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In the last few weeks, the Africa Network of Agricultural Policy Research Institutes (ANAPRI) has embarked on a series of strategic engagements across the continent, fostering partnerships, promoting collaboration, and strengthening institutional capacity to drive evidence-based policymaking in Africa’s agricultural sector. Across all countries visited, discussions focused on aligning research outputs with national policy priorities, building institutional capacity, and fostering collaboration to address emerging challenges in the agricultural sector. These visits also served as platforms to explore joint initiatives, strengthen networks, and ensure research remains relevant and actionable.
Highlights from Recent Engagements
- Ethiopia: The ANAPRI team visited the FAO Ethiopia Office in Addis Ababa to explore synergies and potential collaboration, and engaged with the AGRA Ethiopia Office to identify opportunities for co-creation. The team also connected with potential new network members to expand its reach.
- Kenya: At AGRA headquarters in Nairobi, Dr Antony Chapoto and his team met with AGRA President Dr Alice Ruhweza and senior leadership to lay the groundwork for joint solutions aimed at building resilient and inclusive food systems. They also met with Sustain Africa Executive Director Sheila Komen Keino to discuss advancing the Africa Fertiliser and Soil Health (AFSH) agenda. In addition, ANAPRI Research Director Dr Tinashe Kapuya and PE Specialist Dr Timothy Njagi participated in the Pan-African Fertilizer Association (PAFA) Technical Convening, working with stakeholders to shape a continental framework for fertiliser industry coordination and private sector engagement.
- Democratic Republic of Congo: ANAPRI visited the Institute for Economic and Social Research (IRES) at the University of Kinshasa, its member centre in the DRC. Discussions centred on enhancing IRES’s visibility and strengthening its connections with policy actors, including the Ministry of Agriculture.
- Uganda: The team visited the Uganda Agricultural Policy Research Centre (APRC), meeting with Mr Morris Ekwang, Assistant Commissioner for Policy at MAAIF, to explore ways to align research with policy needs. The ANAPRI–APRC team also met with AGRA Vice President Jonathan Said and Uganda Country Director David Wozemba to discuss implementing the AFSH Action Plan in Uganda. The meeting provided a valuable platform for deepening collaboration, aligning research with national priorities, and jointly addressing critical challenges in Uganda’s agricultural sector.
- Zambia: ANAPRI’s Finance and Administrative Manager, Kafuki Hepplethwaite, participated in the ABSA Zambia Inspire Me Conference, which focused on empowering professionals and entrepreneurs with tools for growth and sound financial management.
Through these engagements, ANAPRI continues to strengthen institutional partnerships, foster collaboration, and champion knowledge-driven agricultural policies. The momentum from these visits underscores a key principle: sustainable agricultural transformation in Africa depends on partnerships, a shared vision, and the capacity of institutions to deliver lasting change for farmers and food systems.
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