This pillar aims to understand the needs of Research, Innovation, and Industrial Development (R&IID) actors using User Experience Research (UXR), Affinity Mapping, and Network Effects Mapping (NEM). It gathers data to identify themes and analyze relational bonds through interviews, workshops, and surveys. Landscape mapping and stakeholder engagement will also provide contextual insights, leveraging the consortium's expertise to enhance cooperation between Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa and improve European Commission initiatives.

This pillar leverages the existing EiAC platform to support actors in the ‘Route-to-Market’ stages by integrating relevant legacy tools and expanding its services. The platform, which currently serves incubators, accelerators, and entrepreneurs, will include a new registration environment for R&I actors called the SEADE Digital Environment. This will provide targeted activities, toolkits, resources, and programmes. Additional content like a jobs board, technology offers, and R&I funding opportunities will enhance collaboration and knowledge exchange. The platform will continuously analyze user engagement to improve its offerings and strengthen cooperation opportunities for R&IID actors.

This pillar aims to bridge market knowledge gaps for R&I actors through a structured pathway methodology. Based on EiA project insights, it offers stepped learning to build knowledge, confidence, and networks. Support tools include access to investor funding via EuroQuity and public funding opportunities like INNOWWIDE. The ‘Route-to-Market’ program consists of four steps: bootcamp trainings, webinars, and workshops; short-term Learning Expeditions for initial market exposure; longer-term Soft-Landing Programs for deeper engagement; and a Twinning Program connecting EU and SSA R&I peers. A Digital Innovation Youth Training Programme will also help young entrepreneurs transition their research into market solutions, with findings shared to support new curricula in higher education institutions.

This pillar focuses on evaluating and expanding services for R&IID actors in the EU and SSA ecosystems. Based on previous activities and the 'Route-to-Market' program, new criteria and evaluation methods will be developed to enhance service design and implementation. Success stories from R&I cooperation between the EU and SSA will be collected and promoted, with an award for the best story. New and legacy services will be piloted in four SSA regions—West Africa (Senegal and Ghana), East Africa (Kenya), and Southern Africa (South Africa)—to assess impact and gather insights for future exploitation. These efforts aim to meet identified needs and maximize the project's reach and effectiveness.