FARI 2025: African youth to drive innovation, entrepreneurship in Benin

The second edition of the Forum for African Research and Innovation (FARI) is set to take place in Benin from May 5 to 9, 2025, under the theme “African Youth, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship: Building a Sustainable Future.”

This was a key decision made during the recent meeting of the International Committee for the preparation of the event, which concluded on June 28, 2024, in Cotonou, Benin’s economic capital.

To ensure the smooth organization and success of FARI-2025, the committee made several recommendations to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), its Member States, and technical and financial partners.

The African Development Bank (AfDB) and UNESCO were particularly called upon to support the event through financial resources and technical assistance.

ECOWAS was urged to raise awareness about the forum among its Commission management and to ensure the involvement of West African Ministers, Heads of Institutions, and Heads of State.

The regional organization is also tasked with developing a communication and resource mobilization strategy to guarantee the forum’s success. Member States are encouraged to promote FARI-2025 at the national level to mobilize all relevant stakeholders.

Participants validated the terms of reference for the scientific committee, the roadmap, and the specifications for Benin as the host country. This includes practical organization details, discussion panels, and the start-up training theme, along with sub-themes for the main theme of FARI-2025.

Prof. Fatou Sow Sarr, representing the ECOWAS Commission, highlighted the significance of the main theme, which aligns with the 50th anniversary of ECOWAS, placing youth at the forefront of innovation and science. Dr. Roland Kouakou, Acting Director of Education, Science, and Culture at ECOWAS, emphasized the forum’s aim to involve young inventors and start-ups in regional problem-solving.

Prof. Clement Agbangla, representing Benin’s Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, assured that Benin has the necessary logistical capacities, security, and media measures to ensure the event’s success.

FARI was conceived during the 3rd meeting of ECOWAS Ministers in charge of science, technology, and innovation on December 8, 2018, in Cotonou. It serves as a platform dedicated to science, technology, and innovation within the ECOWAS region, promoting inventions and showcasing the region’s inventors and start-ups.

FARI is expected to become one of the major science and innovation events in the region.