25th September, 2026
By Peace Ahovi
Prof. Emmanuel Wendsongrรฉ Ramdรฉ, WASCAL Executive Director, met with Hon. Dr. Romarique Sรจdami Mรจdรฉgan Fagla, Minister for Higher Education and Scientific Research of the Republic of Benin, during his visit to Cotonou.
The meeting focused on strengthening WASCALโs strategic engagement in Benin and discussions around the proposed co-organisation of the 2027 International Conference on Climate Change and Just Energy Transition (I3CJET), scheduled for 25th to 29th October 2027 in Cotonou.
The proposed conference is expected to bring together researchers, policymakers, academics, development partners, and other stakeholders to exchange knowledge and advance practical solutions to climate change and the just energy transition in West Africa.
The engagement also provided an opportunity to highlight WASCALโs longstanding contribution to climate research, education and innovation in Benin. Over the years, WASCAL has invested nearly โฌ5 million in the country through programmes supporting training, research and innovation.
At the University of Abomey-Calavi (UAC), WASCALโs doctoral programme on Climate Change and Water Resources continues to contribute to specialised scientific capacity development. A WASCAL hydrometeorological station near Tanguiรฉta, operational since 2013, also continues to generate data supporting climate research and understanding.
Through its capacity-building programmes, 52 Beninese doctoral students and 33 masterโs students have benefited from full scholarships, contributing to the development of climate and environmental expertise in the country.
The discussions explored opportunities for further collaboration in climate science, research and innovation, capacity development, climate services and the transition towards sustainable and equitable energy systems.
The proposed I3CJET 2027 in Cotonou represents an opportunity to deepen cooperation between WASCAL and Benin while creating a regional platform for dialogue on Africaโs climate and energy priorities.
WASCAL remains committed to working with its member countries and strategic partners to connect scientific knowledge with policy and practice and to advance solutions for a more climate-resilient and sustainable West Africa.