Successful China-Africa Alliance Meeting on Agricultural Innovation Held in Addis Ababa

Successful CAASTIA-GA 2025 Assembly

The 2025 General Assembly of the China-Africa Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Alliance (CAASTIA-GA 2025) successfully took place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, marking a major milestone in the collaborative efforts between China and Africa focused on agricultural sciences and technologies.

Organized by the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), the African Academy of Sciences (AAS), and the Chinese Mission to the African Union, this three-day event brought together over 200 delegates from research institutions, agricultural education entities, businesses, and international organizations. The theme of the assembly, "Joint Efforts through CAASTIA for Modern Agricultural Development between China and Africa," set a collaborative tone, aimed at discussing pathways for cooperation and establishing a common roadmap.

This initiative follows President Xi Jinping's address at the Beijing summit for the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in September 2024, where he called for the establishment of the CAASTIA. The assembly marked a concrete step towards fulfilling that commitment, having adopted the CAASTIA charter and published the Addis Ababa Declaration along with a triennial action plan, securing a strong framework for scientific and technological resource sharing, tackling major agricultural technology bottlenecks, and nurturing local scientific talent in both regions.

Abebe Haile-Gabriel, Deputy Director-General of FAO, emphasized the commitment of CAASTIA to foster innovation in agricultural sciences and technologies. He noted that agreements were signed on October 27 between several Chinese and African institutions for joint projects, reflecting pragmatic actions that advance CAASTIA's objectives.

Lise Korsten, President of the African Academy of Sciences, expressed optimism that this platform would spearhead South-South cooperation, aiming to significantly impact food security across Africa. She hopes that leveraging China's experiences in technology and innovation will produce significant benefits.

With this assembly, the China-Africa agricultural cooperation framework is expected to lead to enhanced agricultural productivity and sustainability, paving the way for food security on the continent. The outcomes of this assembly will not only bolster partnerships in agricultural research and technology but also serve as a crucial step towards improving the livelihoods of African farmers and ensuring food security across the continent.

In conclusion, the success of the CAASTIA-GA 2025 assembly signifies a promising future for agricultural development in both China and Africa, as nations continue to collaborate in scientific and technological advancements aimed at fostering modern agricultural practices that are essential for food security and economic growth.