Building bridges for future collaborations
On 23 October 2025, the TRANS-SAHARA project team participated in the Innovation Fair 2025 in Brussels, a flagship event designed to foster cooperation between European, African, and Mediterranean innovation ecosystems. The Fair was held in the framework of the AU–EU Innovation Agenda and the New Pact for the Mediterranean, and brought together a wide range of stakeholders working on sustainable development, research, and innovation.
The event was inaugurated by prominent representatives from key institutions, including: Ms Nienke Buisman, Head of International Cooperation at DG Research & Innovation, European Commission, Dr Mahama Bachir Saley, Senior Scientific Officer at the African Union Commission, Dr Michiel Scheffer, President of the European Innovation Council, H.E. Amb. Joan Borrell, Deputy Secretary-General of the Union for the Mediterranean, and Ms Signe Ratso, Deputy Director-General for Research & Innovation, European Commission.
Their presence underscored the strategic importance of innovation-driven partnerships between Europe and Africa, and the role of research in addressing shared challenges such as climate change, food security, and inclusive growth.
TRANS-SAHARA’s participation and outcomes
As participants, the TRANS-SAHARA team engaged in fruitful exchanges with experts, researchers, and institutional representatives, such as H.E. Ambassador Bitange Ndemo, and Dr Vincenzo Lorusso (European Commission). The event provided a valuable opportunity to:
- Explore potential future collaborations with other EU-funded projects and innovation actors
- Gather insights relevant to agroforestry, climate resilience, and community-based approaches
- Strengthen the project’s visibility within the broader AU–EU cooperation framework
The Innovation Fair served as a catalyst for new ideas and connections that could support TRANS-SAHARA’s mission to promote sustainable land use and empower communities in the Sahel region.
We thank the organizers and all participants for an inspiring and forward-looking event, and we look forward to building on the synergies established during the Fair.
Learn more about the event: https://innovationfair2025.service-facility.eu
