The fourth Agricultural Technologies and innovations Market (MITA), organized by CORAF in partnership with the Togolese Institute for Agricultural Research (ITRA), took place from 21 to 25 October 2024 in Lome, Togo. Under the theme: “Facilitating access to agricultural technologies and innovations for the integrated management of pests, plagues and diseases of plants and animals”, this strategic event brought together key players from the agricultural and research sectors, becoming a platform of choice for the adoption of innovative solutions in West and Central Africa.
MITA 2024 was an opportunity to facilitate constructive exchanges between researchers, innovators, policy-makers and young agricultural entrepreneurs. The aim was to promote innovations capable of enhancing food security in the region. This year’s event was attended by 264 participants, including 84 women and 73 young people, demonstrating the multi-sectoral and inter-generational commitment to more sustainable and resilient agriculture.
This edition was enhanced by two major events: the 1st edition of the West and Central African Youth Summit, focusing on climate-smart agriculture, and the prestigious Abdoulaye Touré Agricultural Innovation Prize. The Youth Summit brought together young people from a wide range of agricultural backgrounds, giving them a platform to exchange views with experts and present their innovations. The Abdoulaye Touré Prize rewarded six young innovators with $10,000 each for their exemplary contributions to the agricultural sector. These initiatives illustrate the ambition to promote young talent as drivers of change in African agriculture.
Of the 67 technologies and innovations shared, 53 attracted particular attention, including 38 crop varieties and 15 agricultural equipment and animal technologies, on display at the ITRA technology park in Davié. These solutions ranged from crop varieties resistant to climatic stresses to tools adapted for the sustainable management of agricultural land and resources.
Four projects by young agro-entrepreneurs were presented in pitch form to a panel of judges made up of representatives from financial institutions and business leaders. Among these, Mr KONDOW Moubarack’s biological insecticide project, designed to combat cocoa mirids, stood out as the best innovation, demonstrating the potential of local solutions to regional agricultural challenges.
By bringing together players from various countries, the MITA once again demonstrated the importance of bilateral, regional and international cooperation in the agricultural sector. The meeting highlighted the role of science, technology and innovation (STI) in strengthening food systems, addressing the key components of food and nutritional security.
The 2024 edition ended on an optimistic note, setting the date for the next edition of MITA, scheduled for 20-24 October 2025 in Mali. The theme of this year’s event will be “Technologies and Innovations for Integrated Soil Management”, and the Abdoulaye Touré Prize and the Youth Summit will once again be part of the programme, underlining the continuity of a promising dynamic for African agriculture.
In short, MITA 2024 was a lever for agricultural transformation in West and Central Africa, strengthening the resilience of food systems through innovation.
