By: Daniel O. Kweitsu & Benjamin Abugri, FARA
Brussels, Belgium – The AU-EU International Research Consortium (IRC) on Food and Nutrition Security and Sustainable Agriculture (FNSSA) held its inaugural General Assembly on March 14, 2025, at the Residence Palace – International Press Centre. This landmark event marked a critical step in operationalizing the IRC, a partnership dedicated to enhancing coordination and maximizing the impact of investments in sustainable research and technological innovation within the AU-EU FNSSA framework.
Co-chaired by Ms. Bongiwe Njobe, Board Chair of the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), and Dr. Stephen Onakuse, President of Agrinatura, the assembly brought together key stakeholders from Africa and Europe. The meeting focused on establishing the governance and operational structures of the IRC, aimed at fostering collaborative research to address food security and sustainable agriculture challenges.
In her opening remarks, Ms. Njobe emphasized the importance of partnership in achieving lasting solutions. “The IRC represents a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between research and practical implementation, ensuring that our collective efforts lead to tangible improvements in food systems across Africa and Europe,” she said.
Ms. Bongiwe Njobe, addressing the general assembly
Cross section of photos of members of the IRC on FNSSA
The event also marked the official launch of the IRC, symbolizing a shift from planning to execution. Dr. Aggrey Agumya, Executive Director of FARA, expressed satisfaction with the progress made since the CEA-FIRST project began. “We have made significant strides in establishing the IRC’s functions and structures, including governance frameworks and membership calls. Today, we take another crucial step towards realizing the consortium’s full potential,” he remarked.
During the assembly, 25 organizations from Africa and Europe were inducted as full members, reflecting a growing commitment to collaboration. Dr. Irene Annor-Frempong, Coordinator of CEA-FIRST, provided an update on the progress made and the steps taken to frame the IRC. “Our goal is to create a cohesive and effective structure that supports the IRC’s mission and enhances collaboration among all stakeholders,” she noted.
The General Assembly discussed strategies for expanding membership and advancing governance frameworks. Other key objectives of the meeting included formalizing the roles of the General Assembly, Council, and External Advisory Committee; outlining plans for IRC Anchor institutions; and finalizing thematic working groups. Additionally, decision papers on governance structures, knowledge management, monitoring and evaluation, capacity building, and funding mechanisms were reviewed and ratified by the IRC members.
The event concluded with optimism about the consortium’s future. Dr. Agumya reiterated the collective responsibility required for success, stating, “The success of the IRC depends on our collective commitment and collaboration. Together, we can achieve sustainable solutions that address the pressing challenges of food security and agriculture.” The AU-EU IRC on FNSSA continues to build upon the successes of the LEAP4FNSSA project. The launch of the IRC is a significant milestone towards addressing challenges related to food and nutrition security, as well as sustainable agriculture in Africa and Europe.
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