The world’s largest cosmetic company seeks partnership with IITA

15 November 2024

IITA is renowned for its strong partnerships with both the public and private sectors, with the aim to transform African agriculture. On 6 November, the institute had the pleasure of hosting the Head of Research and Innovation at L'Oréal , Philippe Rapold. During his visit to IITA's headquarters, he met with experts, toured the institute's facilities, and discussed potential areas of collaboration between IITA and L'Oréal.

During a comprehensive briefing by IITA Director, Partnerships for Development Directorate (P4D) and CEO, IITA Business Incubation Platform (BIP), Dr Adebowale Akande , provided an overview of IITA's organizational structure, key stations, and activities, highlighting its pivotal role within the CGIAR system. He explained that IITA and other CGIAR centers operate with distinct mandates to avoid duplication of research activities. He also shared information on IITA's collaborative work with these centers, particularly in the context of shared facilities and resources across sub-Saharan Africa.

Rapold also shared the vision and objectives of L'Oréal and described how the company has evolved from being a scientifically driven cosmetic company to one focused on inclusivity, sustainability, and modernity. He also outlined L'Oréal's ambitious sustainability goal for 2040: to ensure that the company's materials are derived from bio-resources rather than chemicals. He added that only 5% of L'Oréal's production currently includes chemical materials.

"Open research and innovation is one of the main reasons I am here," Rapold stated, emphasizing the company's interest in seeking partnerships, mentorship, and collaborative support to scale its activities and overcome challenges in its sustainability efforts.

Akande welcomed the idea of collaboration between IITA and L'Oréal, expressing that IITA is eager to partner with organizations that share its commitment to innovation and sustainability. "IITA and CGIAR are always looking forward to collaborating with organizations like yours," Akande said. He proposed that an official partnership could be formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), laying the foundation for future joint initiatives.

Rapold expressed optimism about the potential for collaboration, stating, "I feel this is very promising after hearing what IITA can offer." Following this, he visited several of IITA's facilities, including the Virology Laboratory, the Genetic Resources Center (GRC), the Bioscience Center, the Forest Center, and BIP. These visits provided valuable insights into IITA's research and innovation in biodiversity, sustainable agriculture, and capacity development, as well as the potential benefits of this partnership.

Rapold appreciated IITA for the warm reception and the opportunity to explore the institute's work. "I now understand the mission of IITA much more clearly. I came in search of top-notch research partners to help us address some of the challenges we face, and I am truly impressed," he said. He also highlighted potential areas of collaboration, particularly in biodiversity and capacity development, which he believes could be explored further in future discussions.

Akande assured him that IITA has the reputation, expertise, and capacity to support both government and private sector collaborations. "By signing an MoU, we can formalize this partnership and begin developing concrete action plans for both short- and long-term initiatives," Akande said, reiterating both organizations' commitment to the partnership.

Contributed by Ochuwa Favour Daramola