Advocacy Visit by KANO University CIDRA team

As part of the implementation of the CIDRA project, the Kano University CIDRA Team undertook an advocacy visit to key institutions in Nigeria. The visit aimed at strengthening collaborations, creating awareness of the project objectives, and identifying possible synergies that will support the EU–Africa partnership framework under CIDRA.

The institutions include:

1. National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA)
2. Nigeria Research and Education Network (NgRen)
3. Northwest Development Commission (NWDC)
4. Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (CVNU)

During the advocacy meetings, the CIDRA Team presented the overarching goals of the project, with particular emphasis on the European Union’s plan to invest €1 billion in Africa under the CIDRA framework.

The team encouraged the agencies to harness the opportunities presented by the EU investment for capacity building, research, and innovation. Engage actively in the project’s advocacy and dialogue activities, and explore collaborations with Kano University and other consortium members in areas such as biotechnology, education networks, digital innovation, and regional development initiatives.

The agencies expressed keen interest in the CIDRA initiative and acknowledged the relevance of the project to their institutional mandates. Several areas of collaboration were identified, particularly in research partnerships, knowledge sharing, and stakeholder engagement. The agencies pledged to consider future bilateral engagements with Kano University and other partners to maximize the benefits of the EU–Africa cooperation platform.

In addition, the team discussed with the agencies the upcoming CIDRA Advocacy Meeting scheduled to take place at CEU San Pablo University, Madrid, in January 2026. The event will bring together government bodies, NGOs, and CSOs from both Europe and Africa to engage in constructive dialogue on cooperation, migration, and development initiatives. The agencies indicated their readiness to participate in this meeting.

In conclusion the advocacy visits were successful in strengthening awareness of the CIDRA project among strategic stakeholders in Nigeria. The discussions reinforced the importance of building institutional partnerships in order to maximize the €1 billion EU investment opportunity in Africa.