The recently concluded Synergy Days 2024 in Barcelona marked a significant milestone for digital innovation in the European agri-food sector. Building on its well-established reputation as the most important annual conference connecting EU projects, policy-makers, digital innovation hubs, and stakeholders across the agri-food industry, the event provided an ideal platform for FoodSafety4Africa to showcase its groundbreaking contributions to African food security. With a dynamic presence, FS4Africa captivated attendees through its exhibition booth, a compelling project pitch, and a thought-provoking workshop.

A comprehensive showcase

Held at the prestigious World Trade Center Barcelona, Synergy Days 2024 was a two-day event packed with workshops, live demonstrations, EU project pitches, and networking sessions aimed at fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange within the agri-food ecosystem. FS4Africa, a Horizon Europe project dedicated to enhancing food safety in Africa through innovation and technology, took full advantage of the platform to present its vision and initiatives.

The project’s participation included an exhibition booth, a project pitch, and a collaborative workshop streamed online. Each element allowed FS4Africa to engage diverse stakeholders in the global food security landscape, from researchers to policymakers and farmers, drawing attention to Africa’s critical role in food systems innovation.

A standout exhibition booth

One of the highlights of FS4Africa’s involvement was its booth, which was shared with INCiTis-FOOD project. Located in a prime area of the conference exhibition hall, the booth attracted a significant amount of interest. Visitors were offered detailed insights into the project’s mission of transforming African food systems through sustainable practices and advanced technologies.

Throughout the event, attendees, including fellow EU projects, digital innovation hubs, and key decision-makers, stopped by the booth to learn more about FS4Africa’s ongoing work in food safety research and implementation. The project team, led by L'Université et recherche de Wageningen, emphasized its focus on knowledge exchange, capacity-building, and the integration of digital platforms to improve food safety and food systems in Africa.

A Captivating Pitch: Showcasing Game-Changing Solutions

One of the most eagerly anticipated moments for FS4Africa came with the project pitch delivered by Ebenezer Miezah Kwofie from distinguished partner McGill University. Kwofie’s presentation emphasized the transformative impact of FS4Africa’s work in enhancing food safety systems across Africa.

Drawing on a mix of practical examples and forward-looking solutions, the pitch shed light on how FS4Africa is leveraging cutting-edge innovations to address food safety challenges at both the local and regional levels. The presentation captivated a wide audience, underlining the importance of creating sustainable, resilient food systems in Africa and how the project’s efforts align with Horizon Europe’s broader objectives of fostering global collaboration in food research.

Workshop on “The Future of Knowledge and Innovation Platforms”

FS4Africa’s participation at Synergy Days 2024 culminated in a workshop titled “The Future of Knowledge and Innovation Platforms”, which was also streamed online. Hosted in partnership with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Wageningen University & Research, and Ubuntoo, the session provided a deep dive into the power of digital platforms in advancing food safety and sustainability.

The workshop attracted a packed audience both in-person and online, with participants eager to engage in discussions on how AI and digitalisation are revolutionising global knowledge-sharing and collaboration. Key topics included the integration of AI into knowledge platforms and the potential for digital tools to enhance human and planetary health while driving inclusive prosperity.

A particularly engaging aspect of the workshop was the live demonstration of the FS4Africa Food Safety Knowledge Platform. This demo illustrated how the platform is serving as a vital tool in connecting stakeholders, fostering open innovation, and improving the accessibility of food safety knowledge across Africa. The lively discussions that followed explored the importance of connecting global knowledge hubs, with participants contributing brilliant ideas on how to further enhance collaboration through digital platforms.

A Platform for Future Collaboration

FS4Africa’s presence at Synergy Days 2024 not only highlighted the project’s achievements to date but also opened new opportunities for collaboration. With its forward-thinking initiatives, FS4Africa is well-positioned to continue driving change in the agri-food sector, contributing to sustainable development goals in Africa and beyond.

The project’s participation in this prestigious event underscored its role as a vital player in the global food security dialogue, and the connections made during Synergy Days will undoubtedly fuel future collaborations aimed at improving food safety and food systems resilience.

FS4Africa’s successful participation at Synergy Days 2024 serves as a testament to the power of digital innovation and cross-sector collaboration in addressing global food safety challenges. The exhibition booth, project pitch, and workshop all contributed to raising awareness of the critical work being done to transform African food systems. Looking forward, FS4Africa remains committed to driving impactful research and innovations that support food security in Africa, fostering sustainable solutions for the future.