The West Africa Centre for Crop Improvement (WACCI), University of Ghana, in collaboration with researchers at the Digital Data Design Institute at Harvard and Borlaug Global Rust Initiative (BGRI), Cornell University will host the Inaugural Advancing Frontiers Conference (AFC) – a fully virtual event scheduled for March 24, 2026.
The conference, themed “Research to Innovation in West African Plant & Agricultural Sciences,” will bring together scientists, researchers, policymakers, funders, and private sector stakeholders from across West Africa and beyond. It aims to showcase cutting-edge research, foster cross-border collaboration, and facilitate dialogue between researchers, policymakers, and funders on translating research into practical innovations.
AFC is a joint initiative of WACCI, the Digital, Data and Design Institute at Harvard, and Cornell University’s BGRI, sponsored by the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) at MIT. This collaboration reflects a strong global partnership committed to advancing agricultural innovation and research capacity across West Africa.
Participants will have the opportunity to share their research, receive expert feedback, explore groundbreaking innovations, and engage with stakeholders driving agricultural transformation across Africa. Top proposals from participating scientists will also be considered for the inaugural Emerging Research Awards.
Among the distinguished speakers at the event will be Dr. Mercy Diebiru-Ojo, 2025 Africa Food Prize Laureate, Professor Eric Yirenkyi Danquah, Founding Director of WACCI & the 2018 Laureate World Agriculture Prize, and Dr Baboucarr Manneh, CGIAR Regional Director, West and Central Africa.
Key Dates
Registration to submit a proposal closes on December 15, 2025 23:59 GMT
Personal submission link by December 19, 2025
Proposal deadline by January 23, 2025
For media inquiries, please contact: afc@wacci.ug.edu.gh
About the Advancing Frontiers Conference (AFC)
The Advancing Frontiers Conference is a collaborative platform dedicated to advancing scientific research and innovation in plant and agricultural sciences across West Africa. It aims to showcase locally driven innovations, encourage knowledge exchange, and build partnerships that address regional challenges in agriculture, food systems, and climate resilience.