The Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on the International Conference on Science, Technology and Innovation (STICONF 2026) has intensified diplomatic engagements ahead of the conference with a high-level courtesy visit to the Embassy of Côte d’Ivoire in Abuja, where the delegation was warmly received by the Ambassador of Côte d’Ivoire to Nigeria, Kalilou Traore.
The visit formed part of the committee’s strategic efforts to deepen regional participation and strengthen collaboration among African stakeholders in science, technology and innovation (STI) ahead of the continental conference scheduled to hold in Abuja.
Leading the delegation was the Chairman of the IMC/Local Organising Committee (LOC), Victor Fadipe, alongside the Co-Chairman and Founder of WelcometoNigeria Development Initiative (WeNDI), Isa Yusuf Sago. Other members of the delegation included Chitu Womehoma representing the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA), as well as Auwal Ibrahim Bununu and Kazeem, both representing the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA).
Speaking during the visit, Dr. Fadipe explained that the committee was at the embassy to seek the ambassador’s support in connecting the STICONF team with key STI stakeholders in Côte d’Ivoire across government institutions, academia, research organisations, industries and the private sector.
He noted that STICONF 2026 was designed as a continental platform to promote innovation-driven development, strengthen collaboration among African nations and accelerate the transition from resource-dependent economies to knowledge-based economies powered by science, technology and innovation.
According to him, the conference provides opportunities for policymakers, innovators, researchers, investors and industrial players across Africa to exchange ideas, build partnerships and develop practical solutions to the continent’s developmental challenges.
Dr. Fadipe stressed that participation in the conference was open to institutions and professionals from Côte d’Ivoire, adding that the event would further reinforce Africa’s growing commitment to innovation, industrialisation and sustainable economic growth.
Also speaking, Mr. Sago expressed appreciation to Ambassador Traore for receiving the delegation and described the conference as a major continental initiative aimed at unlocking Africa’s inherent talents, skills and innovative capacities.
He said STICONF represents a call for Africa to begin a deliberate process of self-recovery and self-reliance through technology, innovation and industrial advancement.
Mr. Sago appealed to the ambassador to use his diplomatic reach and influence to mobilise relevant stakeholders in Côte d’Ivoire to participate in the conference, particularly experts and institutions within government establishments, universities, research centres, industries and the organised private sector.
He added that due to time constraints, stakeholders who may be unable to travel physically could still participate virtually, while those willing and able to attend in person would be warmly welcomed in Abuja.
The WeNDI founder further urged the ambassador to engage with professionals and institutions back home and forward the names of critical stakeholders who could contribute meaningfully to panel sessions and technical discussions during the conference.
Responding, Ambassador Traore commended the vision and continental outlook behind STICONF 2026, describing it as a timely initiative capable of advancing Africa’s development aspirations through innovation and technology.
The envoy stated that Africa has come of age and must increasingly position itself as a contributor to the global economy through advancements in science, technology and innovation.
He emphasised that technology remains pivotal to civilisation, economic transformation and human development, adding that the Embassy of Côte d’Ivoire supports programmes that bring people together and promote both the interests of Côte d’Ivoire and the African continent as a whole.
Ambassador Traore assured the delegation of the embassy’s support for initiatives such as STICONF and pledged to do what is necessary to facilitate the participation of scientists, innovators and technology stakeholders from Côte d’Ivoire in the conference.
The visit is one of several diplomatic and institutional engagements being undertaken by the STICONF 2026 Inter-Ministerial Committee as preparations intensify for the conference, which is expected to bring together participants from across Africa and beyond to explore pathways for innovation-led development and continental collaboration.
