Addis Ababa, October 28, 2025 — The African Union Commission (AUC) has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening China-Africa cooperation in agriculture, science, and technology, emphasizing the strategic importance of innovation in accelerating growth and securing food sovereignty across the continent.

Speaking at the Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Alliance Conference held in Addis Ababa, Professor Gaspard Banyankimbona, AU Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation, highlighted the transformative impact of Sino-African collaboration on agricultural development. He noted that joint efforts have significantly advanced innovation and sustainability in African farming systems, aligning with the AU’s Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa (STISA 2025–2034) and Agenda 2063.

“Africa stands at a crossroads with immense opportunities to apply innovation for sustainable progress,” Banyankimbona stated, urging deeper cooperation to harness China’s expertise in modern farming techniques, digital agriculture, and water resource management.

Delivering remarks on behalf of Ethiopia’s Minister of Agriculture, Addisu Arega, Efa Muleta spotlighted Ethiopia’s agricultural achievements in 2025, attributing them to strong political leadership and strategic reforms. He cited the Ten-Year Development Plan (2021–2030), the Homegrown Economic Reform II, and the AU’s Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) as key drivers of transformation.

Efa also referenced Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s flagship initiatives, including the Green Legacy Initiative—which has planted over 40 billion trees—the National Irrigated Wheat Self-Sufficiency Program, and the Yelemat Tirufat Initiative. These programs have collectively propelled Ethiopia to become Sub-Saharan Africa’s largest wheat producer, with an average annual agricultural productivity growth of 6.8 percent. He credited the Ethiopian Agricultural Research System for its role in disseminating improved technologies to farmers nationwide.

Professor Lise Korsten, President of the African Academy of Sciences (AAS), praised the Alliance for fostering innovation through Sino-African cooperation, describing it as “key to achieving food security for billions.” She emphasized the forum’s role in addressing sectoral challenges and unlocking new pathways for sustainable development.

Ambassador Jiang Feng of the Chinese Mission to the African Union underscored agricultural modernization as a cornerstone of China’s development strategy, noting a shift from traditional aid to sustainable development partnerships. He pointed to Africa’s vast arable land and youthful workforce as critical assets, advocating for the adoption of digital technologies and smart farming equipment to enhance productivity and tackle global challenges such as climate change and food insecurity.

Jiang also highlighted China’s implementation of zero tariffs on agricultural products from 53 African countries and the establishment of 20 agricultural technology centers across the continent, which have benefited over one million smallholder farmers.

Abebe Haile Gabriel, Assistant Director-General of the FAO for Africa, described China-Africa South-South Cooperation as a “strategic lever for transforming African agriculture.” He noted tangible outcomes from the partnership, including increased rice yields, improved pest control, digital farming adoption, and better livelihoods for smallholder farmers.

Concluding the conference, Abebe stressed that Africa’s persistent challenges—low productivity, fragmented value chains, and limited market access—require renewed, results-driven cooperation with China to unlock new horizons for food production and long-term security.