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Coordinated by  
Framework Partnership Agreement on Copernicus User Uptake (FPCUP)Framework Partnership Agreement on Copernicus User Uptake (FPCUP)

Copernicus SMEs – Africa

Point of contact
Robin  Faivre
Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales
18, avenue Edoaurd BELIN
31400 Toulouse
Phone: +33 5 61 28 22 54
URL: cnes.fr

Implementing Partner: CNES
Implementing Country: France Primary Topic: Copernicus in General Primary Target Users: Private Sector Primary Target Region: Africa Type of Action: National and multi-national information/training events
Action No.: 2019-3-11
Duration: Last Update:



Copernicus is a global programme that provides data all over the world in a sustainable and reliable way. Many companies and especially start-ups have developed products in various value chains, especially in Europe. Nevertheless, in order to create business growth, these companies need to find new market opportunities and bigger customers.

This Action aims at supporting the internationalization of companies having Copernicus-based products. These companies are usually small or medium sized and have not the critical dimension necessary to go international. This Action proposes to reach the objective to select between 10 to 15 EU companies in this situation (that will be selected through a Call to Tender), to help them adapting their product to the African market, and to develop a soft landing process to support them in developing business in Africa.

The companies will get access to a complete methodology, made of:

  • An initial diagnosis
  • The definition of a internationalisation roadmap
  • Access to business connection and local B2B
  • Support to travel
  • Legal support

In the meantime, trainings and workshops will be organized in the African zone to boost the local adoption of Copernicus programme and to develop awareness.  This Action will take benefit of the existing agreements between the European Commission and Africa, to develop the activity. 

So far, the 15 companies have been chosen through an open call (21 applications were received from 8 European countries) and a selection process. The programme was  officially launched on June 22nd 2021 with the participation of all SMEs and Tidane Ouattara, space expert of the GMEs & Africa programme at the African Union.

Next steps :

  • From mid-August until end of September 2021: carrying out the 2 export diagnosis for each SME
  • October-December 2021: one country roadmap will be done for each SME
  • October 2021 – May 2022: the consultancy will start with the selected country. One SME already started following the country webinars.
  • October 2021 – May 2022: following the selection of the roadmap, organization of one or two matchmaking mission. This task will also depend on the sanitary crisis.

Outputs and Results

  • 15 European companies will benefit from the Go Africa programme
  • Business connection and partnership agreements between EU and African companies
  • Organisation of 4 Copernicus events and trainings in Africa with at least 50 participants attending each event

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