Kigali, Rwanda – June 24, 2025
The Fifth General Assembly of the Pan-African Network for Economic Analysis of Policies (PANAP) convened in Kigali under the theme: “The Role of PANAP Within the New Agricultural Strategic Frameworks and Policies for Africa and Europe.” The event brought together PANAP members including agri-food researchers, policy analysts and representatives from the African Union Commission (AUC), the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), RUFORUM and the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC), reaffirming PANAP’s growing influence in shaping agricultural policy across continents.
A Five-Year Journey of Impact
Presenting his address at the general assembly, Dr. Aggrey Agumya, Executive Director of FARA, reflected on PANAP’s evolution since its launch in 2019, emphasizing its dual achievements in policy analysis and institutional development. “PANAP has performed the role it was designed to play, carrying out policy analysis and strengthening capacities,” he said. “It has become a platform for engagement between scientists and policymakers.” He also urged the assembly to reflect on PANAP’s unique position among a growing number of policy networks. “We must mark out the niche of PANAP so that it does not appear to be overlapping with other networks, but rather adding value,” he emphasized.
Bridging Continents Through Science and Strategy
Alessandra Zampieri, Director of Sustainable Resources at the European Commission’s JRC, praised PANAP’s role in fostering cross-continental collaboration. “The efforts of this network have yielded significant benefits to enhance food and nutrition security and to advance sustainable agriculture, both in Africa and Europe,” she said. Additionally, she emphasized the importance of aligning agricultural strategies across both continents, referencing the Kampala Declaration and the EU Vision for Agriculture and Food. “These strategies offer a timely opportunity to strengthen collaboration and support the design of evidence-based policies,” she noted. She also highlighted PANAP’s alignment with global initiatives: “PANAP is already fully aligned to the main policy initiatives in both continents, reiterating the commitment to evidence-based policymaking, and also aligning with the Global Gateway initiative, strengthening education and research systems across the world.”She concluded by celebrating PANAP’s strengthened governance: “With a stronger secretariat and a well-functioning steering committee, PANAP is well-positioned to expand both in content and geographical representation.”
A Continental Vision Rooted in African Realities
Representing the African Union Commission, Beatrice Egulu delivered a powerful call to action. “We reconvene not only to continue this dialogue, but to act on it,” she said, referencing the post-Malabo agenda and the evolving AU-EU partnership in food systems transformation. She further outlined three strategic priorities: operationalizing the Kampala Strategy and Action Plan (2026–2035), strengthening African capacities to generate and apply evidence in real-time, and advancing joint foresight mechanisms to address climate risks and digital innovation. “We must use this moment to position African policy institutions at the center of solution-building,” she urged. She also welcomed the network’s focus on youth and gender-responsive innovation: “The next generation of African agripreneurs and scientists must be active co-creators in policy design and implementation.”
Key Milestones and Forward Momentum
A major highlight of the General Assembly was the launch of PANAP’s Operational and Membership Charter, alongside the formal establishment of the network’s Steering Committee; a move expected to enhance coordination and accountability across the continent. Additionally, agri-food research scientists undergoing the CGE mentorship programme presented their policy analysis proposals, showcasing the next generation of evidence-based thinkers in agricultural policy. As the assembly concluded, participants reaffirmed their commitment to PANAP’s vision: a future where agricultural policy in Africa and Europe is driven by rigorous analysis, inclusive dialogue, and shared innovation. With a strengthened governance structure and renewed strategic focus, PANAP is poised to play an even more influential role in shaping the agricultural landscapes of both continents.
Article and Photos By: Daniel Obloni Kweitsu, Communications Expert, FARA