The FCI4Africa project proudly participated in the Africa Food Systems (AFS) Forum 2025, held from 31 August to 5 September in Dakar, Senegal, as part of the broader Food Convergence Innovation (FCI) Network of Networks. This dynamic EU-funded and co-funded network unites like-minded projects that share a common mission: transforming Africa’s food systems through innovation, collaboration, and sustainability.
Joining forces with FoodSafety4Africa and INCiTiS-FOOD, FCI4Africa helped highlight how collaborative research and digital innovation are shaping Africa’s agri-food future, while empowering youth to drive meaningful change. This year’s Summit theme, “Africa’s Youth: Leading Collaboration, Innovation, and the Implementation of Agri-Food Systems Transformation”, resonated strongly with FCI4Africa’s mission to build resilient, equitable, and nutritious food systems across the continent.
Showcasing Resilient Agro-Ecosystems
Ahead of the Summit, the FCI4Africa team visited one of the project’s Use Case sites, a living example of a resilient agro-ecosystem. The site integrates poultry farming with crop cultivation of lemon, pepper, mango, okra, and maize. Supported by a solar-powered irrigation system and a screen house, the system embodies FCI4Africa’s vision of advancing both quantity and quality in sustainable food production.
Strengthening the FCI Concept
During the Summit, FCI4Africa, represented by the Project Manager Modupe Banwo (IITA) and other project partners, hosted the side event “All FCI Convening Event: Showcasing the Food Convergence Innovation Concept”. The session highlighted the core pillars of the FCI approach, designed to strengthen collaboration across sister initiatives within the FCI Network of Networks.
Dr. Miezah Kwofie (McGill University) opened with an overview of the FCI concept, laying the groundwork for cross-sectoral transformation. Dr. Benjamin Emmanuel (UniBwM and AGLOBE) and Dr. Alejandro Ortega-Beltran (IITA) shared thematic insights from their respective projects. Youth engagement, knowledge exchange, and inter-project collaboration emerged as key drivers for building inclusive and future-ready food systems.
The discussion was moderated by Professor Fadel Ndiame (FSTS) and featured a distinguished panel including Dr. Titilayo Falade, Dr. Miezah Kwofie, Dr. Emmanuel Benjamin, Dr. Rose Omari, Dr. Adama Neya, Mr. Tobi Durotoye, Mr. Emmanuel Kyengo, and Mr. Noel Mulinganya. Each speaker provided valuable perspectives on enhancing project integration, innovation, and impact across Africa’s diverse agri-food landscape.
Adding to this momentum, Dr. Simeon Ehui, Director General of IITA, delivered a powerful keynote and joined the panel, reaffirming IITA’s deep commitment to collaborative innovation for food systems transformation.
Driving Engagement and Collaboration
Throughout the Summit, the FCI Network of Networks exhibition booth attracted strong interest from researchers, policymakers, and potential collaborators. Stakeholders had the chance to learn about the different initiatives under the Network and explore opportunities for synergy and partnership.
The Summit not only amplified FCI4Africa’s outreach but also served as a strategic milestone for the FCI Network—reinforcing inter-project collaboration and paving the way for scalable, unified actions to transform Africa’s food systems.
This article was authored by IITA and edited by reframe.food. All images are provided by IITA.
