24 April 2024. Access Agriculture announced the release of its new book “Young changemakers,”
which offers a rich diversity of perspectives and insights
from real-life experiences of 42 inspiring teams of
youths in Africa and India who are blazing a trail as
private extension and advisory service providers
promoting agroecology through farmer-to-farmer
learning videos.
Each of the deeply compelling stories presented in this
book spark new ideas on how young people can drive
change and create sustainable jobs that contribute to
more resilient food systems.
The stories reveal not only the passion, motivation,
creativity and commitment of the young changemakers
to promoting agroecology and sustainable agricultural practices, but also their ability to turn
their challenges into opportunities. Their impact in their communities has been profound, as
evidenced by the success stories shared in this book.
From 2019 onwards, the organisation has empowered over 120 teams of young Entrepreneurs for Rural Access (ERAs) across 17 countries in Africa and India. Its coaching and support have been instrumental in providing the ERAs with the skills and resources needed to succeed in their endeavours.
These ERAs have been equipped with a solar powered smart projector – containing a vast library of more than 270 videos in over 100 languages – which enables them to disseminate knowledge on agroecological practices to farming communities.
Targeting their services to schools, rural clinics, youth clubs, farmer organisations and
refugee settlements, over three years the ERA teams presented in the book screened
agricultural training videos to nearly 200,000 people, of whom 60% were below the age of
35.
Young changemakers provides valuable takeaways for both aspiring and existing agripreneurs and is sure to resonate with all those who wish to support and expand this unique model of young digitally equipped extension and advisory service providers in driving meaningful change in agriculture and food systems.
Women and poor smallholder farmers in many developing countries across regions continue to face challenges in accessing good quality seed of preferred varieties at the time and place they need, due a range of challenges and barriers.
The Africa Seed Access Index (TASAI) will present on a newly developed indicators of inclusive access, primarily interpreted as access by women and youth, to quality seed of preferred varieties.
ASBP is a continental program that frames the development of the seed sector in Africa. ASBP was developed under the auspices of the African Union (AU) with substantial support by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). It is designed to contribute towards agricultural transformation, economic growth, food security and nutrition and overall prosperity in Africa.
FARA’s Institutional Capacity & Future Scenarios Cluster Lead and African Seed and Biotechnology Partnership Platform (ASBPP) coordinator under the auspices of the African Union, Dr. Abdulrazak Ibrahim, facilitated the 2nd ASBPP General Assembly.
This collaborative effort, led by ASBPP under the purview of African Union‘s Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment DARBE -AUC, AUDA-NEPAD, FARA, and the Wageningen Center for Development Innovation (WCDI) of Wageningen University & Research, brought together 120 stakeholders from across Africa’s seed sector.
25 April 2024. 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM. Brussels. TP Organics Soil health and global food security: Research & innovation for productive and sustainable agriculture.
The event will feature presentations and discussions on practical approaches to integrating biological inputs into farming practices, drawing insights from experiences in both the European Union and Africa.
Herman Van Mellaert, President at International Biocontrol Manufacturers Association (IBMA), the voice of the Biocontrol technologies industry, will give a key-note speech setting the scene, introducing the topic of biocontrol and why it is crucial for sustainable agriculture, while also presenting the activities of IBMA: Keynote: Biocontrol – green innovative and effective
technologies for sustainable agri-food
Lakshmi Manavalan, Senior Program Officer at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, will showcase projects and practices the Gates Foundation has carried out, applying biocontrol technology in different scenarios. Overview of importance of biofertilizers, Gates
investments in this area and the need for more investment
Stefaan De Neve, professor at Ghent University, will share insights from his research on soil nutrients while also raising the critical question of sourcing nitrogen in the future, when there will be no more mineral fertiliser produced. Scientific research on soil nutrients and challenge of
replacing mineral nitrogen fertiliser.
Raveendran Muthurajan, Director of research at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), will delve into TNAU’s research and case studies on biocontrol and agroecology from an Indian point of view. Barriers to adoption and TNAU’s projects on biostimulants efficacy testing from South Asian perspective
Bernard Vanlauwe, R4D Director at IITA, will present their current research project in Nigeria. Future research needs for product development and
current research projects of IITA, the lead research partner
facilitating agricultural solutions in the Sub-Saharan region
Panel discussion: Barriers to and options for uptake of
biocontrol and biostimulants as well as future research needs
for sustainable and productive agri-food systems at EU and
international level
Klaus Berend, Deputy Director General for Food Sustainability at DG SANTE, European Commission, will join the high-level panel debate and bring in the policy perspective.
Gisela Quaglia, Research Programme Officer at DG AGRI, European Commission, is specialist for biocontrol and bio-pesticides and fertilisers and related research topics under the Horizon programmes.
Inge Van Daele, Portfolio and ESG Manager at Aphea.Bio, will present this Belgian technology platform dedicated to food security and ensuring a safe and healthy food chain.
Funded by the European commission, the "Sustainable Agrifood System Intelligence – Science-Policy Interface Initiative (SASi-SPi)" will present a food system perspective on the debate surrounding the use of fertilizers, soil health, and food security in Sub-Saharan Africa. This InfoPoint Conference aims to contribute to the discussions planned in the African Union Summit on Fertilizers and Soil Health (Nairobi, May 7- 9, 2024).
The Agrinatura-led SASi-SPi will share preliminary findings of an ongoing study that uses a systemic approach to look at the fertilizers and soil health topics, with a focus on the following issues:
While integrating agroecological approaches with synthetic inputs is essential, the optimal combination of fertilizer use and agroecological practices depends on local soil conditions. Agroecological practices are all the more necessary as the soil is degraded.
The average productivity of fertilizer is greater in Africa than in the rest of the world. Some rebalancing would probably also yield aggregate environmental benefits.
The key driver for increased and sustained productivity is the effective demand for food and its impact on crop profitability which ensures the incentives for farmers to invest in soil health and fertilizer.
This InfoPoint Conference will gather researchers, policy-makers, agri-food systems actors and look from a new perspective at the role of fertilizers in increasing agricultural productivity in sub-Saharan Africa:
Why is their role in food security such a pressing and debated issue?
What are the relevant agronomic, socio-economic, and policy challenges at stake?
How do we deal with such challenges from a policy-making perspective?
How evidence can be helpful to inform decision-making?
The challenges assessed in SASi-SPi research are prompting Africa to envision its own pathway for sustainable agri-food system development. African policymakers are undeniably grappling with these immense challenges as they determine the types of intensification suited to each context and explore diverse strategies to feed a growing population better. African policymakers also weigh the short and long-term trade-offs of agri-food systems while addressing their impacts on sustainability.
In this regard, SASi-SPi is developing an agri-food system approach where the often conflicting objectives, key sustainability issues and interactions of agri-food system components are considered. Speakers
Leonard MIZZI, Head of Unit, INTPA F3, Sustainable agri-food systems and Fisheries
Christophe LAROSE, Head of Sector, INTPA F3, Sustainable agri-food systems and Fisheries
Nuno Santos, Deputy Director (Business Development), FAO Investment Centre
Dr Godfrey BAHIIGWA, Director of Agriculture and Rural Development, African Union Commission
Marie-Claire KALIHANGABO, Coordinator, African Fertilizers Financing Mechanism, African Development Bank
Dr Million BELAY, General Coordinator, African Food Sovereignty Alliance
Lulseged Tamene Desta, a Principal Scientist at the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, will discuss the development and impact of the NextGen agro advisory system, which significantly enhances soil health and crop yields through targeted fertilizer recommendations.
Anirudh Keny from Boomitra will showcase how AI is a game-changer in optimizing soil carbon sequestration, enabling even the smallest farms to contribute to the carbon market and fostering a healthier planet.
Alesha Miller, Chief Strategy Officer, Digital Green
Katie Kennedy Freeman, Senior Agriculture Economist in the Agriculture and Food Global Practice in the West and Central Africa region at the World Bank.
Improving packaging systems will contribute to strengthening the entire food supply chain, improve the competitiveness of enterprises and benefit all food chain actors and consumers.
The need for efficient supply chains and logistics systems which ensure timely and cost-effective delivery of packaged goods remains a complex task.
More and more packaging is no longer considered as a cost item by businesses but as an investment which adds value to the finished product. This is crucial as a consumer’s decision to buy is made largely by looking at the packaged product, and consumers are captivated by unique products.
Appropriate packaging has a significant impact in improving food quality and safety, thereby reducing food losses, whilst enhancing the competitiveness of Africa’s agro-enterprises and boosting trade. Furthermore, packaging plays a key role in improving the marketing of produce and is an important part of a strategy to enhance competitiveness of agro-SMEs.
To reducing the overall environmental impact of food packaging systems, the continent should also consider the environmental impact of the packaging material itself.
African enterprises must lead in green packaging. To achieve this, they will need facilities to test new packaging designs, information platforms to inform processors about available materials and equipment, and advisory support services to help enterprises adapt production and product design to reduce costs, waste and pollution.
Also, there is a need to attract investors to develop scalable and recyclable packaging manufacturing facilities.
Speakers:
Highlights
Phronesis Foods is a food processing hub, dedicated to providing food processing mechanization and automation equipment and resources to small businesses in Nigeria. Phronesis Foods provides food processing equipment to control food waste in the communities. Phronesis Foods also maximizes local raw materials by creating new food products from them.
Institute of Packaging Professionals Kenya (IOPPK) The main focus is to enhance the skills of packaging professionals by imparting current knowledge and expertise in packaging technology, science, access, and engineering. The ultimate goal is to improve the competitiveness of packaged products in both local and export markets by optimizing the supply and demand chains across all industries.
to bring to the attention of African states the role that packaging can play in addressing some of the continent's major development challenges.
to build packaging capability in Africa by promoting and maintaining the status and business of those engaged in packaging, and by the recognition of packaging as a profession, this to be achieved by international collaboration, and by establishing, publishing and disseminating educational standards and training information, examinations, and the awarding of bursaries and qualifications as may seem appropriate from time to time;
to encourage the competitiveness of African exports by assisting where possible in the improvement of product presentation through effective packaging;
to promote and support the packaging industry as represented by its members and to serve as a forum for discussion and exchange of knowledge between its members and other organisation or persons interested in packaging
This new packaging awards programme is designed to showcase the very best of the African packaging industry. The AfriStar Awards are introduced as a pan-African Awards programme alongside the established Gold Pack Awards. Entrants who wish to only participate in the AfriStar Category of the Gold Pack Awards are not required to pay any entrance fee.
The special AfriStar Category will be judged in two parts - 1. Packaging entries from anywhere in Africa but outside of South Africa 2. Entries produced in South Africa specifically for markets in Africa but outside of South Africa.
The VACS represents the latest wave in the global attempt to firmly integrate the forgotten/ indigenous food opportunity into the food system. The Africa Community of Practice on Forgotten Food was established following the UN Food System drive; this has laid the foundation to ride on for the integration of forgotten foods; it has developed the Africa Manifesto on Forgotten Food in alliance with AU led Africa Common Position on the Food System.
The VACS CoP is the global community and will integrate and strengthen the existing Africa CoP by providing opportunity to align with a global movement on the same subject.
VACS is a global movement that aims to foster more resilient food systems by focusing on the fundamentals of food security: --adapted crops and healthy soils.
VACS was launched by the U.S. Department of State, the African Union (AU), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO), and the International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD).
VACS seeks to boost agricultural productivity, nutrition, and farmer livelihoods through diverse, climate-adapted crops grown in healthy soils, and by promoting land use and management decisions to ensure that soils will be conserved for the nutrition of future generations.
VACS provides a unified investment framework for stakeholders to advance these goals.
VACS prioritizes nutrition as the endpoint for resilient food systems.
The Webinar offer an opportunity to understand the VACS and leverage the global movement in the direction of Africa's interest. We will have the opportunity to influence how VACS should run in Africa through the engagement.
This webinar delved into the critical tipping points in soil erosion and their implications, particularly in regions of the global south where the impacts are currently most pronounced.
A recording will be available after the event.
The Tipping points discussion series supports efforts to increase consistency in of tipping elements in the scientific community, develop a research agenda, and design joint experiments and ideas for a Tipping Element Model Intercomparison Project (TipMip).
The objective of this conference is to bring together researchers, teacher-researchers, students, experts and professionals to present the latest scientific results and discuss the challenges and opportunities for sustainable agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa.
Organized by the Institute of Research for Development (IRD), the Senegalese Institute of Agricultural Research (ISRA), the Center for International Cooperation in agronomic research for development (CIRAD), the Agricultural Prospective Initiative and rural (IPAR), the “Dynamics for an Agroecological Transition in Senegal” (DyTAES) and their partners, with the support of the African Center of Excellence in Agriculture for Security food and nutrition (CEA AGRISAN) and the French scientific committee of the desertification (CSFD), this international scientific conference will allow researchers and researchers, as well as civil society to discuss the challenges and opportunities of a sustainable agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa.
This session presented research results on alternative agricultural and pastoral practices and on the responses provided by these practices to global issues and the needs of farming communities. Particular attention was paid to alternative practices allowing adaptation to the effects of climate change in the region, in particular the management of the health of soils, plants, animals and that of water resources. This session will also question the capacity of alternative practices for controlling greenhouse gas emissions, particularly through their potential for carbon sequestration in soils and vegetation.
This session highlighted approaches that have integrated from their initiation a diversity of actors in the search for sustainable alternatives, in particular through innovative methods of co-design and consultation (living labs, collaborative or participatory research platform, modeling support, deliberative approach, etc.)
This session discussed the latest advances in terms of knowledge on agricultural and livestock techniques or practices, social arrangements and public policies which respond through agroecology to questions of sustainability on a scale. local, territorial, or national. It involved assessing the impact of these possible transformations on renewed food sovereignty policies.
Application des images drone en RGB et de l’Intelligence Artificielle (IA) pour dénombrer les pieds de mils et estimer leur taux de couverture à l’échelle de parcelles dans un système agroforestier dominé par Faidherbia albida.Niang A. et al
S4-3. Deep learning approach for diagnosing and estimating the severity of mango diseases in developing countries : the case of Senegal. Faye D. et al
S4-4. Spatial Characterization of Agroforestry System Performance in Faidherbia/Pearl Millet Intercrops Using a Probabilistic Atlas of UAV Data. Diene S. et al
S4-12. Association cultural mil-niébé comme défit de l’intensification agroécologique au Sénégal : capacité du modèle STICS à simuler ces performances agronomiques. Senghor Y. et al
S4-11. Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) sur l’Agroécologie adapté au contexte de l’Afrique de l’Ouest : outils numérique efficace pour appuyer la transition agroécologique. Sall SN. et al.
Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) on Agroecology specific to West Africa(page 115 of the programme) - MOOC sur l’Agroécologie adapté au contexte de l’Afrique de l’Ouest : outils numérique efficace pour appuyer la transition agroécologique
For a better understanding and good use of agroecological techniques and meeting the challenge of the agroecological transition, it is necessary to innovate and adapt information and sharing systems of knowledge on agricultural practices, agri-food systems and sectors, the orientations of the research, initial and continuing training for actors in the agricultural and rural world, and the system support for farmers (the agricultural council). For this, the use of tools to strengthen The most accessible and least expensive capacity will better satisfy stakeholders. Among these tools, there are training courses accessible everywhere (online), free and very interactive which are MOOCs (Massive Open Online Course).
Agroecology is above all diversity, a diversity of ways in understanding and construction of agroecological systems, in the analysis and implementation of principles. This is why the Agroecology MOOC in West Africa takes into account the contexts regional know-how in its application and the food system as a whole. The objective of the tool created in West Africa is to adapt the content of agroecology MOOCs to the standards of West African context, to co-create new adapted case studies and new lessons illustrating the agroecological transition and co-constructing an animation system supported by the partners. The development of the MOOC Agroecology specific to West Africa constitutes a real opportunity in capacity building for teaching staff, students and development stakeholders agricultural, and thus an important lever to support the sustainable intensification of its production systems agricultural.
The objectives of this round table were: to take stock of experiences around the agroecological transition; to dialogue on the place of the agroecological transition in policies and expected agricultural transformations; to identify the challenges for a successful agroecological transition.
The objective of this round table is to debate: on issues of scientific diplomacy with regard to the CNCLD; on priority messages to highlight in anticipation of the next “Desertification” COP
on modalities (Policy brief) to make these messages visible.
22 - 24 April 2024. 4th AERAP Africa-Europe Science Collaboration Forum.The Forum’s core objective is leveraging digital technologies to extend the scope of scientific collaboration and ensure inclusive participation across Africa. The agenda includes discussions on significant policy frameworks and strategic plans, such as the AU-EU Innovation Agenda, the AUC Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa (2020-2030), the EU Comprehensive Strategy with Africa, and key programmes and instruments, including Horizon Europe, FP10 and the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument (NDICI). These dialogues aim to bolster sustainable development, healthcare, biodiversity, and digital advancements, resonating with the collaborative and unified approach foundational to Team Europe.
SOILL-Startup is the first in a series of support schemes for the implementation of the ambitious objectives of the Horizon Europe Mission ‘A Soil Deal for Europe’ which aims to establish 100 Soil Health Living Labs and Lighthouses (SHLLs/LHs).
The SOILL-Startup will run in 2024-2025 and aims to support and empower a growing soil health community in Europe. To this end, SOILL-Startup will provide practical support to local and regional stakeholders and capitalise learning from LLs and LHs already established. In a second phase, from 2026-2030,
SOILL will pave the way for scaling up the initiative and widening the community in the forthcoming years.
The project will set up and run an effective and transdisciplinary one-stop-shop to coordinate, support, enlarge and promote the network of 100 Soil Mission Living Labs and Lighthouses to lead the transition towards healthy soils across different settings, geographical and socio-economic contexts all over Europe.
24/04 Connecting Global Priorities: How to Build a Sustainable Long-term African-European Partnership for Renewable Energies?
Sigfried Tivana – Department of Science and Technology, South Africa
Effective delivery of innovative science and technology solutions to reinforce the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Agenda 2063, and to eradicate poverty in Africa
The Sixth African Science, Technology and Innovation Forum (ARSTIF) was held from in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The ARSTI Forum reviews SDGs selected the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) which for 2024 will include Goal 1 (Poverty), Goal 2 (Hunger), Goal 13 (Climate Change), Goal 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) and Goal 17 (Partnership for the Goals) and the corresponding goals of Agenda 2063.
The theme of the sixth African Science, Technology and Innovation Forum was “Effective delivery of science, technology and innovation solutions to reinforce the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Agenda 2063, and eradicate poverty in Africa”.
21/04 Policy dialogue on building inclusive, effective and accountable institutions in
the fields of science, technology and innovation (Goal 16) for integrated climate
action (Goal 13) in Africa
This session looked at how Africa can build inclusive, effective and accountable STI
institutions that can tackle the challenges posed by climate change. How can our
traditional hierarchical institutions be transformed to create open spaces for debating,
sharing views, asking questions and for continuous searching for solutions to climate
change? How and where should Africa direct its human capital development, and
investment in R&D, innovation, entrepreneurship and industry to make major
contributions in addressing climate change to achieve sustainable development? What are
the emerging practices, evidence and solutions that can be scaled up in Africa?
Moderator: Inter-regional advisor, UNECA, Frank Rutabingwa
Future Earth Africa Hub Leadership Centre, University of Pretoria, Dr.
Daniel Nyanganyura.
CEO - Research and Community Engagement Affairs, Ministry of Education,
Ethiopia, Dr. Solomon Benor,
President, African Materials Research Society, Senegal, Professor Balla Diop
Ngom
Director, Science and Technology Policy Research Institute, Ghana, Dr.
Wilhemina Quaye
Research and Policy Officer, South Africa Climate Action Network,
Moliehi Mafantiri
21/04 High-level policy dialogue on building capacity in science, technology and innovation to eradicate poverty (Goal 1) and hunger (Goal 2)
This session explored elements that have kept both the number of poor and hungry
people in Africa high; measures to address food availability, accessibility and businesses
that create real paying jobs to create wealth; the potential rise of agro-processing
industries as well as inputs (e.g. fertilizer, animal feed, energy producers) in reducing
production costs and diversifying exports among other policy measures. It also
addressed the importance of human capital development, knowledge and innovation in
meeting both goals.
Moderator: Coordinator, African Materials Research Society, Samuel Chigome
Minister of Agriculture, Ethiopia, Hon. Ato Girma Amente
Minister of Planning and Development, Ethiopia, Hon. Dr Fitsum Assefa Adela
Director, Multilateral Cooperation and Africa, Department of Science and Innovation, South Africa, Mandry Ntshani
Government Affairs and Public Policy, Public Affairs Manager, Google SSA, Alex Nyingi
Senior Private Development Sector Specialist, World Bank, Alejandro Espinosa-Wang,
President, State University of New York Polytechnic Institute, United States, and Founder, African Materials Research Society, Prof. Winston Oluwole Soboyejo virtual
Director AU Global Office and Representative to the AUC and UNECA, WFP, Dr Hameed Nuru
Director of East and Southern Africa, IFAD, Ms. Sara Mbago-Bhunu (Virtual)
Director for East and Southern Africa, UNFPA, Ms. Lydia Zigomo (virtual)
SDG Integration Advisor for the African Region, UNDP, Dr Frederick Mugisha
22/04 Policy dialogue on using the African Continental Free Trade Area as a
springboard for the development of science, technology and innovation. Video @07:02:03
This policy dialogue addressed, among others, the role science and innovation is
or should play in the operational phase of the AfCFTA; determine what policy
interventions are required, especially at regional and national levels to unlock the
opportunities presented by the operationalization phase for STI; and unpack at a
practical level how different aspects of the operationalization phase may be
monitored.
Moderator: Director Africa Multilateral Cooperation, Department of Science and
Innovation, South Africa Ms Mandry Ntshani
South African Research Chair in Industrial Development, University of
Johannesburg, South Africa, Professor Fiona Tregenna (Online)
Trade Attaché (Counsellor) and Senior Trade Negotiator to the AfCFTA, Embassy
of the Republic of Angola in Accra, Ghana, Mr Rui Livramento (Online)
Head, Science, Technology and Innovation Policy and Partnerships, African
Academy of Sciences, Kenya, Nkem Khumbah
Portfolio Manager, Technology Innovation Agency, South Africa, Dr Tozamile
Rubuluza
Chief Scientific Officer, Tokabio, South Africa, Dr Phiyani Lebea
22/04 Leveraging the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable
Development to promote science, technology and innovation in Africa
The session discussed strategies for strengthening STI education, training, and
research infrastructure in Africa to build a skilled workforce and promote
ECA/STIF/2024/INF/2
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knowledge creation and dissemination; explore initiatives to support the growth
of innovation ecosystems in Africa, including incubators, accelerators, and
technology parks, to foster entrepreneurship, technology transfer, and
collaboration between academia, industry, and government; identify priority
areas for STI intervention to address key societal challenges in Africa, such as
healthcare, agriculture, energy, and environmental sustainability and discuss
innovative solutions and partnerships to drive impact at scale; examine the role
of digital technologies, including artificial intelligence, big data, and blockchain
in accelerating STI and promoting inclusive development in Africa; and discuss
strategies for harnessing the potential of digital innovation
Moderator: Chief of Basic Sciences, Research Innovation, and
Engineering Section, Natural Sciences Sector, UNESCO, Ms Amal Kasry
Keynote speaker:
President of UNESCO General Conference, H.E. Amb. Simona-Mirela
Miculescu
Assistant Director-General for Natural Sciences (UNESCO), Lidia Brito
Executive Director, African Academy of Science, Kenya, Dr Peggy OtiBoateng (online)
Chinese Academy of Science and Technology for Development,
Secretariat, International Research and Training Center for Science
and Technology Strategy under the Auspices of UNESCO
(CISTRAT), Dr. Yang Jing
Director, Future Africa and Strategic Advisor on Transdisciplinarity
and Global Knowledge Networks, University of Pretoria (tbc),
Heide Hackmann (online)
Member of the Steering Group of the Earth-Humanity Coalition, Professor of Earth Politics, Faculty of Humanities, University of Cape
Town, Prof. Lesley Green
Manager, Emerging Markets Public Affairs, Google, Alex Nyingi
Scientific Research Advisor to the Minister of Higher Education,
Scientific Research and Technological Innovation, Republic of the
Congo, Gabin Dimitri Ngantso, (tentative)
22/04 Partnership in Action: Closing Funding Gaps to Accelerate Sustainable
Development, the African Union-European Union Innovation Agenda
Co-chair: EU Delegation to the African Union, Dr Laurent Bochereau,
General scene-setting: The AU-EU Innovation Agenda
Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology & Innovation, African
Union Commission, H.E. Prof Mohamed Belhocine
Sub session 1: How can STI4SDGs roadmaps help to mobilise and effectively
guide STI investments decisions towards the most pressing SDGs?
Introduction: Team Leader, Joint Research Centre, European Commission, Dr
Angela Sarcina,
Assistant Director-General for Natural Sciences, United Nations Educational,
Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Ms Lidia Arthur Brito
Director Science and Technology Policy Research Institute, Republic of Ghana,
Dr. Wilhemina Quaye
Head of Science, Technology Development and Outreach Department at
National Council for Science and Technology (NCST), Republic of Rwanda, Mr
Louis Sibomana
Director General, Division of Science, Technology and Innovation, Ministry of
Investment, Entrepreneurship and Industry, Republic of Seychelles, Ms Cynthia
Alexander
Director of the Transformative Innovation Africa Hub (TIAH), University of
Pretoria; Director of the Africa Transformative Innovation Policy Consortium
(TIPC) at the University of Sussex Science Policy Research Unit (SPRU), Mr
Daniel Chux
Moderator: Scientific Affairs Officer, United Nations Economic Commission for
Africa (UNECA), Dr Victor Konde,
Sub session 2: How can the Innovation-Agenda help innovators access
finance and grow their activities faster and in a more sustainable way?
Introduction: Director for Africa Multilateral Cooperation at the Department
of Science and Innovation, Republic of South Africa, Ms Mandry Ntshani,
Officer at ENRICH in Africa, Ms Mélanie Mwangi.
Founder of Angular Creative Labs, Mr Thato Kasongo,
Founder of Mawejje Creations, Mr Dimma Mawejje Muhammed,
Founder of YEWGlobal & ELO Petroleum, Ms Edma Lawer,
Founder and CEO minoHealth AI Labs, karaAgro AI, Runmila AI Institute,
Gudra AI Studio, Mr Darlington Akogo
Co-founder of BACE Group, Ms Charlette N’Guessan,
Moderator: Expert for GMES & Africa Program African Union
Commission, Dr Taibou Ba
Sub session 3: How can innovation funders mobilise the AU-EU
Innovation Agenda to identify bankable and truly innovative projects?
Introduction: Director of Science Technology and Innovation in the National
Council for Scientific Research and Technologies (CNRST), the People's
Democratic Republic of Algeria, Prof Mokhtar Sellami,
Founder of VC4A, Mr Ben White,
VC4A is the leading platform supporting entrepreneurs, mentors, investors and business professionals, strengthening the startup community in Africa, Latin America and beyond.
He mentioned the African Early stage investors summit 2024 (November Cape Town South Africa)
Advisor on Economic Integration, Office of the Secretary, General of the
African Continental Free Trade Area, Dr Francis Mangeni
Country Director to Ethiopia and AU, KfW Development Bank, Mr Jonas
Dylla
Co-Founder of Villgro Africa, Dr Robert Karanja
Moderator: Science Counsellor at the Swedish Embassy in Addis, Dr
Amina Jama
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