IITA-CGIAR and China Agriculture University forge new partnership for research, trade, and agricultural development in Africa

Chinese delegates from the China Agriculture University (CAU), led by IITA-CGIARBoard member Fan Shenggen, visited the institute from 28 August to 1 September. The week-long meeting explored areas of collaboration and discussed partnership engagements between IITA and CAU.

IITA Director General and CGIAR Regional Director for Continental Africa, Simeon Ehui, received the delegates alongside other management staff and IITA research scientists.

Speaking on the purpose and expectations of their visit, Shenggen said: "We are excited about forging collaborations with IITA in the area of breeding and research, especially in academics. We are also keen on nutrition and climate-smart agriculture." He stated that China is open to working with Africa through IITA and other CGIAR Centers to foster agricultural development on the continent.

Both parties discussed critical areas of collaboration, exchange, and alignment, including academic research exchange opportunities for young researchers, small-scale mechanization, and digital data collection. DG Ehui, expressing his delight at the promising conversations, said: "There is so much Africa can learn from China. With this partnership, we can explore many opportunities like staff exchange, student exchange, research collaboration, and more."

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