The Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on the International Conference on Science, Technology and Innovation (STICONF 2026) has stepped up efforts to build stronger African partnerships ahead of the conference, with a strategic courtesy visit to the Embassy of Côte d’Ivoire in Abuja.
The delegation was warmly received by the Ambassador of Côte d’Ivoire to Nigeria, Kalilou Traore, in what both sides described as a productive engagement focused on deepening regional cooperation in science, technology and innovation.
The visit forms part of ongoing diplomatic outreach by the committee to encourage wider African participation in STICONF 2026, which is scheduled to hold in Abuja and is expected to attract policymakers, researchers, innovators, investors and industry leaders from across the continent and beyond.
Leading the delegation was the Chairman of the IMC/Local Organising Committee (LOC), Victor Fadipe, alongside the Co-Chairman and Founder of WelcometoNigeria Development Initiative (WeNDI), Isa Yusuf Sago. Also present were representatives of National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA) and Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), including Chitu Womehoma, Auwal Ibrahim Bununu and Kazeem.
Speaking during the meeting, Dr. Fadipe said the committee was seeking the support of the embassy in connecting with key stakeholders in Côte d’Ivoire’s science, technology and innovation ecosystem, including government institutions, universities, research organisations, industries and the organised private sector.
He described STICONF 2026 as more than just a conference, noting that it is designed to serve as a continental platform for driving innovation-led growth, strengthening collaboration among African nations and promoting the transition from resource-based economies to knowledge-driven economies powered by science and technology.
According to him, the conference will create opportunities for African innovators, researchers, policymakers and business leaders to exchange ideas, build strategic partnerships and develop practical solutions to some of the continent’s most pressing developmental challenges.
Dr. Fadipe also emphasised that participation in the conference remains open to institutions and professionals from Côte d’Ivoire, adding that the event aligns with Africa’s growing push toward industrialisation, technological advancement and sustainable economic development.
Also speaking, Mr. Sago expressed appreciation to Ambassador Traore for receiving the delegation and described STICONF as a major African initiative aimed at unlocking the continent’s enormous human and technological potential.
He said the conference represents a call for Africa to embrace self-reliance through innovation, industrial development and home-grown technological solutions capable of transforming lives and economies across the continent.
Mr. Sago appealed to the ambassador to leverage the embassy’s diplomatic network to mobilise critical stakeholders in Côte d’Ivoire, particularly experts and institutions within government agencies, universities, research centres, industries and the private sector.
He added that while physical participation in Abuja is encouraged, stakeholders unable to travel would also have the opportunity to participate virtually, ensuring broader continental inclusion.
The WeNDI founder further urged the embassy to identify and forward the names of key experts and institutions that could contribute meaningfully to panel discussions and technical sessions during the conference.
Responding, Ambassador Traore commended the vision behind STICONF 2026, describing it as a timely and important initiative capable of advancing Africa’s development aspirations through innovation and technology.
He noted that Africa must increasingly position itself as a major contributor to the global economy through scientific advancement, innovation and technological development.
According to the ambassador, technology remains central to civilisation, economic transformation and human progress, adding that the Embassy of Côte d’Ivoire supports initiatives that foster collaboration and promote the collective interests of African nations.
Ambassador Traore assured the delegation of the embassy’s support and pledged to facilitate the participation of scientists, innovators and technology stakeholders from Côte d’Ivoire in STICONF 2026.
The visit is one of several high-level diplomatic and institutional engagements being undertaken by the STICONF 2026 Inter-Ministerial Committee as preparations intensify for the landmark conference, which aims to strengthen continental collaboration and explore new pathways for Africa’s innovation-driven future.
