The 9th Africa Agriculture Science Week (AASW9) and the 10th FARA General Assembly were held in Abuja, Nigeria, from 27–30 July 2026, bringing together stakeholders from across Africa’s agricultural research, innovation, policy, development, and private sectors. As part of the conference activities, the “Youth for Nutrition in Inclusive Science and Innovation from Soil to Plate – A Live Food Innovation Lab” side event was held on 27 July 2026 at the Abuja Continental Hotel. The side event was led by AUDA-NEPAD and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), with participation from development partners, private-sector actors, food innovators, youth organisations, and other stakeholders.

The event brought together organisations and representatives including AUDA-NEPAD, IITA, FAO, HarvestPlus Solutions, the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), AgroLinking/CAADP Youth4Nutrition, World Food Forum/FAO, and CAADP Youth4Nutrition, alongside youth food innovators and chefs from Nigeria and Rwanda. Key contributors included Dr. Titilayo Falade of IITA, who participated as an IITA Scientist and Food Innovation Expert during the official opening, and Mrs. Olumodupe Banwo of IITA, who moderated the feedback and audience interaction session.

The side event showcased practical approaches to connecting agricultural research and innovation with nutrition, entrepreneurship, investment, and markets. Activities included presentations on biofortified crops, agripreneurship pitches, and a live culinary cook-off featuring science-backed, biofortified ingredients. The event concluded with the formal launch of the Youth4Nutrition Nigeria Chapter, the third national chapter of the continental initiative under AUDA-NEPAD.

For FS4Africa, participation in the event provided an opportunity to contribute to discussions around food innovation, food safety, nutrition, youth engagement, and the translation of agricultural research into practical and market-oriented solutions, while strengthening linkages with researchers, policymakers, development organisations, private-sector actors, and young innovators across the African agrifood system.