The rector of the University of Sine-Saloum El Hadji Ibrahima Niass (USSEIN), Professor Diégane Diouf, has emphasized the need for enhanced synergies among research, entrepreneurship, financing, and government actors to foster innovation in sustainable food systems. This call was made during the opening of a national workshop on innovation ecosystems, public policies, and financing for entrepreneurial innovation in food systems.
According to Professor Diouf, innovation requires collaboration among various stakeholders to ensure durability and avoid ad-hoc interventions. He highlighted the importance of a well-structured ecosystem, including better coordination between universities, research centers, producers, entrepreneurs, and financing structures. This coordination is crucial for sustainable food systems.
The USSEIN rector also stressed the role of government, local authorities, and ministries in establishing a favorable institutional and regulatory framework for innovation development. He noted that financing mechanisms must be tailored to the specific needs of food systems, which are characterized by seasonal agricultural production and perishable products.
Professor Diouf pointed out that financing is not solely monetary; it also includes innovation platforms, equipment, and laboratories that can support project initiators. The workshop, organized by USSEIN, aims to bring together various innovation ecosystem actors, including the University Gaston Berger and the General Delegation for Rapid Entrepreneurship of Women and Youth.
The project "Support for Food Systems and Entrepreneurial Innovation in West African Countries" is funded by the French Equipe Fund – International Innovation Hub West Africa (FEF-IIHWA). USSEIN, with its agricultural focus, covers the entire food value chain from production to consumption, including transformation, marketing, and nutrition.
The university's "Dekkal Yakar" incubator supports project initiators in maturing their ideas, structuring their businesses, and finding partners. This incubator works with local producers to improve their products. Additionally, USSEIN operates an integrated agroecological farm used for student training and experimentation, featuring a composting unit and a 3,000-square-meter greenhouse.
The workshop provides a platform for stakeholders to discuss and explore ways to strengthen innovation ecosystems, policies, and financing for sustainable food systems in Senegal and beyond. The event underscores the commitment of USSEIN and its partners to promoting sustainable food systems through innovation and collaboration.
Key points
- The USSEIN University rector calls for enhanced synergies among stakeholders to promote sustainable food systems through innovation.
- The workshop aims to strengthen innovation ecosystems, policies, and financing for sustainable food systems in Senegal and West Africa.
- USSEIN University operates an integrated agroecological farm and incubator to support student training and entrepreneurship in sustainable food systems.
