17 and 20 April 2026
The Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources Policy Analysis Network (FANRPAN) recently hosted Nicole Balomey from Andreas Hermes Akademie for a series of strategic engagements held on 17 and 20 April 2026 in Pretoria and Johannesburg, South Africa.
The visit provided an opportunity for both organisations to align on a shared vision of strengthening institutional capacity, enhancing policy engagement, and advancing multi-stakeholder collaboration across Africa’s agri-food systems. Discussions highlighted the complementary strengths of FANRPAN’s extensive policy networks and convening platforms, and AHA’s expertise in organisational development, training, and leadership programmes.
A key focus of the engagement was the role both institutions play in the AU–Germany Agricultural Policy Dialogue (AU–APD). FANRPAN contributes its regional footprint and ability to convene governments, researchers, farmers, and private sector actors, while AHA brings structured capacity development approaches and supports the design and delivery of learning and exchange processes.
The discussions also explored opportunities to jointly develop initiatives focused on capacity strengthening and targeted efforts to enhance thought leadership and stakeholder engagement. Nicole Balomey’s visit marked an important step toward building a more structured and mutually beneficial partnership, where both FANRPAN and AHA leverage their respective strengths to support inclusive, evidence-based policy processes and long-term systems change.