During the Parallel Session on Day 1, which focused on Agritech: from research to practice, the panel consisted of esteemed members including Prof. Domen Mongus from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the University of Maribor, Prof. Matteo Dell’Acqua from the Institute of Plant Sciences at Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies, Yusuf Dramani, IFDC Country Director, Taibat Lawanson, Professor of Management and Governance at the University of Lagos, Ms Aline M Mugisho, Country Convener of CGIAR Nigeria, Reinout Impens, Chief Operating Officer at PRESCO, and the Moderator, Bamidele Seun Owoola, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Welcome2Africa. During the discussion, Prof. Domen Mongus, a partner in the PrAEctiCe project from the University of Maribor, presented an insightful exploration of agritech innovations. He elaborated on the practical applications of cutting-edge research in the field, using real-world examples to illustrate the implementation of digital and AI technologies in agriculture. Furthermore, Prof. Mongus highlighted the development of a comprehensive monitoring system in East Africa, which forms a part of the PrAEctiCE project. This system has proved instrumental in facilitating the transition to agroecological practices among local farmers by integrating local knowledge and data.

During the second day of discussions on successful R&D projects between the EU and Nigeria, a panel including Prof. Olusegun Oyebola from the University of Ibadan, a partner of the Incitis-Food Horizon Europe Project, Dr Maruf Sanni from the National Centre for Technology Management, Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, serving as the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions National Contact Point for Nigeria, Prof. Sylvanus Okogbenin, the Principal Investigator of the INTEGRATE EDCTP project, Prof. S.O. Ajadi from the Obafemi Awolowo University, a partner of the EmbeddedAI ERASMUS+ Project, Margherita Trestini, the General Manager of Apodissi and the Moderator Laurent Bochereau, Minister-Counsellor for Science, Technology and Innovation at the Delegation of the European Union to the African Union, showcased the flourishing research and development partnerships between the European Union and Nigeria. They highlighted a diverse range of successful projects across multiple sectors.

Margherita Trestini shared success stories of ongoing EU-Nigeria R&D projects in which Apodissi actively participates. She highlighted the PrAEctiCe project as a notable success, focusing on establishing Living Labs in three East African countries—this project centres on addressing the needs of and directly involving smallholder farmers. As the National Contact Point in Nigeria for EU-Africa Innovation and Technology programs, she invited Nigerian researchers to take advantage of Nigeria-EU Innovation Days to form strong partnerships with universities across Nigeria, Africa, and Europe. The goal is to develop successful proposals and always remember that research projects should have a clear pathway to impact.

The event hosted more than 300 participants, and the recording can be accessed at the following link.