The Founder and CEO of Incubateur Réseaux et Entreprises Agricoles (AIRE), Côte d’Ivoire, Dr. Ingrid Epezagne, paid a courtesy visit to the Centre for Climate-Smart Agriculture (CCSA), Cosmopolitan University, Abuja, on 7 June 2026, as part of efforts to explore opportunities for collaboration in climate-smart agriculture, agribusiness, research, and sustainable agricultural development across Africa.

Dr. Epezagne was warmly welcomed and received by Dr. Rislan Abdulazeez Kanya, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Cosmopolitan University, Abuja, and Founder/CEO of the Centre for Climate-Smart Agriculture (CCSA).

The visit provided an opportunity for both leaders to engage in meaningful discussions on the future of climate-smart agriculture, agribusiness, innovation, entrepreneurship, research, and sustainable agrifood systems in Africa.

During the engagement, discussions focused on the need for stronger partnerships and knowledge exchange to support agricultural enterprises, empower young people, promote innovation, and strengthen the resilience of Africa’s agrifood systems in the face of climate change and other emerging challenges.

Following the discussions, CCSA and AIRE identified areas of mutual interest and agreed to formalise their collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) The proposed partnership will provide a framework for both institutions to work together on initiatives that promote climate-smart agriculture, agribusiness development, research, entrepreneurship, capacity building, innovation, and knowledge sharing.

The collaboration is expected to create opportunities for joint programmes and initiatives that can contribute to sustainable agricultural development while supporting young people, entrepreneurs, researchers, and other stakeholders within Africa’s agricultural sector.

Speaking on the engagement, Dr. Rislan Abdulazeez Kanya reaffirmed CCSA’s commitment to building meaningful partnerships that contribute to practical and sustainable solutions to Africa’s agricultural and climate challenges.

The visit by Dr. Ingrid Epezagne also marks an important step towards strengthening connections between agricultural and climate-focused institutions across Africa, particularly between Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire.

Through its work, the Centre for Climate-Smart Agriculture (CCSA), Cosmopolitan University, Abuja, continues to promote climate-smart agriculture, research, innovation, entrepreneurship, and capacity development as key pathways towards a more resilient and sustainable agricultural future for Africa.

The Centre looks forward to building a productive relationship with AIRE Côte d’Ivoire and translating the shared vision discussed during the visit into practical initiatives with lasting impact.

Centre for Climate-Smart Agriculture (CCSA)
Cosmopolitan University, Abuja, Nigeria