CEA-FIRST is a ground-breaking multi-stakeholder platform bridging Africa and Europe. Over three years, this collaborative project bring together 22 partners from both continents to address food and nutrition security and sustainable agriculture. The initiative was launched in Accra, Ghana, from 12 to 15 February 2024, bringing together influential stakeholders from the European Union and the African Union.

As an integral part of the broader International Research Consortium (IRC), CEA-FIRST aims to become a pivotal bi-continental platform, bringing together a wide range of private and public institutions – from financial partners to research centres to companies – and members of civil society committed to advancing food security and sustainable agriculture.

In the midst of major transitions in agri-food systems and the pressing challenges of climate change and demographic shifts, the IRC is crucial to fostering an equitable and sustainable research and innovation partnership between Africa and Europe. This partnership is dedicated to strengthening agriculture as a key driver of economic development.

Funded by the European Union as part of the Green Deal’s “From Farm to Fork” strategy, CEA-FIRST focuses on several key objectives:

Sharing knowledge: providing public access to a comprehensive knowledge platform on food and nutrition security and sustainable agriculture.

Research and Innovation (R&I) analysis: developing a robust methodology for analysing and prioritising R&I activities.

Partnership roadmap: supporting the update of the AU-EU R&I partnership roadmap.

Working groups: establishing operational and thematic research groups to promote the practical application of research.

Policy dialogue: strengthening the links between the IRC and the AU-EU high-level political dialogue.

COLEAD is leading the CEA-FIRST working group, which aims to strengthen multi-stakeholder linkages and engagement in critical areas such as food security and sustainable agricultural practices. In addition, COLEAD plays a leading role in bridging the gap between research, innovation and their practical applications. The organisation is also actively involved in information dissemination, project coordination and participation in key working groups that influence the comprehensive AU-EU roadmap.

COLEAD’s extensive involvement in this important initiative underlines its commitment to supporting efforts that are integral to the EU’s “Global Gateway” strategic vision. This vision seeks to establish sustainable and reliable connections that serve both citizens and the planet, addressing global challenges ranging from climate change to enhancing the competitiveness and security of global supply chains, particularly in Africa.