ONEPlanET was pleased to take part in the LEAP-RE WEF Nexus – Strategies for Sustainable Development for Africa event, held on 22 October 2025 in Brussels. As the heart of European policy-making, Brussels provided the ideal backdrop for a dialogue focused on aligning international research with African-led development goals.
Representing the consortium, Fabio Montagnino (The Cyprus Institute) and Brenda Insonne (RINA) contributed to an insightful dialogue on advancing the Water–Energy–Food (WEF) Nexus as a holistic pathway for sustainable development. Their presence underscored ONEPlanET’s commitment to turning scientific modeling into industrial and social reality.
Core Pillars of the Dialogue:
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⚡ Beyond the Silos The discussion centered on why the WEF Nexus provides a more robust, integrated approach than traditional sectoral models. By recognizing that energy production requires water, and food production requires both, we can avoid policies that solve one problem while accidentally creating another.
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⚡ Innovation & Opportunity Panelists highlighted key innovations—from decentralized renewable energy for irrigation to smart-monitoring systems—that are creating new opportunities for resilient WEF systems across the continent.
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⚡ Scaling for Impact A major focus was placed on strategies for scaling these solutions. The group explored how to move from successful “living lab” pilots to large-scale, sustained implementation that can withstand the pressures of climate change and population growth.
A Collaborative Powerhouse
The session was a testament to the power of partnership, bringing together leading institutions and sister projects, including:
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OPTiMG and RE4AFAGRI
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PRIMA and ENERGICA
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Strathmore University – UNESCO Chair
Moving Closer to Systemic Change
By aligning with the LEAP-RE community, ONEPlanET is helping to shape a unified roadmap for African development. Together, these organizations are moving Africa closer to infrastructure and governance systems that work harmoniously for both the people and the planet.