Olufunke Cofie

Africa Director for Research Impact

Research team

Water, growth and inclusion > Integrated circular economy transformations

Areas of expertise

Waste management Recycling Soil health Agriculture Capacity building Water reuse group facilitation program coordination organizational management

I oversee IWMI’s research-for-development capabilities across Africa. This involves strengthening research delivery and engagement with regional partners across the continent and representing the organization in Africa-wide institutions and processes, enhancing IWMI’s responsiveness and effectiveness for impact. I have over 25 years of experience in international agricultural research and development, with more than a decade in senior leadership positions. Previously, I held the role of IWMI’s Regional Representative in West Africa and Country Representative in Ghana. My expertise lies in strategic planning, research development, delivery, people management, and organizational development. I have overseen research projects on innovative water solutions, reuse, land management, and climate-resilient agriculture. I have effectively addressed complex challenges and forged partnerships with government entities, academic institutions, civil society, and multilateral and bilateral development agencies. Additionally, I have excelled in cultivating human capital through training, mentoring, and motivating professionals to achieve their goals. I have over a hundred publications in diverse outlets.

Current projects

CGIAR Initiative: West and Central African Food Systems Transformation

CGIAR Research Program on Water, Land and Ecosystems (WLE)

Latest news for Olufunke Cofie

News

Digital innovation to bridge Africa’s water data divide

IWMI co-hosts Pan-African symposium on digital solutions for water management in Ethiopia, exploring how open data and digital tools can chart a water-secure future for the continent ...

October 27, 2025

In the media

IWMI launches platform to boost farmer-led irrigation in Nigeria

The platform will serve as a hub for research, innovation and policy engagement to unlock irrigation development and strengthen resilience for Nigerian smallholder farmers ...

September 26, 2025

Blogs

Harnessing water to drive Africa’s agrifood transformation

IWMI continues to support the CAADP, Africa’s foremost policy framework on agriculture through the program’s new 2026-2035 strategy ...

September 3, 2025

In the media

South Africa Summit to make water an investment priority

An African summit to improve access to water was held in Cape Town, South Africa, attended by several leaders from across the continent, with the objective of mobilizing support for ...

August 17, 2025

In the media

European Union and IWMI mark successful conclusion of REACH-STR project

The project developed evidence-based solutions to help vulnerable communities in northern Ghana better withstand the impact of climate change ...

June 29, 2025

Blogs

IWMI advances water systems transformation for Africa’s Agenda 2063

Water plays a critical role in the African Union’s vision of a global economic power. On this Africa Day, IWMI reflects on its contribution to the continent’s sustainable development, food ...

May 27, 2025

Kouassi Kouakou Alexis, Director of the ECOWAS Water Resources Management Centre, and Mark Smith, Director General of IWMI, shake hands during the official signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen transboundary water governance across West Africa. Photo: Klinsman Amissah/IWMI

Press releases

IWMI signs agreements with key partners in West Africa to advance regional water security

Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with ECOWAS and Sierra Leone’s water agency signal regional commitment to science-driven water governance ...

May 23, 2025

A farmer removes cocoa beans from the pods and places them in a sack in Cameroon. Photo: Media Lens King / Shutterstock

Publications

March-April 2025 Research Journal Roundup

Roundup of research, journal and other academic articles from March and April 2025 ...

May 20, 2025

In the media

Science-backed solutions buoying water security in East Africa

IWMI and global partners commune during CGIAR Science Week to improve water security ...

April 9, 2025

2025 02 25 Community engagement and education 1

Blogs

Rwandan communities embrace powerful vision to restore critical ecosystems

Community engagement and education drives meaningful change in environmental stewardship for healthier ecosystems and more resilient communities in Rwanda ...

February 25, 2025