African Network of Living Labs: EU project INCiTiS-FOOD gives rise to an innovation network across Africa

The African Network of Living Labs (ANoLL) now connects 47 active Living Labs across 22 African countries. The network emerged from the Horizon Europe research and innovation project INCiTiS-FOOD, in which the Bavarian Research Alliance (BayFOR) is a project partner. Its official launch was celebrated in Ibadan, Nigeria, on 3 November 2026. ANoLL aims to sustain collaboration and knowledge exchange beyond the project’s completion in December 2026.

Living Labs: fish, vegetables and insects for sustainable food systems

INCiTiS-FOOD has developed solutions for resource-efficient food production in African cities. Across eight Living Labs in Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Cameroon, Gabon and Kenya, researchers, businesses and local communities have jointly tested technologies under real-life conditions. The project continues until December 2026.

One example combines fish farming with vegetable production: nutrients from fish farming support plant growth, while water is treated and reused. In insect farming, black soldier fly larvae process organic residues. The larvae provide protein-rich fish feed, while the remaining material can be used as fertiliser. Alongside testing technologies, the Living Labs address food safety, practical training and viable business models.

ANoLL connects Living Labs across national borders

The eight INCiTiS-FOOD Living Labs established ANoLL together with partners from North and South Africa. Officially registered in Ghana, the network now connects Living Labs across 22 African countries. It enables members to exchange experiences, build new partnerships and jointly develop innovations. The aim is to make locally tested solutions applicable in other locations, adapted to local needs and conditions.

Final conference and official launch in Ibadan

The INCiTiS-FOOD final conference took place at the University of Ibadan in Nigeria from 3 to 5 November 2026. It combined discussions on the project’s results with the official launch of ANoLL and its first General Assembly. Sustainable food systems and long-term collaboration between Living Labs were central themes.

The programme also explored opportunities for cooperation between ANoLL and the Brussels-based European Network of Living Labs (ENoLL). This international network supports Living Labs through knowledge exchange, training and networking for joint research and innovation projects. These discussions highlighted opportunities for future exchange between African and European Living Labs.

BayFOR contributed to the event with presentations on European–African research and innovation cooperation and European funding opportunities for research and innovation.

BayFOR supports INCiTiS-FOOD from proposal development to implementation

BayFOR supported the development of the EU funding proposal, particularly its structure, budget planning and identification of project partners. As a project partner, BayFOR provides administrative and financial project management support. Coordinated by the University of the Bundeswehr Munich, the project receives approximately €6 million in funding through Horizon Europe for the period from January 2023 to December 2026.

Further information is available on the ANoLL website and the network’s LinkedIn page.

Contact at BayFOR

Dr. Thomas Ammerl
Head of Unit Environment, Energy & Bioeconomy
Phone: +49 89 9901888-120
Email: ammerl@no-spam-pleasebayfor.org

M. Sc. Vanessa Morales
Project Manager Environment, Energy & Bioeconomy
Phone +49 (0)89 9901 888 –129
Email: morales@no-spam-pleasebayfor.org