Continental economic integration
Resilient infrastructure, integrated markets, trade links, policy coordination and the conditions supporting responsible investment.
Programme Recorded · 2014–2020
Pan-African Programme
A guide to a historical funding framework designed to support continental and cross-regional cooperation in shared policy areas.
Recorded context: This programme period concluded in 2020. The page describes its original scope and recorded projects; it is not a current funding call.
The programme was built around initiatives whose intended value extended beyond a single country or region.
What the programme was
The historical record below separates the programme’s stated objectives from present-day funding arrangements.
Established in 2014, the Pan-African Programme was a financial instrument supporting implementation of the Joint Africa–Europe strategy. It was designed for projects with cross-regional, continental or global relevance in areas of shared interest.
The first phase covered 2014–2017. Its cooperation areas included peace and security; democratic governance and rights; human development; sustainable and inclusive growth; continental integration; and global or cross-cutting issues. The framework continued through a second phase for 2018–2020.
During that second phase, the programme grouped activity under three broad headings: political dialogue and pan-African governance; education, skills, research and technology; and continental economic integration.
For the underlying historical framework, consult the archived joint strategy document and the 2014–2017 roadmap.
Second-phase priorities
The 2018–2020 phase concentrated the programme’s recorded activity in three areas.
Investing in people
Job-oriented learning, higher education, academic mobility, research capacity, technology and recognition of skills.
Dialogue and governance
Political dialogue, institutional engagement and accountable, responsive governance at a pan-African level.
Selection logic
How added value was framed
The programme’s rationale rested on three tests. These help explain why certain initiatives appeared in a continent-wide instrument rather than a country programme.
Scale beyond one region
Projects were expected to have a cross-regional, continental or global dimension in subjects such as agriculture, environment, higher education, digital systems and research.
Shared strategic interest
Activities needed a clear connection to priorities considered relevant on both continents.
Complementary financing
The instrument was intended to work alongside other geographic and thematic funding channels rather than duplicate them.
Projects in the archive
Examples retained from the original programme page. Inclusion records historical association, not current operational status.
Integration and connectivity
View all in this area →
Africa Transport Policy Programme
Project record →
Policy and Regulation Initiative for Digital Africa
Project record →
Pan-African Statistics
Project record →
Support for sustainable livestock and livelihoods
Project record →Education, research and skills
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AfricaConnect2
Project record →
Intra-Africa Academic Mobility Scheme I and II
Project record →
Harmonisation of Higher Education in Africa
Project record →
African Union Research Grants II
Project record →Governance and institutional support
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Support Measures – Annual Action Plan 2
Project record →
Pan-African Financial Governance Programme
Project record →Recorded reading list
Programme announcements and documents should be read with their original dates and institutional setting in view.
Launch of the 2018–2020 programme phase
Historical announcement · 24 August 2018
West and Central African research and education network launch
Historical news · 12 April 2018
Continental free trade area launch
Historical news · 22 August 2018
Infrastructure reference group conclusions
Historical document · 29 August 2018
Highlights of the 2014–2017 programme
Historical publication · 10 January 2018
Conference declaration on expression and access to information
Historical publication · 26 August 2017
Programme questions
Concise answers for readers using this historical overview.
Is the Pan-African Programme still open?
This page covers the 2014–2020 programme period and should not be read as a current call for proposals. Consult the relevant issuing institutions for present funding arrangements.
What made a project pan-African?
The framework emphasised activity with cross-regional, continental or global relevance rather than work limited to one national setting.
Which priorities applied in 2018–2020?
The second phase focused on continental economic integration; education, skills, research and technology; and political dialogue with pan-African governance.
Was every listed project active for the full period?
Not necessarily. The listings record association with programme themes. Individual project pages should be checked for their own dates, scope and status.
How should the financial figures be interpreted?
They are historical programme allocations and commitments stated for specific periods. They are not current prices, offers or available balances.
Where can I report A recorded error?
Send the page title, the disputed detail and supporting evidence to the editorial contact in the footer.