The West and Central African Council for Agricultural Research and Development (CORAF), in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security of Sierra Leone, is organizing, from October 19 to 21, 2026 in Freetown, Sierra Leone, the 6th edition of the Agricultural Innovations and Technologies Market (MITA). This year's edition takes place under the theme: Facilitating access to technologies and innovations for animal production and integrated agriculture-livestock-aquaculture systems.
Placed under the High Patronage of His Excellency Dr Julius Maada Bio, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, and under the presidency of Dr Henry Musa Kpaka, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, this regional meeting will bring together researchers, innovators, decision-makers, producers, private sector, investors, development partners and users of agro-pastoral and fisheries technologies.
Bringing innovations closer to their users
While many research-validated technologies still remain insufficiently disseminated or struggle to scale, MITA creates an interface between technology providers, users, buyers and investors to facilitate their transfer, acquisition and adoption.
The 2026 edition will highlight proven and adoption-ready technologies in the areas of feed, aquaculture, livestock production and integrated agriculture-livestock-aquaculture systems.
“ Our ambition is to bring innovation closer to those who need it and accelerate the adoption and scale-up of agricultural technologies. MITA creates precisely this meeting space between research, producers, the private sector and other actors necessary for the transition from innovation to impact underlines Dr. Moumini Savadogo, Executive Director of CORAF.
The program will notably include an exhibition of technologies and innovations, a ministerial panel, presentations of agricultural solutions as well as B2B meetings (“Trading Rooms”) allowing suppliers to meet directly with potential buyers and explore technology acquisition opportunities.
Celebrating agricultural innovation
MITA 2026 will also host the 3rd edition of the Abdoulaye Touré Agricultural Innovation Prize, which rewards innovations with high potential for impact on agricultural and food systems. The winners will be revealed on October 21, during the closing ceremony, alongside the winner of the ICIPE Special Prize and IFDC.
Through MITA, CORAF intends to promote the transition from innovation to adoption, by strengthening links between research, the market and users and by monitoring the impact of the technologies presented beyond the event.
