Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 29 September 2026: The International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), and the African Union Commission’s Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment (AUC-ARBE), intend to boost their strategic collaboration. The aim is to translate the Centre’s scientific research and innovations into solutions for Africa’s agricultural development priorities.

During a meeting held at the AUC, icipe Director General, Dr Abdou Tenkouano, and H.E. Moses Vilakati, Commissioner, AUC-ARBE, led respective delegations to explore several priority areas where the Centre can contribute most effectively.

The institutions identified improving agricultural productivity by scaling icipe’s pest and disease management tools and integrating insect pollination services; building climate resilience; advancing biopesticides and biodiversity-friendly farming; and applying the Centre’s innovations to food and nutrition priorities.

The Centre’s expertise could be leveraged to support trade and regional integration, for example through harmonised approaches to transboundary pest management. icipe’s leadership in the insect-based bioeconomy could also be harnessed to advance youth employment and enterprise. Additionally, icipe’s scientific evidence and technologies could underpin bankable insect-based investment programmes.

icipe will also help to strengthen African-led research and innovation by developing technologies suited to the continent’s priorities. Moreover, the Centre will contribute to pathways that build the capacity and skills of researchers, extension officers, farmers and entrepreneurs.

This new phase of the partnership between icipe and AUC-ARBE reflects the ambitions of our Vision and Strategy 2026–2030, which prioritises institutional growth, continental expansion and accelerated development impact. Ultimately, the collaboration would contribute to the AUC’s efforts to advance sustainable agriculture, strengthen food and nutrition security, build climate resilience and improve rural livelihoods through practical, African-led solutions aligned with the continent’s development priorities.

icipe Director General, Dr Abdou Tenkouano (left) pictured with Hon Moses Vilakati, Commissioner, AUC-ARBE, during a strategic visit by a delegation from the Centre. 

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[NL1]