The second day of the Africa Research and Innovation Partnership (ARIP) workshop at Lancaster University brought continued energy and deeper collaboration as delegates from Ghana, Lithuania, Malawi, Nigeria, Portugal, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, the UK and Zambia advanced the work begun during Day One.
Building on the strong foundations laid the previous day, the focus of Day Two shifted toward refining research concepts, mapping interdependencies and shaping the structure of potential Horizon Europe proposals.
Exploring Interdependencies Across the Water–Nutrient–Energy Nexus
The morning opened with a recap before participants moved into cross‑regional mixed groups to explore the water–nutrient–energy nexus. They examined how these systems interact, where local knowledge and existing technologies can strengthen sustainability and how innovations could address emerging regional challenges.
This exercise encouraged participants to blend scientific expertise with context‑specific insights, highlighting the rich diversity of practices across African regions and the opportunities they present for impactful research design.
Generating New Research Questions & Identifying Opportunities
From these discussions, cross-disciplinary and inter-continental groups investigated potential business opportunities arising from nexus interdependencies and considered the role of new technologies in enhancing local practice.
Delegates then distilled their ideas into a set of research questions that could underpin future Africa–EU collaborative projects, ensuring alignment with Horizon Europe priorities while remaining grounded in local realities.
Parallel conversations focused on networking and funding pathways, enabling institutions to identify shared interests, complementary strengths and opportunities for consortium leadership.
Bringing Ideas Together: Group Presentations & Experience Sharing
Following lunch, participants presented emerging proposal concepts, offering one another constructive feedback and insights.
These exchanges helped illuminate the landscape of existing partnerships and networks that could strengthen upcoming proposals.
Setting the Stage for Proposal Development
The day concluded with a relfection on next steps, including pathways for developing full proposal drafts and a plan for maintaining momentum beyond the workshop.
Participants left with a clearer sense of direction, strengthened partnerships and a shared commitment to advancing research that supports sustainable, climate‑smart agricultural systems across Africa.