On August 19–20, 2025, SAF-A joined regional partners, researchers, and development actors at the ICRAF Campus in Nairobi for a dynamic two-day workshop focused Strengthening and Identifying Partnerships across Africa.  

Participants at the Regional Workshop for Strengthening and Identifying Partnerships on 19th August 2025 at CIMMYT, ICRAF Campus in Nairobi. Photo Credit: CIMMYT

The two-day workshop focused Strengthening and Identifying Partnerships across Africa by understanding key criteria for successful partnerships, creating action plans for future collaborations, and having practical insights and a road map for regional collaborations. 

“The event opened with presentations on regional opportunities and successful partnership case studies by CIMMYT. We engaged in group discussions to define partnership criteria, share lessons learned, and explore practical examples of collaborations. Interactive sessions mapped key stakeholders, ongoing projects, and analysed models that drive successful partnerships. Attendees also developed strategies for engaging new partners and drafted initial engagement plans, which were shared for collective feedback.” Reports Stephen Okeyo, responsible for Monitoring, Evaluations, Learning and Communication at SAF-A. 

Day two centered on creating a Regional Partnership Action Plan. Organizations worked in breakout groups to identify potential collaborators and co-develop action plans, culminating in presentations that outlined pathways to strengthen partnerships and maximize regional impact. 

We got excited most by the “Let’s Partner!” Session. 

We proposed collaborations with CIMMYT and IRRI. With CIMMYT, efforts focused on using data to design risk assessment tools for agricultural insurance providers, aiming for scalable, sustainable solutions. The partnership with IRRI targeted improved smallholder livelihoods and environmental protection through livestock research and innovation, emphasizing co-creation, joint resource mobilization, and scaling impactful technologies. Potential partners ranged from international donors like the Gates Foundation and GIZ, to national governments, local ministries, academic institutions, and private sector actors. 

This workshop displayed the value of uniting diverse stakeholders to strengthen existing partnerships and foster new ones in Africa in addressing smallholder farmers challenges. The Regional Partnership Action Plan developed in Nairobi marks a significant step toward transformative, inclusive, and sustainable agricultural development across Africa.  

So be part of this change! 

We invite you to support our impact by codesigning, funding, and implementing flagship programmes that will impact >1.5Million smallholder farmers we are targeting by 2030.