary, inclusive, and non-binding, through a simple expression-of-interest form.

Benefits of Participation

Joining DIGITAfrica offers key benefits:

• Access to infrastructure, data and training opportunities
• Participation in a continental initiative shaping digital research capacities
• Collaboration and networking with African and international partners
• Policy alignment and strategic visibility in a growing research ecosystem
• Contribution to the African Research Infrastructure (RI) Blueprint, helping define future services and priorities

How to Contribute?

Depending on their role and expertise, stakeholders may contribute to:

• Policy and governance support, influencing strategic directions
• Liaison and collaboration, connecting DIGITAfrica with relevant communities
• Technical and research input into needs, gaps, and use cases
• Service development and integration with existing infrastructures
• Capacity building and community development, including training and outreach