ECOWAS Prepares for FARI-2025: Strengthens Innovation and Collaboration Across Member States.
By Raymond Enoch
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is intensifying efforts to enhance collaboration with member states in the lead-up to the African Forum for Research and Innovation (FARI) 2025. This follows the conclusion of a key meeting in Cotonou, Benin, on March 19, where significant recommendations were made to ensure the success of the upcoming event in May 2025.
FARI, a pivotal forum dedicated to showcasing science, technology, and innovation, is expected to play a major role in advancing Africa’s innovation agenda. During the meeting, ECOWAS representatives and key stakeholders stressed the importance of strengthening local networks for inventors and start-ups within each member state.
“To make FARI-2025 a resounding success, ECOWAS must work more closely with national networks and foster deeper connections among innovators,” said Prof. Saliou Touré, Chairman of the FARI-2025 Scientific Committee. He added that the forum would offer a platform for start-ups to present groundbreaking solutions to regional challenges.
A key recommendation was the involvement of at least three start-ups from each ECOWAS member state. A special jury session will be held to select the top three start-ups from each country, which will be showcased at the forum. Additionally, a virtual meeting will take place in April to update stakeholders on FARI’s preparations.
To further ensure FARI-2025’s success, ECOWAS officials highlighted the need for a comprehensive global communications strategy, tapping into national academies of science and various regional institutions to promote the event and its goals. This approach aims to attract international attention while fostering local engagement.
The forum will also offer several panels and workshops, focusing on key aspects of innovation, including technical, financial, and scientific issues, all aligned with the ECOWAS Science and Technology Strategy. Dr. Roland Kouakou, Acting Director of Education, Science, and Culture at ECOWAS, emphasized the forum’s role in advancing Africa’s science and innovation agenda on a global scale.
As FARI-2025 draws nearer, ECOWAS and Benin are committed to mobilizing support at all levels, ensuring that the forum becomes a major event on the global science and innovation calendar. The collaborative efforts between the region’s stakeholders will help drive sustainable innovation and growth in West Africa for years to come.
