The Alliance at the Agrifood Innovation and Partnership Forum in West Africa
On April 1st, the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT is convening a high-level strategic forum in Dakar, Senegal, to advance agrifood innovation and partnerships for impact in West Africa.
In a context marked by climate variability, land degradation, demographic pressure, and market volatility, the forum will showcase a portfolio of innovations developed and tested by the Alliance and its partners over the past five years. Delivered through initiatives such as AVENIR, AICCRA, TARSPro, ClimBeR, and the Climate Action Science Program, these solutions have already demonstrated impact in climate-smart agriculture, digital advisory services, soil and water management, climate information services, agri-nutrition, and inclusive innovation for women and youth.
The forum seeks to mobilize donors, policymakers, private sector actors, and development partners around solutions that are ready for consolidation, investment, and scaling across Senegal and the wider West African region. The Alliance will mobilize its scientists, partnership leaders, and technical experts to contribute to opening sessions, innovation showcases, high-level discussions, and strategic exchanges with institutional, financial, and private-sector partners.
Agenda
April 1, 2026
Welcome remarks
Wanjiru Kamau-Rutenberg
Managing Director, Africa, and Trustee, Bioversity International USAOther speakers: Oumou Doumbouya, Regional Partnerships Lead
Setting the scene
Robert B. Zougmoré
Director, AICCRAPresentation of the Alliance’s agrifood innovations
Latyr Diouf
PostDoctoral Fellow
Issa Ouedraogo
Senior Scientist, Country Representative for Senegal
Michael Kinyua
Postdoctoral Fellow
Wilson Nguru
Senior Research Associate
Christine Chege
Agri-Nutrition and Food Systems Scientist
Mathieu Ouedraogo
Senior Scientist
Rein van der Hoek
Livestock ScientistOther speakers: Cyrus Muriithi, Senior Climate Action Analyst
This strong representation reflects the Alliance’s commitment to connecting science, innovation, investment, and partnerships to drive transformation in agrifood systems across West Africa.