EU-Nigeria high level innovation collaboration overview
Ambassador Samuela Isopi, European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS
9:45 - 10:00
15 min
Opening remarks
Jamila Bio Ibrahim, Hon Minister of Youth Development/ Lagos Commmissioner
10:00 - 10:15
15 min
The AU-EU Innovation
agenda and Nigeria's contribution to it
thus far
Dr. Vincenzo Lorusso, European Commission Policy Officer, Science, Technology, and Innovation Cooperation with Africa
10:15 - 11:15
1 hr
AU-EU collaboration R&I
programmes
This panel will discuss the EU-AU R&I collaboration programmes (Global Gateway, Horizon Europe, Delta-2, Innowide), highlighting key initiatives, achievements, and future opportunities for research and innovation partnerships between Europe and Africa.
Dr. Olajide Joseph Adebola, Chief Technology Officer, Partner at Home Plus Medicare Service, Project Coordinator, Support to Local Production of Vaccines Readiness in Nigeria (EUD/BGR Support)
Dr. Vincenzo Lorusso, European Commission Policy Officer, Science, Technology, and Innovation Cooperation with Africa
Matthew O. Adepoju, Director General/CE, National Space Research and Development Agency
Dr Muhammed Dahiru, Chairman, Presidential Implementation Committee on Technology Transfer (PICTT), NASENI
Moderator: Inga Stefanowicz, Head of Green and Digital Economy, EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS
11:15 - 11:45
30 min
Andela, an African unicorn inspirational talk
Inspirational talk of an African Unicorn
Mike B. Ndimurukundo, Managing Director, Andela Rwanda
11:45 - 12:15
30 min
The role of business support organisations in spurring innovation
This session will explore how these entities drive innovation by providing crucial resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities. Experts will share insights on their impact in fostering a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem
Charles Emembolu, TechQuest STEM Academy, ISN partnerships Director
Maryam Lawan Gwadabe, Founder Blue Sapphire Hub
Michel Deelen, Consul General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Lagos
Sherifah Balogun, Director Strategy, Funding and Stakeholder Management, Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF)
Moderator: Margherita Trestini, General Manager Apodissi
12:15 - 13:00
45 min
How to promote African innovation
uptake by private and public
organisations?
This session will explore strategies to ensure robust support, investment, and adoption of African innovation by both private and public sectors. Expert speakers from diverse backgrounds will discuss the importance of creating an enabling environment for innovation, addressing barriers to adoption, and showcasing successful case studies. Attendees will gain insights into effective policies, investment strategies, and collaborative approaches that can drive innovation uptake. Join us to learn how to foster a culture of innovation within institutions and leverage African ingenuity to address local and global challenges.
Dr Diwani Thuweba, Commission Manager, GIZ/Digital Transformation Center, Nigeria
Odusanya Olushola, Director General National Center for Technology Management (NACETEM)
Dr. Audu Grema, Senior Programme Officer, Agriculture, Nigeria Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
Parallel Session: Agritech from research to practice
We delve into the journey of agritech innovations from cutting-edge research to practical applications in the field. Featuring real-world examples, we will explore the challenges faced and the successes achieved in the implementation of digital and AI technologies in agriculture. Speakers will share insights on how these advancements are transforming farming practices, enhancing productivity, and promoting sustainability
Prof. Dr. Domen Mongus, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science University of Maribor (PrAEctiCE project)
Prof. Matteo Dell'Acqua Institute of Plant Sciences, Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies
Yusuf Dramani, IFDC Country Director
Taibat Lawanson, Professor of Management and Governance, University of Lagos, AFRETECH
Ms. Aline M Mugisho, Country Convener, CGIAR Nigeria, Executive Manager, Youth In Agribusiness| Partnerships for Delivery International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA)
Reinout Impens, Chief Operating Officer, PRESCO, SIAT Group
Moderator: Bamidele Seun Owoola, Founder and Chief Executive Officer Welcome2Africa
14:00 - 15:15
1 hr 15 min
Parallel Session: e-Health
How can innovations help close the gap in healthcare support, also for remote and underserved communities? And what are the ethical implications of AI applications in healthcare?
Dr Are Abdulhafiz & Esther Anammah, Founders Primed e-Health
Dr Temitope Agbana CEO at AiDx Medical
Dr. Chika O. Yinka-Banjo, Computer Scientist, UNILAG
Ms Uzoma Ezeoke, Executive Director at Emzor Pharmaceutical Industries
Dr Steve Nwachi Onya, Anchor Healthcare, Nigeria
Moderator: Dr. Vincenzo Lorusso, European Commission, Policy Officer Science, Technology and Innovation cooperation with Africa
14:00 - 15:15
1 hr 15 min
Parallel Session: Industry 4.0
The transformative potential of Industry 4.0 technologies in Nigeria, focusing on how research can drive improvements in productivity and competitiveness.
Amr EL Hadidi General Manager Innovation, Flour Mills
Danilo Dreolini, Danieli Group President for Africa Partnership Projects
Victoria Fabunmi I.
Adriano Mauro, Managing Director Apodissi
Elizabeth Ademola, LAWMA Head Climate Change and Diplomacy
Explore the diverse opportunities for funding and collaborations available between the European Union and Africa, with a particular focus on Nigeria
Dr. Vincenzo Lorusso, Horizon Europe & Africa Initiatives
Rakiya Ilyasu, Director for University Education at Federal Ministry of Education
Judikael Regnaut, Head of Cooperation French Embassy
Prof Yedilfana Setarge Mekonnen, Regional Representative to EURAXESS Africa
Moderator: Dr Leila Ben Amor Mathieu, Head of Human Development Section European Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS
16:00 - 16:15
15 min
Wrap-up from thematic workshops
Moderator of each parallel workshop presents highlights
Dr Leila Ben Amor Mathieu
Dr, Vincenzo Lorusso
Nkechi Isaac, Innovation Science Journalist
Moderator: Arthur Ngwube, Master of Ceremony
16:15 - 16:45
30 min
Innovation for a
sustainable and inclusive society
Inspirational Talk: Innovation for Human Development
Lola Shoneyin, Founder of Book Buzz Foundation
16:45 - 17:00
15 min
Rhymes & Poetry on Innovation
Dr Vincenzo Lorusso
17:00 - 19:00
2 hrs
Afrobeat Cocktail
Day 2
10th July 2024
9:30 - 9:40
10 min
Welcome and introduction
Round up Day 1 and Day 2 introduction
Moderator: Arthur Ngwube, Master of Ceremony
9:40 - 10:00
20 min
Opening address, innovation roadmap in Nigeria
10:00 - 11:00
1 hr
EU-Nigeria ongoing successful R&D projects
Showcasing the thriving research and development collaborations between the European Union and Nigeria. Highlighting a range of successful projects across various sectors
Prof Olusegun Oyebola, University Ibadan, partner of Incitis-Food Horizon Europe Project
Dr Maruf Sanni, Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions National Contact Point for Nigeria, National Centre for Technology Management, Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and TechnologyÂ
Prof Sylvanus Okogbenin, Principal Investigator of the INTEGRATE EDCTP project
Prof. S.O. Ajadi, Obafemi Awolowo University, Partner of EmbeddedAI, ERASMUS+ Project
Margherita Trestini, General Manager Apodissi (PrAEctiCE Horizon Europe Project)
Moderator: Laurent Bochereau, Minister-Counsellor Science, Technology and Innovation Delegation of the European Union to the African Union
11:00 - 11:30
30 min
Nigerian innovation success stories
TedTalk by 3 Nigerian Innovators from eHealth, Agritech and Industry 4.0
Joseph Ante, Agristi (Agritech)
Ibukun Tunde-Oni, 8Medical (eHealth)
Gideon Adegbesan, Founder Dot Circle Lab (Industry 4.0)
11:30 - 12:00
30 min
Why innovation fails at the proof of
the Nigerian market?
The key reasons behind market failures and strategies to overcome startup challenges, providing valuable insights for innovators and stakeholders.
Dr Adebowale Odulana, Chief Innovation Officer, Evercare Hospital
Mike B. Ndimurukundo, Managing Director, Andela Rwanda
Yomi Jemibewon, Co-founder and Managing Director at CardinalStone Capital Advisers
Gift Iyere, Sterling Bank Senior Ecosystem Partnership Officer
Moderator: Daniel Adeyemi, Technology Journalist
12:00 - 12:15
15 min
Leading innovation to market: Essential skills for success
How to foster a culture of innovation within organisations, navigating the challenges of market entry, and scaling innovative solutions. Interswitch successful story will provide actionable insights on how to drive impactful innovation and maintain a competitive edge in today’s rapidly evolving marketplace.
Dr. Cherry Eromosele, Executive Vice President & Group Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at Interswitch Group
12:15 - 13:00
45 min
Nigeria's excellence in creative industries
How Nigeria's success stories in innovation in art, music and fashion industries can inspire other sectors?
Ms Chinyere Obieze, Head of Library and Information, Goethe Institute Nigeria
Obi Asika, Director-General, National Council for Arts and Culture, NCAC
Chuma Anagbado, Phygital Artist
Ife Adebayo, National Coordinator Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises Programme (iDICE)
Folake Folarin-Coker, Founder Tiffany Amber
Moderator: Ladunni Lambo Cultural Coordinator Alliance Francaise
13:00 - 14:00
1 hr
Lunch break
14:00 - 15:00
1 hr
Innovators matchmaking session
15:00 - 15:15
15 min
Matchmaking reflections from industry leaders on innovator engagements
Opportunity to understand what industry leaders are looking for and how innovators can better position themselves for success in a competitive market
Mike B. Ndimurukundo, MD Andela Rwanda
Sunil Natraj, CEO Jumia Nigeria
Moderator: Arthur Ngwube, Master of Ceremony
15:15 - 15:45
30 min
Jumia, a Nigerian unicorn inspirational talk
Sunil Natraj, CEO Jumia Nigeria
15:45 - 16:45
1 hr
Nigerian funding opportunities for innovation and digitalisation
We explore exclusive funding avenues tailored for Nigerian innovators and for Nigerian SMEs and Industry digitalisation
Babatunde Omoloye, Programme Manager, Growth Platform Bank of Industry
