The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is preparing for the second edition of the African Forum for Research and Innovation (FARI), scheduled to take place in Benin in May 2025. During a recent meeting in Cotonou, the Scientific Committee and start-up jury emphasized the need for ECOWAS to enhance collaboration with its Member States to ensure FARI's success.
Key recommendations from the meeting included implementing a global communications strategy that involves national academies of science, inventor associations, and start-ups. A virtual meeting is planned for April 2025 to update information ahead of FARI-2025.
Participants were encouraged to promote FARI-2025 nationally and engage all stakeholders. The terms of reference for various panels and the work program were finalized, alongside selecting three top start-ups per ECOWAS Member State for participation in Benin.
Two potential keynote speakers from South Africa and Nigeria were identified, while confirmed participants for panels and workshops were announced. Dr. Roland Kouakou, Acting Director of Education, Science, and Culture at the ECOWAS Commission, praised the committee's efforts and reiterated ECOWAS' commitment to following the roadmap leading up to FARI-2025.
Prof. Saliou Touré, Chairman of the FARI-2025 Scientific Committee, highlighted their mission's importance in ensuring FARI-2025's success. Following this session was a meeting with Benin’s National Organizing Committee on March 20, 2025.
Koladé Josué Azandégbey assured attendees that Benin would take necessary steps to guarantee FARI-2025’s success. The forum originated from a recommendation by ECOWAS ministers on December 8, 2018.
FARI serves as an important platform within ECOWAS dedicated to science, technology, and innovation. It promotes inventions through exhibitions featuring inventors and start-ups from West Africa. Established guidelines include forming a jury and Scientific Committee responsible for organizing various phases of the event.
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