IMFEST Foundation

EU Legislative Interests

IMFEST is engaged in discussions and activities related to the following EU policies and legislative initiatives: Digital Decade Policy Programme 2030 (Decision (EU) 2022/2481) Focus on digital skills, infrastructure, and digital transformation, relevant to IMFEST’s work in bridging technology and education between Europe and Africa. Virtual and Augmented Reality Industrial Coalition (CNECT-VRARCOALITION) Engagement in shaping policy frameworks for immersive technologies, including standards, interoperability, and ethical considerations in XR. International Digital Partnerships under DG CNECT Targeting cooperation initiatives between Europe and Africa in digital skills development, R&D in immersive technologies (XR, AI), and digital transformation projects. Horizon Europe – Cluster 4 (Digital, Industry & Space) Exploring funding mechanisms for XR-driven education, urban planning innovations, and sustainable tech solutions. EU AI Act (Proposal for a Regulation on Artificial Intelligence 2021/0106 (COD)) Monitoring implications of AI governance on immersive media, XR-driven education, and creative industries.

Communication Activities

IMFEST’s communication activities support key EU policies aimed at advancing digital transformation, inclusivity, and sustainable development, particularly in Africa’s tech ecosystem. These activities include a range of events, campaigns, publications, and collaborations: 1. Events IMFEST Annual Conference: This flagship event fosters cross-sector dialogue on XR, AI, and Blockchain, directly addressing the EU Digital Education Action Plan (2021-2027) and the EU Gender Equality Strategy by promoting immersive education, bridging the digital divide, and increasing women’s participation in tech. Workshops & Roundtables: In collaboration with partners like KNUST and Avans University, these sessions explore XR’s role in education and urban planning. They align with the Digital Compass – EU Digital Decade (2021-2030), where IMFEST is bridging the digital divide through R&D and women’s participation in tech, increasing cross-continental knowledge-sharing by 30% between the EU and Africa to help achieve the EU’s goal of 80% of the population having basic digital skills by 2030. FashionTech Collaboration Showcases: Events with experts like Anouk Wipprecht and AMFI (Amsterdam Fashion Institute) focus on wearable tech and cultural integration. These initiatives contribute to Horizon Europe Cluster 2, which supports cultural heritage and technology integration. 2. Campaigns Digital Literacy Campaigns: Aimed at increasing digital skills, particularly among women, these campaigns align with the EU Skills Agenda (2020) and EU Digital Education Action Plan, targeting youth and educational institutions in Ghana to promote digital empowerment. XR & Blockchain Adoption Campaigns: Showcasing IMFEST projects in urban planning, agriculture, and education, these campaigns support the EU Digital Compass and Horizon Europe by driving XR and blockchain adoption in Africa. 3. Publications Research Reports & Case Studies – Advancing Digital Skills & Industry Adoption: IMFEST will play a crucial role in connecting EU-African academics to solve global challenges and strengthen AI, XR, blockchain, and digital programs in higher education. Reports will be shared with: EU policymakers to shape future digital strategies; Tech industry leaders to foster innovation and cross-border partnerships; Investors interested in funding African-European digital projects. Policy Briefs & Position Papers: Offering recommendations on digital governance and ethical transformation in Africa, these documents support the EU Digital Diplomacy Strategy and the EU-Africa Digital Economy Partnership, advocating for fair digital practices and responsible tech development. 4. Public Speaking & Panels International Conferences & Panels: IMFEST representatives actively participate in global digital transformation discussions, presenting African perspectives in EU-led dialogues, including events tied to the Global Gateway Strategy and EU Digital Diplomacy Strategy. Webinars & Virtual Summits: Hosting online discussions with EU and African stakeholders on digital inclusion, sustainable tech, and R&D collaborations, aligning with EU goals of strengthening Africa’s digital infrastructure. 5. Collaborations with EU Partners While IMFEST is not yet formally involved in Erasmus+ or Horizon Europe’s Digital and Industry Cluster, it seeks to contribute by: Expanding XR Adoption Across Domains & Value Chains: IMFEST is exploring partnerships with EU institutions to integrate XR into urban planning, education, and industry, ensuring alignment with EU digital transformation goals. Driving International Policy Discussions on Digital Cooperation: By engaging in platforms like the CNECT-VRAR Coalition, IMFEST facilitates cross-border knowledge exchange, influencing policy, training programs, and research in AI, XR, and blockchain.

Interests Represented

Does not represent commercial interests

Member Of

Currently, I'm a member of CNECT-VR AR COALITION. Below is the link to the websites of the partners who contribute. https://imfest.org/#partners

Organisation Members

The link for the members can be found below. https://imfest.org/about-us

Additional Information

Moving forward, despite limited resources, the founder’s full financial commitment and volunteer support in Ghana & Europe enabled IMFEST’s success. The foundation continues this model while actively seeking sponsorships, grants, and partnerships to expand and sustain its impact. IMFEST aims to scale its initiatives, optimizing costs through strategic collaborations and funding opportunities to drive long-term growth and innovation.