On August 1–2, 2025, the African Food Research Network (AfREN) successfully hosted the 2nd Annual Virtual Summit, uniting researchers, policymakers, food scientists, agribusiness leaders, students, and innovators from across Africa and the diaspora.
This year’s summit, themed:
“Agile Methodologies in Food and Nutrition Security: Accelerating Innovation, Safety, and Equity in African Food Systems,”
focused on reimagining Africa’s food future through innovation, resilience, and inclusive solutions.
Day 1: Food Innovation and Knowledge Exchange
The opening ceremony featured keynote addresses from renowned food security experts and warm goodwill messages from AfREN leadership and partners. Technical paper presentations showcased groundbreaking African food research on nutrition, biotechnology, food processing, and preservation, while panel discussions explored the role of digital tools and agile methodologies in achieving sustainable food systems.
Interactive Q&A sessions and live polls ensured that participants engaged actively, fostering meaningful collaborations.
Day 2: Career Intelligence Workshop & AfREN Awards
Day 2 hosted the flagship Career Intelligence Workshop (CIW), a major highlight that addressed the future of food and nutrition careers in Africa. The workshop spotlighted emerging roles in agri-fintech, robotics, nutrition informatics, food traceability, and data-driven agriculture, bridging the gap between academia and industry.
The day concluded with the AfREN Awards Ceremony, recognizing outstanding researchers, presenters, and future-ready professionals. Notably, Dr. Beatrice Oganah-Ikujenyo, Dr. Dolapo Oladiran, Prof. Abimbola Uzomah, Prof. Oluwafemi Adebo, Dr. Helen Onyeaka, and her mother, Mrs. Celina Chionuma, sponsored awards that encouraged young food professionals to continue their journey of excellence in African food research and innovation.
Participation and Global Reach
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Over 100 registered participants across Africa, Europe, and beyond.
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Representation from academia, research institutes, industry experts, policymakers, and students.
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Sessions are delivered in English, strengthening inclusivity.
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High engagement through Q&A, networking chats, and polls.
The summit demonstrated AfREN’s commitment to building resilient African food systems, enhancing nutrition security, and promoting sustainable agribusiness opportunities.
The Way Forward
The AfREN Virtual Summit 2025 reaffirmed that African food systems can thrive through collaborative research, innovation-driven agribusiness, and inclusive capacity building. By empowering the next generation of food scientists and strengthening partnerships, AfREN continues to shape the future of food and nutrition security in Africa.
The next edition of AfREN Summit shall be hybrid (online and in-person). As we look forward to the inaugural hybrid event, the network remains dedicated to accelerating solutions for a healthier, safer, and more sustainable Africa.
✨ Together, let’s feed Africa better, safer, and smarter. ✨