Successful Convening of 2025 China-Africa Agricultural Innovation Alliance in Addis Ababa

2025 General Assembly of CAASTIA in Addis Ababa

The 2025 General Assembly of the China-Africa Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Alliance (CAASTIA) took place successfully in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, marking a significant milestone for China-Africa collaboration in agricultural science and technology. This gathering took place at the headquarters of the African Union, a fitting backdrop for discussions aimed at addressing some of the continent's most pressing agricultural challenges.

Co-organized by prominent institutions including the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), the African Academy of Sciences (AAS), and the Mission of the People’s Republic of China to the African Union, the assembly spanned three days and revolved around the theme, Joint Effort through CAASTIA towards China-Africa Modern Agricultural Development. Over 200 delegates from various agricultural research and education institutions, enterprises, and international organizations from both regions convened to explore pathways for collaboration and to forge a collaborative roadmap for agricultural advancement.

In a noteworthy address during the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Beijing Summit in September 2024, President Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of establishing the CAASTIA. This assembly is a concrete realization of that commitment, as it led to the adoption of the CAASTIA Charter and the unveiling of the Addis Ababa Declaration alongside a comprehensive Three-Year Action Plan. These pivotal documents aim to lay a robust foundation for sharing scientific and technological resources, overcoming key technological hurdles facing agriculture, and nurturing local scientific talent in China and Africa.

Abebe Haile-Gabriel, the Assistant Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), pointed out that CAASTIA is dedicated to propelling innovation in agricultural science and technology. On October 27, multiple Chinese and African institutions took a significant step forward by signing memoranda of understanding (MOUs) for various joint projects. This initiative embodies practical efforts that aim to realize the alliance's overarching goals while holding historic significance for future endeavors.

Lise Korsten, the President of the African Academy of Sciences (AAS), expressed optimism that this platform will be instrumental in bolstering South-South cooperation. She envisions it as a transformative opportunity to enhance food security across the African continent, while also looking forward to leveraging China's vast experience in technology and innovation to benefit African agricultural sectors.

This assembly reflects a growing commitment to enhance agricultural collaboration between China and Africa. As the delegates returned to their respective countries carrying forward the assembly's resolutions, the collaborative spirit fostered during this gathering is expected to yield fruitful results in agricultural productivity and innovation in the years to come. The future of agriculture in Africa, with the support and experience of China, appears promising, setting the stage for a significant agricultural revolution that could benefit millions.

Through these collective efforts, both regions can work towards shared goals of sustainable agricultural development, ensuring that advancements in food production and technology serve to improve livelihoods and strengthen the food systems in Africa.

As the world continues to grapple with issues of food security, climate change, and sustainable practices, initiatives like CAASTIA demonstrated the potential systemic changes possible when nations commit to collaborative action towards common challenges. The assembly in Addis Ababa stands as a testament to how international partnerships can pave the way forward in one of humanity's most vital sectors: agriculture.