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Strengthening private sector commitment to transform agri-food systems in West and Central Africa. Dakar, October 12, 2023 - The West and Central African Council for Agricultural Research and Development (CORAF) is organizing, in collaboration with the National Institute for Agricultural Research and Development (INIDA), the 2nd edition of its annual CORAF Forum, to be held on October 18 and 19 in Praia, Cape Verde. Cape Verde's Minister of Agriculture and the Environment will preside over the official ceremony. This year's Forum will focus on engaging the private sector and strengthening partnerships to make a significant contribution to the transformation of agri-food systems in West and Central Africa. The CORAF FORUM is a strategic platform that annually brings together leaders in agricultural research, innovators, policy-makers and academics to discuss the challenges and opportunities related to the development of agriculture in the region. This year's event will bring together the Directors of the National Agricultural Research Institutes (INRA), representatives of the private sector, development partners and the CGIAR, and representatives of the Regional Economic Communities (ECOWAS, ECCAS and CEMAC), technical and financial partners (SDC, EU, USAID, World Bank), members of the CORAF Board of Directors, members of the CORAF Scientific Council, staff of the CORAF Executive Secretariat and staff of INIDA (Cape Verde), the host institution. The main objective of this second edition of the CORAF FORUM is to catalyze the commitment of the private sector to foster a more substantial involvement and contribution to the agricultural research and development sector in West and Central Africa. The expected outcomes of the upcoming forum will provide a global vision of the challenges and benefits of integrating the private sector into agricultural research and development (R&D) efforts. The event aims to identify priority areas for agricultural research in West and Central Africa, proposing a realignment to facilitate greater private sector involvement in the journey to transform agricultural systems. Most importantly, the Forum intends to unveil practical solutions for better collaboration between NARS, academic institutions, private sector entities and policy makers. The CORAF 2023 FORUM represents a crucial milestone in the promotion of agricultural transformation in West and Central Africa. The discussions, knowledge exchanges and experiences shared at the event will fuel collective action and contribute to sustainable and resilient agricultural growth in the region. The choice of Cape Verde as host country is of particular importance, as Cape Verde plays a decisive role in West Africa's agricultural sector, with a strong representation of the private sector in agriculture, making it an inspiring model for the whole region. As a successful example of innovation and public-private partnerships in the agricultural sector, the country offers valuable lessons to be shared at the FORUM. The first CORAF FORUM contributed to regional and national initiatives that have strengthened agricultural research in West and Central Africa. A policy note was drawn up following the Forum, proposing recommendations to the governments of West and Central African states and perspectives for tackling the multifaceted challenges facing the agricultural sector. About CORAF : CORAF, a sub-regional organization made up of the national agricultural research systems of twenty-three West and Central African countries, is responsible for coordinating the implementation of sub-regional agricultural research policies as defined by governments. Created in 1987 and with its Executive Secretariat in Dakar, Senegal, CORAF's main objective is to improve living conditions in West and Central Africa, by fostering sustainable increases in agricultural production and productivity, and promoting competitiveness and markets. The CORAF FORUM is a flagship initiative aimed at sharing ideas, knowledge and lessons to enhance scientific contributions to agricultural research and development in West and Central Africa.