Tuesday, November 18, 2025

China-Africa Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Alliance

27–29 October 2025 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The 2025 General Assembly of the China-Africa Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Alliance was held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, bringing together policymakers, scientists, and industry leaders to discuss and advance cooperation. 

The China-Africa Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Alliance (CAASTIA) is a platform for collaboration between Chinese and African institutions to advance agricultural science, technology, and innovation in Africa. Co-hosted by the African Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, it aims to share China's agricultural advancements with Africa to improve food security, modernization, and sustainable development. CAASTIA facilitates joint research, technology transfer, and capacity building through initiatives like the recent General Assembly held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Abebe Haile-Gabriel, FAO Assistant Director-General: "CAASTIA is committed to driving innovation in agricultural science and technology. Today (27 October), multiple Chinese and African institutions signed memoranda of understanding (MOUs) for jointly implemented projects-pragmatic actions that advance this goal and are of historic significance."

Lise Korsten, President of the African Academy of Sciences (AAS): "This platform will serve as our flagship for strengthening South-South cooperation. I look forward to it becoming a turning point for achieving food security across the African continent, and to learning extensively from China's experience in technology and innovation."

ARC President and CEO Dr. Litha Magingxa and Executive Manager for Research Support and Coordination Dr. Petronella Chaminuka are representing the ARC at this historic event, aimed at advancing food security and sustainable development across Africa, drawing lessons from China’s success in agriculture and poverty alleviation. During the Assembly, ARC also held bilateral discussions with the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS) to explore new joint initiatives under the existing MoU between the two institutions.

China-Africa Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Alliance (CAASTIA)

Key features

  • Goal: To strengthen China-Africa cooperation in agricultural research and development to
    address food insecurity and promote modernization in Africa.
  • Membership: It brings together leaders from Chinese and African organizations, including research institutions, government agencies, and universities.

Activities:

  • Joint research: Conducting collaborative research projects, such as the one between Mekelle
    University in Ethiopia and the Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute in China focusing on animal health.
  • Technology transfer: Sharing agricultural technologies, including digital farming tools and techniques, to improve productivity.
  • Capacity building: Providing training and support to African scientists, farmers, and other stakeholders.
  • Governance: The alliance is supported by the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and has its own steering bodies and communication channels.

No comments:

Post a Comment