CGIAR Global Director for Innovative Finance and Resources Mobilization, Andre Zandstra, visited the IITA Ibadan campus on 26 July. His visit was to discuss funding opportunities with IITA management staff and other staff affiliated with innovative finance and resource mobilization in the Institute.
In a meeting with the IITA Senior Management team, Zandstra mentioned that this trip was his first to IITA and Nigeria. He commended IITA’s aesthetic and serene environment and the excellent reception. He explained that he is the connector between major funders and CGIAR Initiatives. Hence, he is interested in meeting IITA staff affiliated with finance, understanding their interests, and entertaining their finance-related questions in line with OneCGIAR.
Kenton Dashiell, IITA Deputy Director General, Partnerships for Delivery, briefly described IITA and its activities. He further stated that Zandstra would be taken on a tour of the Institute’s campus to see IITA’s technologies and interact with staff. Dashiell also mentioned his earlier discussion with Zandstra about an IITA campaign for a systems council meeting.
Explaining what the campaign is about, Zandstra said that it is to convince CGIAR for the upcoming systems council meeting to be held in IITA in May 2023. He suggested that the contributions of Dr Nteranya Sanginga, Director General of IITA, would be recognized during the meeting.
Dr Sanginga affirmed the suggestion stating that IITA would be happy to host the Systems Council. He also suggested that individuals with a voice in Nigeria/Africa and associated with IITA should be involved with the council, like Dr Akinwumi Adesina and His Excellency, Olusegun Obasanjo. Zandra welcomed this suggestion.
In wrapping up the meeting, Zandra highlighted five areas CGIAR is working on funding: Systems Council members, emerging markets, climate funds and finance, IFIs (the banks), and a private innovative finance bucket. He stated that he is open to questions and contributions on funding during his stay at IITA.
At the close of the meeting, Dr Sanginga said, “Zandstra, your presence here is important to us. Your visit has shown that we are actually a team with CGIAR.” Dashiell added that Zandstra is officially a member of the IITA family.
Contributed by: Favour Eleta
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