Attiéké by LADOU: Bringing Côte d’Ivoire's Traditional Cassava Food to International Markets

Lucie Adou, founder and CEO of Attiéké by LADOU, is transforming a traditional food from Côte d’Ivoire into an innovative product for European and international markets. Based in Belgium, her enterprise combines African culinary heritage, food-processing innovation and diaspora entrepreneurship to promote attiéké as a convenient, naturally gluten-free alternative to conventional staples such as rice, pasta and couscous.

Attiéké is a traditional fermented cassava product originating from Côte d’Ivoire, where it is widely consumed as a staple food. It is produced through a process involving peeling, fermentation, pressing, granulation, steaming and drying. Traditionally prepared by women, attiéké represents an important source of employment, income and culinary identity in West Africa.
From traditional food to innovative commercial product

Lucie Adou began exploring the commercial potential of attiéké in 2009, working with food-processing engineers in Côte d’Ivoire to improve production techniques and meet international quality standards. She established LADOU in 2019, with the ambition of introducing this African food to consumers beyond traditional diaspora markets.

A key innovation is the development of dehydrated attiéké, which preserves the characteristics of the fermented cassava product while extending its shelf life to approximately 24 months. This makes it

easier to package, transport, store and distribute internationally without refrigeration.

Attiéké by LADOU is marketed as a natural, plant-based and gluten-free product suitable for a variety of culinary applications. The company has also explored new recipes incorporating ingredients such as carrots, beetroot and other vegetables, positioning attiéké within the growing market for convenient and diversified plant-based foods.

Overcoming barriers to international market access

Introducing an African staple into European and international food markets presents significant challenges. Although attiéké is familiar to West African communities, many European consumers have limited knowledge of the product, its preparation and its culinary versatility.

For LADOU, expanding beyond diaspora consumers requires investment in branding, consumer
education, quality assurance, packaging and distribution networks. Competing with established staples such as couscous, rice and quinoa also means convincing retailers, restaurants and consumers to adopt an unfamiliar ingredient.

The company has pursued international market opportunities through participation in food exhibitions and business missions, including events in Dubai, Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom. Its commercial strategy seeks to position attiéké not simply as an ethnic specialty but as an accessible ingredient for contemporary international cuisine.

Supporting women processors and African food value chains

An important dimension of LADOU's business model is its connection with women involved in
traditional cassava processing in Côte d’Ivoire. By linking local production and processing expertise to international markets, the enterprise demonstrates how African food heritage can generate opportunities for value addition and entrepreneurship.

LADOU's participation in African diaspora agrifood initiatives, including the African Diaspora Agrofood Forum (ADAF), has helped showcase the potential of diaspora-led businesses to connect African producers with European consumers and investors.

At ADAF26 in Brussels, participants had the opportunity to taste Attiéké by LADOU, illustrating how traditional African foods can be introduced to new audiences through culinary innovation and entrepreneurship.

GFAiR's Collective Action on Forgotten Foods

Attiéké by LADOU offers a valuable example for GFAiR's Collective Action on Forgotten Foods, particularly regarding the importance of processing technologies, quality standards, diaspora entrepreneurship and access to international markets.

Although cassava itself is a widely cultivated crop rather than a neglected species, the commercial development of traditional cassava-based foods provides important lessons for promoting neglected and underutilized species (NUS). Improving shelf life, adapting products to consumer preferences and creating reliable distribution channels are essential steps in transforming traditional foods into commercially viable products.

Lucie Adou's experience demonstrates that the international promotion of African foods requires more than agricultural production. It also depends on food innovation, consumer awareness, strategic partnerships and recognition of the knowledge and expertise of African producers, particularly women.

Attiéké by LADOU illustrates how African culinary traditions can become the foundation for innovative food businesses, connecting local producers with global markets while preserving the cultural identity of traditional foods.

From Botswana to Berlin: Kamogelo Thumankwe's Mission to Bring Bambara Groundnut to European Consumers

Kamogelo Thumankwe, Founder and CEO of Tsarona, is working to introduce one of Africa's overlooked crops, Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea), to the German and wider European food market. Originally from Botswana and now based in Berlin, she is developing a business model that connects African smallholder farmers, food processors and European consumers, while promoting the nutritional, environmental and commercial potential of indigenous African crops.

Bambara groundnut is a protein-rich, drought-tolerant legume traditionally cultivated and consumed across sub-Saharan Africa. Its ability to grow under relatively dry conditions and improve soil fertility through nitrogen fixation makes it particularly relevant to climate-resilient agriculture. Yet despite these advantages, Bambara remains largely unknown to European consumers and underrepresented in international food value chains.

Breaking into a market unfamiliar with African foods

One of Kamogelo's biggest challenges is introducing African food ingredients into a German market where their distribution, visibility and consumption remain relatively limited. While Italian, Chinese, Japanese and increasingly Korean cuisines have established extensive networks of restaurants, supermarkets, specialty shops and food brands, African foods have not achieved comparable mainstream recognition or distribution.

This creates a significant obstacle for entrepreneurs such as Kamogelo. Unlike familiar Asian or Mediterranean ingredients, Bambara groundnut requires substantial consumer education, product promotion and market development. German consumers may be unfamiliar with its taste, nutritional properties and culinary applications, while retailers and distributors may hesitate to introduce products without demonstrated consumer demand.

Tsarona is addressing this challenge by developing familiar food formats, including Bambara-based snacks, drinks and other convenient products. Rather than expecting European consumers to adopt traditional African recipes immediately, the company aims to incorporate African ingredients into everyday eating habits.

Processing and regulatory challenges

Beyond consumer acceptance, transforming Bambara groundnut from a traditional African crop into a commercially viable European food ingredient presents considerable technical and logistical challenges.

Bambara requires appropriate cleaning, dehulling, processing and quality control to produce consistent ingredients suitable for European food manufacturers. Developing reliable supply chains from Botswana involves coordinating production volumes, processing capacity, traceability, food safety requirements and transport logistics.

Although the European Union authorised certain uses of Bambara groundnut as a traditional food from a third country in 2024, regulatory compliance remains important, particularly when developing new processed ingredients and food applications. For a relatively unfamiliar crop, establishing the necessary processing infrastructure and commercial partnerships can be expensive and time-consuming.

Tsarona operates between Botswana and Germany, combining agricultural sourcing and farmer partnerships in Botswana with product development, regulatory compliance and commercial market access in Berlin. The company is also building relationships with Botswana's agricultural institutions, including the National Agricultural Research and Development Institute (NARDI).

Creating opportunities for African farmers and food entrepreneurs

Kamogelo's ambition extends beyond selling Bambara-based products. Her vision is to establish a commercially sustainable value chain that creates opportunities for African farmers and processors while diversifying Europe's food supply.

Her experience highlights a broader challenge facing African food entrepreneurs: the commercial success of neglected and underutilized crops depends not only on agricultural production and scientific research, but also on processing technologies, consumer awareness, market access and investment.

ZidiCircle: Connecting African Entrepreneurs with Investment and Growth Opportunities

ZidiCircle is an entrepreneurship and investment platform that seeks to strengthen connections between African entrepreneurs, diaspora investors, mentors and business networks. Its approach emphasizes the role of the African diaspora in mobilizing capital, expertise and international partnerships to support innovative businesses and sustainable economic development across Africa.

Beyond facilitating access to finance, ZidiCircle promotes entrepreneurship through mentoring, networking and investment-readiness support. By connecting promising enterprises with investors and experienced professionals, it helps address some of the challenges faced by African start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly limited access to investment, markets and business development expertise.

Founded in 2016 by Fridah Ntarangwi, a Kenyan entrepreneur based in Europe, ZidiCircle operates through three pillars: Learn, Connect and Invest. Its cooperative investment model pools diaspora capital to finance promising African enterprises. It's network has grown to more than 4,900 entrepreneurs and 793 angel investors.

Of particular interest to agricultural research and innovation is ZidiCircle's support for SMEs in food and agriculture, renewable energy, the circular economy and sustainable manufacturing. Its investment programme targets eligible enterprises seeking €10,000–€50,000, combining finance with strategic guidance and market connections. This offers potential opportunities for African agrifood entrepreneurs, including businesses developing value chains for neglected and underutilized crops, to connect with diaspora investors and international markets. 

Where climate and biodiversity objectives reinforce one another

24 October 2026. Beyond the Climate Lens: What Food and Agriculture Policy Can Miss

What happens when climate becomes the dominant lens through which we shape food and agriculture policy? Climate action is essential, but measures designed to reduce emissions or build climate resilience do not necessarily protect biodiversity or strengthen the wider food system. 

This participatory session asked whether we are designing agricultural policies to deliver multiple environmental benefits, or simply hoping these benefits will follow. Through discussion, participants explored where climate and biodiversity objectives reinforce one another, where trade-offs emerge, and how policy, funding and practice can better reflect the full range of environmental and social priorities.

• Anita Diederichsen Forest Landscape Restoration Global Lead, WWF
• Willem Ferwerda Founder, Commonland
• Lulseged Tamene Desta Director, Multifunctional Landscapes Science Program, CGIAR
• Cargele Masso Principal Scientist, International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)
• Niklas Wagner Researcher, Environmental Governance Department, German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS)
• Terence Hay-Edie Advisory Manager, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

AR4D Funding Opportunities for Africa : November 2026

Agriculture Fisheries Forestry

African Women in Agricultural Research and Development

Women in Agriculture Leadership Program Fellowship

2026-11-06

African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD) invites African women agricultural scientists to apply for a 24-month, non-residential leadership fellowship combining mentoring, leadership development, and technical training. Free to apply, no fees. Eligible countries: Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, and Sierra Leone. Applicants need a minimum Master's degree and at least seven years of professional experience, working in national research systems, ministries of agriculture, universities, or research institutions. The deadline is 06 November 2026.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

World Food Day Poster Contest (Age 5-19)

2026-11-06

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FOA) calls on children and teens from all over the world (ages 5 to 19) to use their imagination and create a poster of their water action for food. "Innovate today. Nourish tomorrow." shows us how innovation can help feed the world, protect the planet, and build a better future for everyone. Winners will be promoted by FAO offices around the world and receive a surprise gift bag. Entries have to be submitted by 06 November 2026.

Forward Fooding

FoodTech 500

2026-11-15

FoodTech 500 showcases the latest developments from international startup and scaleup companies across the food supply chain. FoodTech companies gain recognition in the AgriFoodTech industry and get the opportunity to be a speaker or exhibitor at international gatherings, conferences, and meetups. All companies from the Food Tech (or ‘AgriFoodTech’) sector can apply. The application deadline is 15 November 2026.

Italian Agency for Development Cooperation

Agroforestry Value Chains in Uganda

2026-11-18

The Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) invites proposals for Trees 4 Karamoja, a 36-month project to restore forest and tree cover in five districts of Uganda's Karamoja region (Moroto, Napak, Nakapiripirit, Nabilatuk and Amudat). The project develops regenerative agroforestry value chains that raise incomes for communities, especially women and youth. AICS will award one grant of €1.78 million, covering 100% of project costs, with no co-financing required. Only non-profit organisations on Italy's register of civil society organisations can lead an application. Each applicant must work with at least one local civil society organisation. The call and all application documents are in Italian. The deadline is 18 November 2026.

Biodiversity Conservation Wildlife

United Nations Environment Programme

Small Grants for Community Marine and Coastal Ecosystem Projects

2026-11-02

UNEP invites community-based organisations and associations, civil society organisations, local and national NGOs, government institutions and regional not-for-profits that work directly with coastal and island communities in Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States. Grants are up to US$100 thousand each, for community-led projects to restore coral reefs, mangroves and seagrass meadows, to develop blue carbon and carbon finance that improves coastal livelihoods, or to empower women, youth and Indigenous peoples in ecosystem management. Applicants must commit significant co-financing in cash or in kind. The deadline is 02 November 2026.

Sequoia Park Zoo

Conservation Grant Program

2026-11-02

The Sequoia Park Zoo supports field research, habitat restoration, rescue and rehabilitation efforts, public awareness campaigns, and annual lecture series. The Zoo also offers an annual Conservation Grant Program, awarding up to US$3,000 per project, for work that delivers clear, measurable impact on wildlife or habitat conservation. Applicants must be affiliated with a conservation-related organization or an education institution. Pre-proposals can be submitted until 02 November 2026.

Earth Journalism Network

Virtual Workshops on 30x30 and Marine Protected Areas

2026-11-02

The Earth Journalism Network invites journalists, content creators and other media professionals in Ghana, Mexico and the Philippines to apply for free three-day virtual workshops on the global target to protect 30% of the ocean by 2030 and on marine protected areas. The Ghana workshop runs the week of 15 February 2027, Mexico the week of 22 February and the Philippines the week of 1 March. The network will accept 30 to 40 participants per country, and attendees who complete all sessions receive a certificate. A limited number of communication grants are available to people with unstable internet in remote areas. Participants get special consideration for the network’s reporting grants of US$1,500 each, of which it aims to award up to 35. Applications close on 02 November 2026.

Oklahoma City Zoo

Conservation Grants 2027

2026-11-13

The Oklahoma City Zoo & Botanical Garden offers competitive small grants up to $2,500 supporting research, education, or species preservation efforts. In 2026, funding is restricted to projects involving invertebrate conservation or research, and grants go exclusively to early-career professionals — those currently in a graduate program (MSc, PhD, DVM) or who received a graduate degree no earlier than 2021. No more than 20% of funds may go toward travel, and salaries aren't covered except for locally hired support staff. The deadline is 13 November 2026.

Insect Welfare Research Society

Teaching Innovation Award

2026-11-15

The Insect Welfare Research Society (IWRS) offers Teaching Innovation Awards supporting instructors who develop new approaches to teaching insect or invertebrate biology. Two awards of US$2,000 each are available annually, funding the creation and implementation of instructional materials and pedagogical approaches. Priority goes to proposals addressing common teaching practices with substantial welfare implications. The next application deadline is 15 November 2026.

Wildlife Acoustics

Bio-Acoustics Product Grants

2026-11-15

Wildlife Acoustics aims to advance animal biology research, habitat monitoring and environmental conservation through bio-acoustics recording technology. The Wildlife Acoustics Scientific Product Grant Program offers US$4 thousand of product-in-kind grants to biologists, researchers, conservationists, and students who work for charitable, educational, and other tax-exempt organizations. Wildlife Acoustics provides additional support (up to US$1,000) for travel to present findings. There are no geographical limitations. Applications are evaluated quarterly with deadlines on 15 May, 15 August, and 15 November 2026.

Save Our Seas Foundation

Ocean Storytelling Photography Grant

2026-11-15

The Save Our Seas Foundation invites early-career and emerging photographers to apply for its 2026 Ocean Storytelling Photography Grant, which supports conservation photo stories about the ocean. Two winners each receive US$2,000 in cash and a paid three-week assignment to photograph an SOSF-supported marine research or conservation project. Winners are mentored by National Geographic photographer Thomas Peschak and two former National Geographic and Washington Post photo editors. They also get a chance to show their work at an international conference or exhibition, and their story is published as a photo essay. Applicants must have no more than five years of experience in a photography-related discipline. The deadline is 15 November 2026.

Japan Fund for Global Environment

Environmental Conservation Grants 2027

2026-11-16

The Japan Fund for Global Environment makes grants to non-profit organizations in Japan and developing countries for field projects in environmental conservation. Grants are for grass-roots projects and range from 500 thousand to 3 million JPY. Each non-Japanese applicant needs to have an agent in Japan to communicate and apply in the Japanese language on behalf of the applicant. The application deadline is 16 November 2026.

Awesome Foundation

Micro-Grants for Innovative Environmental Projects

2026-11-27

The Awesome Foundation invites individuals and small teams worldwide to apply for micro-grants. It backs innovative projects on wildlife conservation, habitat protection, climate change, ecotourism or environmental communication, especially ones that haven’t been done before or are done in a unique way. The chapter looks for projects where a grant of US$1,000 or less is the difference between happening and not happening. The next deadline is 27 November 2026.

Alice McCosh Trust

Small Grants for Natural History and Environmental Work

2026-11-30

The Alice McCosh Trust awards one-off grants of around £1,000 to advance education in natural history and the environment. Grants can cover fieldwork for a research project or the cost of producing materials that increase understanding of the environment or encourage people to protect it. Individuals of any age and nationality can apply. The application deadline is 30 November each year.

Yves Rocher Foundation

International Terre des Femmes Award

2026-11-30

The Yves Rocher Foundation invites applications for the International Terre de Femmes Award to honor women for their achievements in environmental awareness, conservation, and solidarity. This year, the Foundation invites applications from women committed to concrete initiatives that put trees at the heart of cities. Examples include urban tree education projects, community orchards and forest gardens, protecting heritage trees, urban tree nurseries for native species, and re-greening dense or built-up areas. Two winners worldwide each receive a €10,000 grant for their project. The international award is open to women worldwide involved in a project that helps to protect the environment through a non-profit organization. The closing date for applications is 30 November 2026.

European Commission

TROPIMUNDO Masters Program in Tropical Biodiversity and Ecosystems 2025-2026

2026-11-30

TROPIMUNDO is a 2-year Erasmus Mundus master’s program in tropical biodiversity and ecosystems. Students alternate their semesters between consortium universities in Europe (Belgium, France, Italy) and tropical regions outside Europe (Australia, Cameroon, French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Malaysia). Applicants should have an internationally accepted bachelor’s degree in biology, natural sciences, environmental sciences, or equivalent. The EC provides a certain number of scholarships for EU and non-EU students. The deadline for applications (for scholarship seekers or self-funded applicants) is 30 November 2026.

American Museum of Natural History

Ornithology Research

2026-11-30

The Frank M. Chapman Memorial Fund supports ornithological research anywhere in the world. Chapman Research Grants are small short-term awards for research that are available to graduate students for expenses associated with projects primarily focused on the systematics and evolutionary biology of birds. Most grants range from US$1,000-US$3,500. The application deadline is 30 November 2026.

Crosscutting

Bennington College

Young Scientists Awards

2026-11-01

Bennington College offers cash prizes for work on the natural world by students in grades 9 to 12 worldwide: US$2,000 for first place, US$1,000 for second, US$500 for third, and US$250 for distinguished entries. Each student may submit one work, such as a scientific illustration, a field guide to local plants, animals or geology, a research poster or a process diagram, with an optional written explanation of up to 500 words. Winners and finalists who later enroll at Bennington also receive tuition scholarships. Submissions are open until 01 November 2026.

Pulitzer Center

Local Letters for Global Change

2026-11-01

Local Letters for Global Change is a Pulitzer Center writing contest for students. Students are encouraged to write a letter to a local elected representative that explains the global issue they want them to prioritize (e.g., Climate and Environment), shows how it connects to their local community and proposes a solution. The Pulitzer Center welcomes entries from all current K-12 students across the globe. First-place winners will receive US$300 to support global community engagement. Educators working with groups of 50 or more students can also schedule a free, virtual workshop facilitated by a member of the Pulitzer Center Education team. The application deadline is 01 November 2026.

100x Impact Accelerator

Funding for Social Ventures

2026-11-02

The 100x Impact Accelerator selects social ventures that can scale proven solutions to reach hundreds of millions of people. Each selected venture receives £150 thousand in catalytic funding, a long-term partnership that begins with a tailored 16-week program on funding strategy. Ventures can be for-profit or non-profit and based anywhere, and must show evidence that their solution works, a distinctive model and a credible path to mass adoption. They work in one of eight impact areas, including climate and environment. Applications are open until 02 November 2026.

CIFAR

Global Scholars

2026-11-04

The CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholars program provides funding, skills training, mentorship, and opportunities for research collaboration. CIFAR invites early-career researchers pursuing the most exciting and important research questions across the natural, biomedical and social sciences and the humanities to join an interdisciplinary research program. As part of the program, scholars receive C$100 thousand in unrestricted research support over two years. To be eligible for this program, applicants must hold a PhD (or equivalent) and be within the first five years of starting a full-time research position at an institution of higher education or research. The deadline for applications is 04 November 2026.

Schlumberger Foundation

Funding for Women in PhD and Postdoctoral Studies

2026-11-07

Schlumberger Foundation's 'Faculty of the Future' supports women in developing and emerging economies in pursuing PhD and postdoctoral studies at the international level. Grants are in the physical sciences, engineering, and related fields -- including past grants in subjects such as ecology and environment. Grants can be up to US$50 thousand per year for PhD courses and a maximum of US$40 thousand for post-doc research programs. The deadline to submit new applications is 07 November 2026.

African Leadership Academy

Anzisha Prize for Young Innovators

2026-11-10

The Anzisha Prize seeks young innovators ages 15-22 in Africa who develop and implement innovative solutions to challenges facing their communities. Past awards include innovations in energy, agriculture, and ecological consumer products. The grand prize winners will share prizes worth US$140 thousand. Applicants must be nationals of an African country with a business based in Africa for African customers/beneficiaries. The next application closes on 10 November 2026.

Dalai Lama Fellows

Mentorship for Emerging Leaders

2026-11-11

The Dalai Lama Fellowship offers emerging leaders from all around the world mentorship and coaching to design and implement their own original field projects addressing a global challenge. Project areas include environmental sustainability, among others. The fellowship does not offer funding for projects, instead, it offers coaching and a global community. This program is open to next-generation leaders (20-35 years old). The deadline for applications is 11 November 2026.

Composting Council Research and Education Foundation

Poster Contest

2026-11-15

The International Compost Awareness Week Committee invites submissions for its annual poster contest. This year’s theme is "All Paths Lead to Compost". The winning poster will serve as the promotional piece of the 2026 International Compost Awareness Week and the winner will receive US$500. The contest is open to anyone from 9th grade (age 14) or older from anywhere in the world. The deadline is 15 November 2026.

Malmar Knowles Family Foundation

Youth Leadership Program

2026-11-15

The Knowles Educational and Charitable Trust for International Leadership (Kectil) Program is a one-year web-based mentoring program in youth leadership. The program consists of multiple-week modules with assignments to address issues facing youth globally. Youth (aged 17-26) from developing countries are eligible to apply. The deadline is 15 November 2026.

Eni

Prizes for Energy and Environmental Science

2026-11-20

The 2027 Eni Award includes two prizes relevant to environmental research. The Advanced Environmental Solutions Prize gives one indivisible €200,000 award to a researcher or a pair of joint main authors with internationally significant results from the past ten years in environmental stewardship, such as biodiversity and habitat protection, nature-based solutions, ecosystem restoration, remediation, water stewardship, air quality or sustainable use of natural resources. The Young Talents from Africa Prize gives two African PhD students €25,000 each for research in energy and environment such as renewables, decarbonisation, circular economy, water treatment, biodiversity, nature-based solutions or sustainable agriculture. For both prizes, the deadline is 20 November 2026.

Mo Ibrahim Foundation

Leadership Fellowships

2026-11-20

The Mo Ibrahim Foundation invites young African professionals, mid-career and new executives to apply for a 12-month fellowship working in the executive office of the African Development Bank, the UN Economic Commission for Africa, or the International Trade Centre, with a stipend of $100,000, direct mentorship from the host organisation's head, and lifelong membership in the Foundation's Now Generation Network. Applicants must be African nationals with at least 7 years of relevant work experience, a master's degree, and be under 40, or under 45 for women with children. Each host institution runs its own separate application process. The deadline is 20 November 2026.

International Trade Centre

Youth Ecopreneur Program

2026-11-22

The Youth Ecopreneur Program welcomes young entrepreneurs to submit their green business initiatives. The program includes a global boot camp, and accelerator phase, and concludes with the celebrated Youth Ecopreneur Awards. The winner of the Youth Ecopreneur Award receives US$10 thousand in prize money. Applicants must be under the age of 35 and lead businesses that promote land restoration, sustainability, circularity, and/or the green economy. Applications close on 22 November 2026.

World Academy of Sciences

Research Professorships in Least-Developed Countries

2026-11-23

TWAS funds selected TWAS members to assist with building research capacity in the least-developed countries (LDCs). During a period of five years, each funded professor will be expected to make three visits to a host institution in a partner LDC, for a minimum stay of one month each visit. TWAS will provide travel support while living expenses are covered by the host institution. Requests need to be submitted by research groups and scientific institutions in the LDCs. The application deadline is 23 November 2026.

World Academy of Sciences

Visiting Expert Program

2026-11-23

The TWAS Visiting Expert Programme supports visits of internationally renowned scientists to research institutions located in developing countries, especially least-developed countries. Only persons who have attained international recognition in their fields of science will be considered for support. Nominations of women are particularly welcome. Applications are made jointly by the host institution in the developing country and the visiting expert. The deadline for applications is 23 November 2026.

UNESCO

Awards for Young Scientists in STEM

2026-11-30

UNESCO awards US$50 thousand to each of five laureates, one from each world region (Africa, the Arab States, Asia and the Pacific, Europe and North America, and Latin America and the Caribbean), in recognition of young scientists under 40 whose work in STEM research, STEM education and innovation, or international cooperation advances the Sustainable Development Goals. Applications and nominations are submitted in English or French through the prize portal by 30 November 2026.

UNESCO

Prize for Young Scientists

2026-11-30

UNESCO invites nominations for the third edition of the UNESCO-Al Fozan International Prize for the Promotion of Young Scientists in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). The prize recognizes five outstanding young researchers from any country who have made significant contributions to STEM education, research, or international cooperation. Eligible nominees must be under 40 years of age at the time of nomination and must be put forward by official nominators, such as national commissions, academic institutions, or international organizations. Each of the five laureates receives a cash award of US$50 thousand alongside a diploma and a medal. The deadline for nominations is 30 November 2026.

International Development Research Center

Research in Community Forestry 2026

2026-11-30

The John G. Bene Fellowship is awarded to graduate students at Canadian universities who hold Canadian citizenship or permanent residency. The grant is for research on the relationship between forest resources and the social, economic, cultural, and environmental welfare of people in developing countries. Therefore, the student must spend a minimum of 10 consecutive weeks in the field in the following regions: Middle East, North Africa, West Africa, East Africa, Southern Africa, Southeast Asia, South Asia, Far Eastern Asia, Caribbean, Central America, South America, or Oceania. The award covers field research expenses up to CA$30 thousand per year. The deadline for submitting applications has been extended to 30 November 2026.

10th AFRICAN DIASPORA AGROFOOD FORUM

23-24 October 2026. ADAF26 - 10th AFRICAN DIASPORA AGROFOOD FORUM -  REIMAGINING REMITTANCES Mobilizing Diaspora Wealth for Food Systems Transformation. 

OFFICIAL OPENING :  

• Moderator Paddy Siyanga Knudsen - African Non-state Actors Platform on Migration & Development 
• Welcome remarks from Food Bridge vzw  - Dr. Maureen Duru, Founder The Food Bridge vzw 
  

In her welcome remarks, Maureen Duru, Founder of The Food Bridge vzw and Convener of the African Diaspora Agrofood Forum, reflected on the African diaspora entrepreneurship ecosystem, the changes in international  development funding and the opportunities it presents for African diasporas. As she stated, reimagining remittances does not mean diverting money intended to support families and communities, rather it means exploring how diaspora members who wish to invest can be supported to channel a portion of the resources they send home into impactful investments in agrofood enterprises.  However, such diaspora investments require credible, transparent and professionally managed investment structures that can safeguard diaspora investments, reduce risks and create opportunities for sustainable returns on investment

She also highlighted the changes in international development financing and stated that this can be an opportunity for African diasporas to play a greater role in closing funding gaps and reducing dependence on foreign aid. Furthermore, with the growing global interest in African indigenous crops and their nutritional potential, she also called for greater diaspora participation across the agrofood value chain, from production and processing to marketing and international trade. 

She encouraged diasporas to engage with the Collective Action on Forgotten Foods (CAFF) and explore investment opportunities in indigenous and underutilised African crops.

Opening Remarks 

• Mr.  Rob de Lobel — Head of Labour
  
  Mobility Unit, International Organization for Migration (IOM), Belgium and Luxembourg 
• Mr. Raschad Al- Khafaji — Director, FAO Liaison Office with the European Union and Belgium.
• His Excellency, Dr Adebayo Emmanuel Adeyemi— Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to the Kingdom of Belgium. 
• Keynote Speech: His Excellency Henry Tachie-Menson, Ambassador of Ghana to the Kingdom of Belgium 

High - level Panel Discussion 

• 
  Mauro Martini, Senior Technical Specialist - Remittances, Migration and Development at the UN International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) 
• Francois Stepman, Advisor Global Forum on Agricultural Innovation and Research  
• Esther M. Mbidi, Founder- Credassur Group Europe  
• Latifa Ait-Baala, Member of Brussels Parliament 

PANEL 1  African Diaspora Entrepreneurs: Building the Future of Africa's Food Systems 

Diaspora entrepreneurs are creating businesses, introducing African products to new markets, investing in processing and agriculture, and connecting African producers to international consumers. 

Central question: What will it take for African diaspora entrepreneurs to move from individual business success to becoming major drivers of Africa's food systems transformation? 

• 
  Nana Adjoa Sifa Amponsah, Founder, Guzakuza & WiFAI Global United Kingdom 
  
• Nvenakeng Suzanne Awung, Deputy CEO Suzy-Farms Ltd Cameroon 
• Kamogelo Thumankwe, Founder & CEO, Tsarona Germany 
• Ana Tavares, AECV France

SPECIAL PRESENTATION - Launch of the 2026 Compendium of African Diaspora Agrofood Entrepreneurs  

Official presentation highlighting entrepreneurs, innovations, businesses and emerging opportunities across the diaspora agrofood ecosystem. 

Special African Diaspora Agrofood Entrepreneur Award 

Recognition of an outstanding African diaspora entrepreneur demonstrating innovation, impact, entrepreneurship and contribution to African food systems. 

PANEL 2 - INVESTMENT & FINANCE 

From Remittances to Investment: Mobilizing

Diaspora Capital for Africa's Agrofood Growth Central question: What will it take to move diaspora capital from remittances and savings into investable, scalable and profitable African agrofood enterprises? 

• Ayele Sikavi Gabiam, Co-founder & Director of partnerships LadyAgri Impact Investment Hub Belgium 
• Jaona Ravaloson, Partner Arborenscence Capital France 
• Kizito Odhiambo, Founder & CEO agriBORA , Germany 
• Giulia Castro, Project Coordinator, Migration Team, FAO-Headquarters Rome Italy
• Moderator: Fridah Ntarangwi- Co founder, ZidiCircle 

10 Years of Building Diaspora Agrofood

Bridges: Moving from Community Initiatives to Global Agrofood Ecosystem 

A retrospective and forward-looking conversation about diaspora entrepreneurship ecosystem, marking the 10th edition of ADAF. 

24/10 INNOVATION WORKSHOP & PRODUCT SHOWCASE 

The second day featured practical workshops and interactive sessions facilitated by ZidiCircle, EUDiF, ALEFA Diaspora and the Collective Action on Forgotten Foods. ZidiCircle introduced participants to collective diaspora investment opportunities in Africa, while EUDiF shared experiences of supporting diaspora-led development initiatives and building sustainable partnerships.

An interactive entrepreneurship session generated at least four potential business connections, demonstrating ADAF's commitment to connecting entrepreneurs with opportunities for growth. Participants also enjoyed an innovative tasting experience featuring Attiéké Ladou, developed by entrepreneur Lucie Adou, showcasing the potential of African traditional foods in contemporary markets

 

DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS' ROUNDTABLE 

Beyond Remittances: Rethinking the Role of

Development Agencies in Diaspora-Led Agrofood 

Projects. Central question: How can development agencies move from engaging diasporas primarily as remittance senders to partnering with them as development actors, investors, entrepreneurs, innovators and market connectors? 

CLOSING SESSION 

From Conversation to Action: Building the Diaspora Agrofood Investment Ecosystem. Representatives from the workshops briefly present 3-5 actions or recommendations emerging from their sessions. Closing remarks, acknowledgements, partner recognition and announcement of next steps.

Building on Ten Editions of Impact

ADAF26 reaffirmed the importance of recognising African diasporas not only as remittance senders and consumers, but also as investors, entrepreneurs, innovators and strategic partners in transforming African food systems.

We extend our sincere appreciation to all our distinguished speakers, panellists, moderators, entrepreneurs, exhibitors, participants and partners, including Francois Stepman, Paddy Siyanga Knudsen, Mirana Rojaharison, Nathalie Cordas, Mary Ngu and the African Non-State Actors Platform, for their valuable contributions and support.

As we celebrate ten editions of connecting people, food and opportunities, The Food Bridge remains committed to promoting indigenous African foods, strengthening diaspora entrepreneurship and facilitating equitable partnerships. Our goal remains clear: to move beyond dialogue towards partnerships, investments and actions that deliver lasting impact.

The ADAF26 Forum Report will be published soon, highlighting key discussions, recommendations and opportunities for future collaboration.