REA-BRIDGE Africa

The REA-BRIDGE Africa project is a platform for African Entrepreneurial Networks (REA), initiated by the Presidential Council for Africa. It connects 16 REAs funded by the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs in Burkina Faso, Burundi, Central African Republic, Côte d'Ivoire, Kenya, Gambia, Ghana, Madagascar, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Uganda and South Sudan.

The purpose of the project is not only to stimulate connections between the 16 REAs, but also to support start-ups that are members of the networks. The project has three main components :

• Facilitating the "network of networks" and creating links between REAs;
• Structuring REAs and helping them to sustain their impact;
• Strengthening ties with French stakeholders and the diaspora.  

To achieve these objectives, the consortium, led by Business France and ANIMA, proposes:

• For the networks: training (member engagement, business model and funding mobilisation, network evaluation indicators, etc.); a peer-to-peer learning programme (twinning) and networking opportunities with the African and French ecosystems.
• For their members: a mentoring programme by the African diaspora and opportunities to connect with the French market (meetings with French SME delegations, immersion missions, participation in major events such as Ambition Africa or Emerging Valley).