Platform for African – European Partnership in Agricultural Research for Development

Wednesday, April 24, 2024

Innovations in packaging: opportunities for African entrepreneurs and SMEs


24 April 2024.
Innovations Session n°18: Innovations in packaging: opportunities for African entrepreneurs and SMEs

Recording forthcoming

The Innovations Session n°18 organised by PAFO-COLEAD showcased innovations in packaging by African entrepreneurs.
  • 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.
  • African Packaging Organisation objectives:
    • 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

Opportunity


Promoting Packaging Excellence in Africa

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.

Previous session:

21 February 2014. The 17th session of this series launched by PAFO and COLEAD focused on "Potential of African regional markets: Successes from SMEs and Smallholders". 

Global Community of Practice on the Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils

23 April 2024
Inaugural Webinar of the Global Community of Practice (CoP) on the Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils VACS - Theme: Optimizing the Vison for Adapted Crops and Soils in 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.

Tipping points on soil erosion in the global south

24 April 2024. Webinar on tipping points on soil erosion in the global south

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). 

It is a joint activity of the Analysis, Integration, and Modeling of the Earth System (AIMES) global research project of Future Earth, the Earth Commission Working Group 1 Earth and Human Systems Intercomparison Modelling Project (EHSMIP) under the Global Commons Alliance, and the Safe Landing Climates Light House Activity of World Climate Research Program (WCRP). IIASA co-hosts the scientific secretariat of Working Group 1 of the Earth Commission and is one of the organizers of
these events.
  • Global inequalities and tipping points in soil erosion by Amaury Frankl (Ghent University)
  • Human impacts on soils: Avoiding tipping points and restoring soil ecosystem services by Nikolaos Nikolaidis (Technical University of Crete)
  • moderated by Amandine Erktan (IRD, UMR Eco&Sols, Montpellier).

Tuesday, April 23, 2024

Sustainable Intensification of Soils and Agroecosystems


23-25 April 2024
, Dakar, Senegal International Conference on Sustainable Intensification of Soils and Agroecosystems

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.


23/04 Session 1 : Des modes d’usage des terres renouvelés face aux enjeux de l’agenda 2030 du développement durable


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.

24/04 Session 2 : Co-construire et co-évaluer les futures pratiques agricoles et les voies d’adaptation des agrosystèmes : quelles méthodologies ?


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.)

24/04 Session 3 : La transition agroécologique pour plus de durabilité et de souveraineté alimentaire


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.


23/04 Table ronde 1 : Quelle transition agroécologique pour une souveraineté alimentaire en Afrique de l’Ouest ? (organisée par DyTAES)


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.


24/04 Table ronde 2 : L’intensification durable dans l’agenda de la prochaine Conférence des Parties (COP16) de la Convention des Nations Unies de Lutte contre la Désertification (CNULCD) ? Quels messages portés à la COP16 ?


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.





4th AERAP Africa-Europe Science Collaboration Forum

22 - 24 April 20244th 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.

Extract of the programme


22/04 The Vision for Africa: Realizing Our Potential through Scientific Advancement

  • Eudy Mabuza – Senior Science and Innovation Representative (SSIR) Brussels, South Africa
  • Marleen Temmerman – Agha Khan University, Kenya
  • Muhammad Sharif – Advisor Science and Technology, Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), Morocco
  • Lise Korsten – President, African Academy of Sciences (AAS)
  • Petronella Chaminuka – Agricultural Research Council, South Africa
  • Sampson Mamphweli – Head Energy Secretariat, South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI)
  • Glenda Grey – South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC)
  • Declan Kirrane – Africa-Europe Science Collaboration and Innovation Platform (AERAP)

23/04 Thematic Session 3: Green Transition: Agriculture and Food and Nutrition Security

  • Petronella Chaminuka – Agricultural Research Council, South Africa
  • Daniel Adeniyi – European Centre for Development Policy Management (ECDPM), Belgium
  • Giulia Campodonico – European Network of Living Labs (ENoLL), Soil Health Living Labs

    She referred to the upcoming conference: 25-27 September 2024 in Timisoara, Romania LIVING LABS FRONTIERS. Driving systemic change through Soci(et)al Engagement, for real impact​ 

    and to the upcoming call: HORIZON-MISS-2024-SOIL-01-09: Assessment of Soil Health in Africa (see page 295: Horizon EuropeWork Programme 2023-2025: Missions and Cross-cutting Activities #376 p.)

    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?

24/04 Science, Technology and Innovation Roundtable: Policy Perspectives

25/04 A Global Perspective: the UN’s Contribution to Science in Africa

Monday, April 22, 2024

Sixth African Science, Technology and Innovation Forum

21 - 22 April, 2024
. Sixth African Science, Technology and Innovation Forum
  • 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
  • Concept Note [English] | [French] | [Arabic]
  • Programme of work [English] | [French] | [Arabic]
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 
  • Senior Environmental Affairs Officer, TCND, ECA, Linus Mofor 
  • 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 8/11 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


Resources:


The Dashboard of initiatives contributing to the implementation of the AU-EU Innovation Agenda

Events:

Africa Early Stage Investor Summit - 7th - 9th OCTOBER 2024 | LONDON + Free access to the AFSIC African Investments Dashboard for institutional investors
Africa Early Stage Investor Summit - NOVEMBER 2024 | Cape Town, South Africa


Investing:

VC4A Mentor-Driven Capital Program in partnership with FMO Ventures - Closes April 25, 2024 - This year, in partnership with the FMO Ventures Program, the call is launched to empower 30+ mentors in each of the targeted countries: Ghana, Tanzania and Morocco.
Global Startup Awards Africa = Applications close May 5
Greentech Africa 2024 = Applications close May 10
Archipelagos Program = Applications close June 10
Africa’s Business Heroes 2024 = Applications close May 19
GoGettaz Agripreneur Prize Competition 2024 = Applications Closes June 10, 2024
Zambia Business Angel Network funding = Applications Nov 7, 2023 - Dec 31, 2024

Friday, April 19, 2024

Nourish the Dialogue: Investing in nutrition and diets as significant determinants of health

19 April 2024
. Nourish the Dialogue: Investing in nutrition and diets as significant determinants of health
  • Produced by Devex in partnership with CGIAR and IFPRI
This session will convene nutrition and climate experts to discuss the vital role of healthy diets; showcase a suite of proven solutions across the agrifood value chain for improving diets in low- and middle-income countries; and examine how best to scale these solutions so that everyone can reap the benefits of sustainable healthy diets.

Fireside chat: The importance of healthy and sustainable diets

  • Henrietta H. Fore, former Executive Director of UNICEF, former USAID Administrator and CEO & Chairman, Holsman International
  • Ismahane Elouafi, Executive Managing Director, CGIAR
  • Kate Warren, Executive Vice President and Executive Editor, Devex - interviewer

Panel conversation: Transforming food systems for improved nutrition and sustainability

  • Robert Bertram, Chief scientist, USAID
  • Geeta Sethi, Advisor and global lead for food systems, World Bank
  • Purnima Menon, Senior director for food and nutrition policy, IFPRI and CGIAR
  • Matthias Berninger, Executive vice president, public affairs, science, sustainability, and HSE, Bayer AG
  • Katherine Meighan, Associate vice president and general counsel at the International Fund for Agricultural Development

33rd Session of the FAO Regional Conference for Africa


18 - 20 April 2024
. 33rd Session of the FAO Regional Conference for Africa (ARC33) - Morocco, Hybrid Event

The 33rd Session of the Regional Conference for Africa (ARC33) put a spotlight on the FAO Strategic Framework 2022-2031 and the four betters: better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.

The conference theme was Resilient agrifood systems and inclusive rural transformation.

Documents

Extracts of the agenda - Ministerial Roundtables 

Foresight analysis: Drivers and triggers of agrifood systems transformation in Africa 

By analysing emerging technologies, climate resilience strategies, market dynamics and cultural influences, the discussion provided insights into plausible futures for agrifood systems. Emphasis was placed on the transformative potential of youth and women empowerment and the role of effective policies in guiding positive change. 

Blue Transformation in Africa: The potential of aquatic foods 

The potential of aquatic foods underscores the pivotal role of aquatic resources in reshaping the continent's economic and nutritional landscape. 

Inclusive rural transformation in Africa: Agriculture mechanization, digitalization, women and youth 

Public-private partnerships were highlighted as key enablers of inclusive rural transformation, ultimately empowering communities through a holistic approach. The roadmap includes replicable models and strategies to achieve sustainable development, ensuring that no one is left behind in Africa's journey towards inclusive rural transformation. 

Decisions of the United Nations Conference of Parties to Climate Change, Biological Diversity and Combat Desertification 

The presentations underscored the importance of indigenous knowledge, robust monitoring mechanisms and financial strategies to facilitate coordinated action. 

Agrifood systems transformation in Small Island Developing States, Least Developed Countries and Landlocked Developing Countries 

By delving into the current state, challenges and opportunities, the discussion shed light on sustainable solutions tailored to these regions. 

Livestock Development Strategy in Africa 

The Livestock Development Strategy in Africa (with the AU–Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources [AU-IBAR]) aims to transform the continent's livestock sector into a resilient and sustainable contributor to food security and economic growth. 

Financing resilient agrifood systems and inclusive rural transformation: Boosting public and private sector investment 

By exploring investment opportunities, blended finance models, and inclusive financial instruments, the discussion emphasized the collaborative efforts of the public and private sectors. The presentation showcased case studies and success stories, providing tangible evidence of the positive impact of such investments. A roadmap for sustainable financing concluded the presentation, outlining actionable steps for creating an enabling environment that fosters resilience and inclusivity in Africa's agrifood systems. 

Members’ experience-sharing on the four betters and initiatives 

This was a dedicated session allocated for experience-sharing among Members on better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind. 

The Regional Hand-in-Hand Initiative Investment 

Forum dialogue with partners The Regional Hand-in-Hand Initiative Investment Forum dialogue with partners aims to catalyse economic growth in Africa through private sector engagement and strategic partnerships. Focused on key sectors and investment opportunities, the forum explored government policies, showcase successful collaborations and present case studies to inspire actionable insights. The Investment Forum served as a milestone in the ongoing commitment to the Hand-in-Hand Initiative, fostering a collaborative approach to shape the future of Africa's economic landscape

Webcast

Ministerial Session (April 18-20 2024)

Day One


Challenges & Tools of Israel’s Agricultural Sector in Response to Climate Change (Part 3)

17 April 2024. Challenges & Tools of Israel’s Agricultural Sector in Response to Climate Change

Insurance Solutions to Assist Farmers Against the Backdrop of Climate Change
  • Dr. Muamar Haj Ihie, Director of Agricultural Insurance Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Israel


Previous webinars

10 April 2024Challenges & Tools of Israel’s Agricultural Sector in Response to Climate Change

Risk Assessment for Israel Agriculture and Adaptation to Climate
  • Yael Kachel, Senior Economist - Strategy DivisionSenior Economist - Strategy Division. Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Israel - How to Transform Agriculture in The Era of Climate Change – The Role of Government
  • Marc Perel, Agriculture Meteorologist and co-cordinator of the Agricultural Preparation Committee on Climate Change, Soil Conservation & Drainage Unit Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development - Risk Assessment for Israel Agriculture and Adaptation to Climate


3 April 2024Challenges & Tools of Israel’s Agricultural Sector in Response to Climate Change

The climate crisis is one of the biggest threats to the global economy and to human wellbeing, already taking its toll and severely affecting our ecosystems, livelihoods and food security. Considered a "desert threshold" country, Israel is expected to face impactful climate changes resulting in extensive consequences for its agricultural and water sectors, among others. In view of these facts, Israel is making important steps to assist its agricultural sector in adapting to climate change, including formulating a quantitative assessment for prioritizing and targeting preparedness policies.

  • Head of MATC/ Ministry of Agriculture Rep. Israel - A Country on the Frontline of Climate Innovation
  • Ambassador Gideon Behar, Special Envoy for Climate Change Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Israel Food Farming in Light of Changing Climate: Challenges and Solutions
  • Dr Gidon Toperoff, co-cordinator of the Agricultural Preparation Committee on Climate Change Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development


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