D1.1 Demand analysis towards DIGITAfrica

This deliverable aims: (i) to provide a comprehensive overview of the existing digital research infrastructure landscape in five African partner countries—Tunisia, Senegal, South Africa, Kenya, and Cameroon; and (ii) to capture the demand and strategic needs of the research and innovation ecosystems through stakeholder consultation. The assessment, based on desk research, surveys, and interviews, shows a fragmented RI landscape. There is growing activity in AI, data science, HPC, and IoT, but also major gaps in hardware, infrastructure, staffing, and funding. Key needs include better testbeds, connectivity, and skilled personnel. A stakeholder workshop in Cape Town (April 2025) confirmed alignment with AU’s Digital Transformation Strategy and STISA-2024. It emphasized the need for federated, accessible RIs to support cross-border collaboration. Challenges include low investment, limited AI and HPC access, weak mobility, and lack of training. There is strong demand for open science platforms, data-sharing tools, and AI-based research environments. The report provides a foundation for future phases of DIGITAfrica, outlining existing RIs, challenges, and early insights for designing integrated, user-driven infrastructures.