The International Center for Energy and Environmental Sustainability Research (ICEESR) was represented at the 2026 Africa Research and Innovation Partnership (ARIP) Workshop.
The workshop brought together key and trusted African partners to establish an interdisciplinary and multi-sectoral research and innovation consortium. One of its primary objectives is to position participating institutions to design and compete for major international funding opportunities while strengthening local research and innovation capacity across various sectors.
Held on June 1, 2026, at the WASCAL Headquarters, the workshop commenced with a welcome address by Professor Emmanuel Wendsongré Ramdé, Executive Director of WASCAL. In his remarks, he reaffirmed WASCAL’s commitment to leveraging global partnerships to strengthen climate research, innovation, and sustainable development across Africa.
Professor Kirk T. Semple, University Director of International Research at Lancaster University, provided strategic insights into the Horizon Europe Africa Initiative, highlighting key programmes and funding opportunities available to African institutions.
The workshop also featured high-level technical sessions led by Dr. Akanimo Odon, Head of Africa Strategic Partnerships at Lancaster University. He facilitated discussions on Horizon Europe funding opportunities, strategies for enhancing proposal competitiveness, and collaborative approaches to addressing challenges related to climate-smart agriculture, sustainable food systems, and the water–nutrient–energy nexus in Africa.
ICEESR was represented by Professor Atim Johnson, Head of the Materials and Nanoscience Research Team. During the workshop, he reaffirmed ICEESR’s commitment to the partnership by pledging the Centre’s intellectual and research expertise to support the success of the Horizon Europe Africa Initiative and contribute to advancing sustainable solutions within the water–nutrient–energy nexus across Africa.
The workshop provided a valuable platform for fostering strategic collaborations, strengthening institutional partnerships, and exploring innovative pathways for addressing Africa’s pressing sustainability challenges through research and innovation.