Strengthening science–business partnerships to transform agri-food systems – lessons from the AU–EU dialogues on research and innovation

Two recent events held alongside the African Union–European Union Senior Officials Meeting within the framework of the High-Level Policy Dialogue on Science, Technology and Innovation (HLPD-STI) in Brussels highlighted a key challenge: the need to better connect research, innovation and economic actors in order to accelerate the sustainable transformation of agri-food systems.

On 21 October 2025, an event dedicated to the role of AU–EU research and innovation strategies in shaping Africa’s food future brought together policymakers, researchers and private-sector representatives. Discussions underlined the importance of moving beyond knowledge production alone to foster the emergence of concrete, applicable and scalable solutions. In this context, the future AU–EU International Research Consortium (IRC) was identified as a structuring lever, provided it fully assumes an intermediary role between science, business and finance.

Several avenues were highlighted to strengthen private-sector engagement: positioning research as a response to real economic challenges, making innovations more tangible through the identification of market-ready technologies, facilitating access to finance, and demonstrating measurable value for farmers and SMEs. The creation of co-design spaces bringing together researchers, cooperatives and companies—supported by open innovation tools, investor matchmaking and innovation brokerage services—emerged as a key success factor.

These reflections were further reinforced during the EU–AU Innovation Fair 2025, held on 23 October in Brussels within the framework of the Global Gateway and the AU–EU Innovation Agenda 2023–2033. The event showcased the diversity of solutions already available—technologies, sustainable business models and circular approaches—and highlighted the potential of stronger linkages between research and market ecosystems to foster inclusive and resilient growth of agri-food systems in Africa and Europe.

The COLEAD is fully aligned with this dynamic, contributing through its programmes and partnerships – notably through programmes such as FFM+ -to bridging research, businesses and territories, and supporting the adoption and scaling-up of sustainable innovations within agri-food systems, particularly in Africa.

This activity is supported by the Fit For Market Plus (FFM+) programme, implemented by COLEAD within the Framework of Development Cooperation between the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) and the European Union. This publication receives financial support from the European Union and the OACPS. The content of this publication is the sole responsibility of COLEAD and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the European Union or the OACPS.