A new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will see CABI work together with The African Academy of Sciences (AAS) on agricultural science, food security and sustainable development across Africa.
CABI and AAS will build on their respective strengths and networks of stakeholders to foster scientific excellence and innovation with the aim of supporting Africa’s agricultural transformation and resilience.
Specific areas of collaboration will include:
• Agricultural science and food security programmes that enhance productivity, nutrition, and livelihoods among smallholder farmers
• Climate and environmental resilience initiatives focused on addressing pests, diseases, and invasive species that threaten ecosystems and food systems
• Joint science, technology, and innovation (STI) policy engagement to strengthen the link between scientific research, policy, and practice for sustainable food systems
• Capacity building and mentorship programmes aimed at nurturing the next generation of African scientists, innovators, and agricultural professionals
• Knowledge management and dissemination to amplify the visibility, accessibility, and impact of African-led agricultural research and innovation
The agreement also reinforces both organizations’ commitment to supporting the goals of the China–Africa Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Alliance (CAASTIA). This is a platform initiated by the African Academy of Science and the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science (CAAS) to advance science-driven cooperation between Africa and China for sustainable agricultural growth.
AAS Executive Director, Professor Jane Catherine Ngila, said, “This partnership embodies our shared vision to harness science and innovation for Africa’s sustainable development. By joining forces with CABI, we are creating a collaborative platform that connects research, policy, and practice to build a more food-secure and resilient continent.”
Dr Daniel Elger, CEO of CABI, said, “We are delighted to collaborate with the African Academy of Sciences to strengthen research that delivers real agricultural impact across Africa. By combining AAS’s scientific excellence with CABI’s expertise in agricultural development and strong partnerships with 17 African Member Countries, we can accelerate the generation and sharing of knowledge and solutions that improve productivity, resilience, and livelihoods for farmers and communities.
About AAS
AAS is a pan-African, non-political, not-for-profit organization founded in 1985 and headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya. It promotes scientific excellence across the continent through a three-part mandate: recognizing outstanding scientists as Fellows, providing expert advice to shape science and innovation policy, and running major research and development programmes.
Working across fields such as health, climate, natural sciences, and governance, the AAS partners with governments and institutions to strengthen scientific capacity, fund innovation, and support early-career researchers, with the overarching goal of improving lives in Africa through science.
Additional information
Main image: Phyllis Ombonyo, Director of Strategy and Engagement, International Development, CABI, and Executive Director, Professor Jane Catherine Ngila, AAS. Credit: CABI
Relevant stories
AAS published a story in relation to the MoU signing which can be read here.
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