Kigali’s Strategic Dialogue: Advancing Agricultural Biotechnology in Africa Through Collaborative Research and Innovation

Nine African agricultural researchers: Kenya, Tanzania, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Ghana, Malawi, Rwanda, Mozambique, and Ethiopia convened in Kigali, Rwanda, from 28th to 30th August 2024 for a strategic dialogue on biotechnology research in Africa’s agricultural and food systems. The meeting aimed to address challenges in Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) development and its impact on Africa’s agricultural systems.

Researchers found Africa’s wealth and resources for social and economic transformation are limited due to limited investment in STI, but acknowledge efforts by the African Union Commission (AUC) Science, Technology, and Innovation Strategy for Africa 2024 (STISA 2024) 2024.

Dr. Canisius KANANGIRE, Executive Director of AATF, emphasized the importance of African scientists in addressing food insecurity and called for collaboration in research, regulation, and commercialization.

He highlighted the potential for researchers to enhance productivity in African farmers by utilizing tools and biotechnology, thereby reducing their vulnerability to climate change impacts.

Kanangire emphasized the need for political support and resource mobilization to fund research for Africa’s development, emphasizing the need for stronger policy linkage.

Dr. Florence UWAMAHORO, Deputy Director General of the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB), recommended the significance of science, technology, and innovation in enhancing agriculture’s sustainable development potential.

She emphasized the need to educate farmers and communities on scientific facts about technology, addressing myths and propaganda, with OFAB Rwanda playing a crucial role in changing people’s perceptions.

Researchers emphasized the importance of depoliticizing research and development for harnessing STIs, citing successful examples from countries like the USA, Brazil, Argentina, China, and South Africa.

Participants highlighted the need for improved political goodwill, policy and regulatory environment, domestic biotechnology investment, human capacity enhancement, and enhanced infrastructure for biotechnology research and development.

The meeting recommended enhancing research-industry collaboration and refocusing efforts on biotechnology commercialization to address Africa’s agricultural challenges and advance STI in the region.

The meeting recommended a framework for reinvesting national technology ecosystem benefits and supporting science-interested youth, recognizing the strategic importance of investment in Africa’s future. Additionally, there was a consensus on the need to support youth with an interest in science because “we cannot imagine a future without science.” Investment in science and technology is strategic for Africa.

Dr. Athanase NDUWUMUREMYI, the Coordinator of the Roots and Tubers Programme at RAB, revealed that Rwanda is partnering with the International Potato Centre to develop GM0 potato varieties, including Victoria, an early-maturing variety that can be grown three times a year.

He stated that the government is collaborating with Michigan State University on the project. He announced plans to develop potato varieties resistant to late blight, a disease necessitating farmers to use pesticides until harvest.

He emphasized that the severity of the fungal disease can be significantly reduced without the use of pesticides.

Political leadership in Africa must prioritize biotechnology, increase budget allocations for research and development, create enabling environments, invest in human capacity and infrastructure, promote intellectual property and commercialization, and enhance academia’s capacity to address national challenges. This includes implementing 2% of GDP in Agenda 2063, establishing policies and regulations, promoting genetically engineered technologies, harmonizing breeders’ rights, and establishing start-ups along food value chains. This will enable local scientists to drive the biotechnology agenda and drive sustainable progress in Africa.

The recommendations will be presented at the Ministerial Roundtable, convened by AATF and AFS, during the Africa Food System and Forum on September 3, 2024.