Nairobi, Kenya, 21 November 2025 : The International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), has unveiled its Vision & Strategy 2026–2030, positioning the institution and insect science as powerful drivers of resilience, sustainability, global health security, agrifood systems, bioeconomy and socio-economic transformation, for Africa and the world. Download a copy. 

Headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, icipe is the most prominent institution in Africa dedicated to research and innovation on insects and other arthropods. Anchored in the Centre’s 55-year legacy of delivering transformative, insect-based and nature-positive solutions, the new roadmap marks a decisive evolution into a future defined by scientific excellence, stronger partnerships and greater developmental impact. 

“Today, icipe stands as a beacon of scientific excellence in Africa, with the ability to translate scientific discoveries into practical nature positive solutions capable of addressing critical challenges including climate risks, biodiversity loss, poverty, hunger, and unemployment through innovative insect-based science,” stated Dr Korir SingOei, Principal Secretary, State Department for Foreign Affairs, Kenya, who presided over the launch. 

The Vision and Strategy introduces a revitalised research and institutional framework that reimagines how icipe generates and delivers innovative solutions. The shift envisions a seamless pathway from discovery to real-world application, where scientific advances translate into policy influence, enterprise growth and tangible benefits for nature and society. Developed through an internally led, deeply participatory process, the Vision and Strategy brings together insights from staff, governance organs, national, regional and global partners, as well as external thought leaders.

“The journey towards developing this roadmap has allowed us to rediscover who we are as an institution, what we stand for, and what Africa and the world need from us in the decades ahead. We present this Strategy from a position of strength, as one empowered icipe that firmly believes in its principles,” said icipe Director General, Dr Abdou Tenkouano. 

“This Vision and Strategy arrives at a pivotal moment marked by rapid technological advances, shifting geopolitics, changes in research investments scenarios and intensifying development challenges. Thus, this plan is a guiding light for the Centre’s next chapter. It provides coherence, direction and confidence, and it affirms that icipe stands on strong and stable ground, with robust scientific foundations and institutional capacity that command continental and global respect,” observed Dr Ylva Hillbur, Chair, icipe Governing Council.

Anchored on a One Health lens, the Vision and Strategy reinforces the integration of the Centre’s unique four-theme model, which spans human, animal, plant and environmental health. In addition, the themes are now aligned to four newly established platforms that will: deepen biosciences by driving breakthroughs in molecular biology, genomics and advanced biotechnology; harness digital tools, artificial intelligence and modelling to generate powerful data-driven insights; nurture the next generation of African scientists and strengthen capacity of institutions; and ensure that evidence translates into sound policies, stakeholder engagement and an enabling environment for decision-making. 

This integrated architecture, supported by a newly created impact directorate, creates a coherent pipeline and accelerates the route from discovery to delivery, translating scientific breakthroughs from laboratories to market-ready solutions and  into communities. 

The enablers of the roadmap are: partnerships, to create trust-based collaboration with research institutions, governments, industry and development actors; human capital development to strengthen insect science leadership across Africa; strategic communication to enhance advocacy, science diplomacy and stakeholder engagement; gender integration to ensure equitable participation and benefits for all components of society; and monitoring, evaluation and learning,to assess outcomes and inform policies and programme adjustments. 

The cohesive system is channelled into five interconnected impact domains that reflect today’s most urgent challenges: transforming agri-food systems, improving global health, protecting biodiversity and ecosystems, strengthening the policies and enabling conditions needed for sustainable development with an overarching domain of advancing climate mitigation and adaptation. This impact is aligned to national, regional and global priorities, including the African Union Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Partnerships are the heart of the icipe Vision and Strategy 2026-2030, which emphasises deeper alliances across disciplines and sectors, recognising that transformative science and scalable solutions emerge through collaboration, shared expertise and mutual trust. By fostering vibrant networks of researchers, communities, policymakers and industry, the Centre will ensures that the research and development pathway is co-created, and co-owned, for sustained for lasting impact.

Notes for Editors

Established in 1970, and headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (www.icipe.org), is distinct, being the main research organisation in Africa working primarily on insects and other arthropods. icipe is also the sole institution that combines research and development activities across plant health, human health, animal health and environmental health. icipe generates world-class scientific knowledge and translates it into insect-based, nature-positive, One Health innovations that sustainably transform millions of livelihoods across Africa and beyond. Additionally, icipe nurtures Africa’s talent and leadership in insect-science, through the Centre’s long-standing programmes in doctoral and postdoctoral training, advancement of research and innovation in applied sciences, engineering and technology, and the creation of a bioeconomy, in Africa. The Centre has a staff of about 500 staff, operations in more than 40 countries in Africa, and over 300 partnerships with diverse organizations across the world. For additional information, visit: (www.icipe.org).

Download a copy of the icipe Vision and Strategy 2026-2030