The European Commission supports the Africa Innovation Summit (AIS) (www.AfricaInnovationSummit.com)  initiative to help create an enabling environment for innovation in Africa. This is the proof of the presence today of Mrs. Maria Cristina Russo at the launch of the Summit today at Kigali as special guest.

Mme Maria Cristina Russo is Director for International Cooperation in DG Research and Innovation since July 2013. She is responsible for promoting research and innovation cooperation with international partners in order to: strengthen the EU's scientific excellence and attractiveness; foster its industrial competitiveness; tackle global societal challenges; and support the EU's external policies, including trade, development and enlargement.

During the three days Summit, the European Commission organizes a Workshop session on Creating opportunities for innovation cooperation between Africa and Europe; and a full day awareness activity " Horizon 2020 Info Day" to share with Participants the Funding opportunities for cooperation between Africa and Europe through Horizon 2020.