DIRECTOR'S MESSAGE
From WAVE to WAVE RESEARCH: Opening New Perspectives
From WAVE to WAVE RESEARCH: Opening New Perspectives Dear partners, colleagues, researchers and friends of our institution, Today marks an important milestone in our shared history. After several years of dedication, innovation and consistent growth under the WAVE banner, we are moving forward by evolving into WAVE RESEARCH. This evolution is not a break with the past, but rather the natural culmination of a journey characterised by valuable experiences, tangible results, and the trust we have built together over the years. It marks a new phase in our collective commitment. It is more than just a name change; it reflects our ambition to strengthen our impact, broaden our perspectives, and further showcase our expertise.
The challenges of our time demand institutions that can anticipate, propose solutions, and take action. WAVE RESEARCH intends to embrace this role fully by building bridges between research, decision-makers, communities, and future generations. We are stating our ambition with greater clarity: to strengthen our position as a leading player in the field of plant health. I would like to sincerely thank everyone who has contributed to making WAVE what it is today. Together, let’s continue to build, innovate, and inspire.
PROF. JUSTIN PITA
Executive Director WAVE RESEARCH
— ABOUT WAVE RESEARCH
We are a leading research organization
The WAVE Regional Center of Excellence (WAVE CoE) is a scientific and technical platform that aims to increase food production in Central and West Africa, in a sustainable manner, by developing effective methods for the control and management of plant pathogens, as well as preventing the incursion of exotic plant diseases into new areas.
Launched in 2015 with funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) and the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) of the United Kingdom, WAVE continues to expand its footprint in the African continent. A second phase began in 2019.
In 2021, the program was established by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) as a Regional Center of Excellence.
The headquarters are based in Côte d'Ivoire. WAVE operates through a network in 10 countries, including Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Gabon, Ghana, Nigeria, Togo and Sierra Leone.
OUR VISION
Disease-free crops for food and income security for all in Africa.
OUR MISSION
WAVE RESEARCH aims to catalyze sustainable protection and productivity of crops in Central and West Africa through improved understanding and coordinated management of disease threats. Our work bridges the plant health value chain to meet our vision. In order to fulfil our mission, we use a holistic approach that spans research, outreach, data and evidence generation, policy advocacy, gender and systems capacity building - at local, national and regional levels.
OUR VALUES
Excellence
We pursue excellence in every aspect of our work — from cutting-edge research to capacity building. By maintaining the highest scientific and ethical standards, we strengthen local expertise and create lasting impact in the communities we serve.
Integrity
Integrity is the foundation of trust. We operate with transparency, accountability, and respect for our partners, ensuring that African-led innovation remains at the center of every solution we develop.
Innovation
We pioneer innovative tools and approaches to detect, monitor, and manage plant diseases. By embracing new technologies and methodologies, we deliver practical solutions that protect food security and livelihoods.
Collaboration
We believe that lasting progress requires strong partnerships. By collaborating with researchers, farmers, institutions, and governments across ten countries, we advance plant health and build resilient agricultural systems.
