Chinese officials check some of the avocados following the arrival at the port/COURTESYAgricultural experts, policymakers, researchers and business
leaders from China and Africa have called for deeper cooperation in science,
technology and trade.
This is to accelerate agricultural transformation and strengthen food security across the continent.
The call was made during the China-Africa Agricultural Science, Technology and Industrial Cooperation Forum, which started in Nairobi yesterday.
The three-day forum brought together more than 200 participants from government institutions, research organisations, international agencies and the private sector.
The forum comes at a time when African countries are grappling with the twin challenges of food insecurity and climate change while seeking innovative solutions to improve productivity, strengthen agricultural value chains and expand access to international markets.
Speaking at the forum, Prof Fan Shenggen, Chair Professor at China Agricultural University and Dean of the Academy of Global Food Economics and Policy, said agricultural cooperation between China and Africa has evolved significantly over the years and now presents an opportunity to drive sustainable development through innovation.
“China and Africa have built a strong foundation of agricultural cooperation over several decades,” Prof Fan said.
“The next phase should focus on science, technology, innovation and market-driven partnerships that can transform food systems, improve farmer incomes and enhance food security,” he said.
He pointed out that both regions face common challenges, including climate change, resource constraints and rising food demand, making collaboration essential in developing practical and scalable solutions.
The forum highlighted the growing importance of agricultural science and technology in addressing structural challenges affecting African agriculture, including low productivity, limited mechanisation, inadequate access to quality inputs and weak market linkages.
China has emerged as an important partner in Africa’s agricultural development through technology transfer, technical assistance, training programmes and investments in agricultural value chains.
Addressing delegates, Guo Haiyan, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Kenya, said China remains committed to strengthening agricultural cooperation with African countries under the framework of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.
“China is ready to work closely with African partners to promote agricultural modernisation, facilitate technology transfer and expand trade in agricultural products.,” she said.
“Through mutual cooperation, we can create opportunities that benefit farmers, businesses and consumers on both sides.”
The ambassador noted that China has expanded market access for African agricultural products through a series of preferential trade arrangements, including zero-tariff measures that have opened new opportunities for exporters from the continent.
She said strengthening standards, logistics systems and supply chains would be critical in helping African producers take full advantage of access to the Chinese market.
The forum also focused on ways of shifting China-Africa agricultural engagement from traditional aid-based cooperation towards industry-led and market-oriented partnerships capable of delivering long-term economic benefits.
Stakeholders discussed strategies for promoting agricultural innovation, facilitating investment in agribusiness and strengthening value chains across key commodities.
Dr Hamadi Boga, Vice President of the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa, emphasised the need for innovation-driven partnerships that place smallholder farmers at the centre of agricultural transformation efforts.
“Africa’s agricultural future depends on our ability to leverage innovation, science and technology while ensuring that farmers have access to markets, financing and modern production systems. Partnerships such as this provide a platform for building practical solutions that can create lasting impact,” Dr Boga said.
He also said African states should not focus only on improving productivity, but should also prioritise connecting farmers to profitable markets.
They should also support them through resilient agricultural systems capable of withstanding climate-related shocks.
The event also featured discussions on expanding bilateral trade in agricultural commodities and strengthening cooperation between research institutions, private sector players and governments.
