CABI has taken part in the first China-Africa Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Alliance (CAASTIA) General Assembly held in Ethiopia, an important milestone in South-South cooperation for agricultural innovation and sustainable development.
The event, jointly initiated by the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS) and the African Academy of Sciences (AAS) under the framework of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), brought together nearly 90 founding member institutions from across Africa and China, along with international and regional organisations.
The General Assembly reviewed and approved the Alliance’s Charter, elected its first Council Members, and endorsed the CAASTIA Addis Ababa Declaration.
How to strengthen Africa’s agricultural research and innovation systems
Under the theme “Joint effort through CAASTIA towards China-Africa Modern Agricultural Development”, delegates discussed how to strengthen Africa’s agricultural research and innovation systems to advance sustainable agricultural growth.
Dr Daniel Elger, Chief Executive Officer of CABI, said, “We are pleased to have participated in this first CAASTIA General Assembly, which highlights the power of partnerships in strengthening capacities, the exchange of expertise, and knowledge sharing in agriculture and development.
“CABI looks forward to working with CAAS, AAS and other stakeholders in CAASTIA as this alliance gains momentum in driving increased agricultural and technological collaboration between Africa and China, with potential for great benefit to both sides.”
Solutions to improve food security and livelihoods
Representing CABI, Dr Elger and Ms Phyllis Ombonyo, Director of Strategy and Engagement, delivered a joint presentation titled “Accelerating the impact of scientific research through Africa-China cooperation.”
They highlighted CABI’s long history of collaboration with both African Member Countries and China to translate agricultural research into practice in ways that enhance food security and the livelihoods of smallholder farmers. The speakers then showcased successful examples of South-South collaborations involving Africa and China.
Dr Daniel Elger at the lectern supported by Ms Phyllis Ombonyo.
Successes in Africa-China collaboration
One success story highlighted by Ms Ombonyo was the building of local capacity in Rwanda for the mass production and use of beneficial nematodes to kill crop pests including the devastating fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda).
The collaboration among CABI, China, Rwanda, Switzerland, and funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) transferred technologies from China, and the project lives on in Rwanda thanks to Rwandan government support.
Today, Rwanda is celebrating more than 10 years of biocontrol success with the facility producing over 100 billion insect-killing nematodes per batch, enough to treat more than 100 hectares of field crops or seed beds that can later be transplanted to over 800 hectares.
Additional information
Main image: The first China-Africa Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Alliance (CAASTIA) General Assembly 2025 marked an important milestone in South-South cooperation for agricultural innovation and sustainable development.
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