Prof. Diofantos Hadjimitsis, Managing Director of ECoE, stressed the importance of structured planning:

“Over the next three days, partners will engage in workshops to develop a structured and realistic activity plan aligned with the Grant Agreement. I encourage all partners to actively contribute to discussions that will shape the project’s impact.” He further emphasised the broader vision of the initiative: “AfroGrow is a collaborative commitment to sustainable transformation and the co-creation of solutions that are not only scientifically sound, but also socially inclusive and regionally relevant.”

Ioannis Varvaris, Deputy Research Coordinator of ECoE, underlined the project’s ultimate goal:

“Our main achievement will be the establishment of six sustainable Living Labs that integrate into the European Network of Living Labs. These Living Labs will serve as a bridge between the African and European Unions, fostering knowledge exchange and collaboration to address climate change as a global challenge.” He also outlined the need for sustained policy engagement: “Supporting AU-EU High Level Policy Dialogue on Science, Technology and Innovation is essential for ensuring the long-term impact of these Living Labs beyond the project’s four-year duration.”

Éliane Ubalijoro, Chief Executive Officer of CIFOR-ICRAF, brought to the forefront the broader significance of AfroGrow:

“AfroGrow emphasises the full value chain, from knowledge generation to its application on the ground. It calls for strengthening capacities, human, institutional and infrastructural while fostering demonstration activities across the Living Labs that ensure research and innovations reach those who need it most: farmers, communities and local entrepreneurs.” She also underscored the long-term vision: “A key pillar of this vision is the establishment of the pan-African agroforestry hub. An initiative that will foster collaboration among AU countries, encourage knowledge sharing and build capacity in sustainable land use practices.”

Zampela Pittaki, AfroGrow’s CIFOR-ICRAF Principal Investigator, highlighted the importance of the AfroGrow Living Labs:

“The Living Labs will be instrumental in co-developing and co-governing agroforestry innovations in real-life environments. By bringing together diverse stakeholders, we ensure that solutions are practical, scalable, and responsive to the needs of local communities.” “This Kick-off Meeting is not just a launch – it is a commitment to action, innovation, and meaningful partnerships,” adds Pittaki. “Through this initiative, we are laying the foundation for a future where agroforestry is not only a sustainable solution but a driving force for climate resilience, economic growth, and community well-being. Together, we will cultivate impact”.

The AfroGrow Kick-Off Meeting established a strong foundation for a transformative journey in agroforestry, uniting diverse expertise to tackle pressing environmental and socio-economic challenges. Over three days of discussions, presentations, and workshops, partners collaborated to align strategies and refine the project’s roadmap.

Looking ahead, AfroGrow will translate its vision into action, leveraging its six Living Labs to implement and scale innovative agroforestry practices. Through cross-continental knowledge exchange and strong policy engagement, the project aims to establish a lasting framework for sustainable land use, benefiting farmers, communities, and ecosystems alike.

As the consortium moves forward, the commitment to fostering collaboration between the African Union and European Union remains unwavering. AfroGrow is not just about developing agroforestry solutions—it is about shaping a resilient future for African landscapes and livelihoods.