China and Africa Strengthen Agricultural Ties at Landmark Forum in Nairobi
NAIROBI — Kenya hosted the first Africa-China Forum on Agri-Tech and Industrial Cooperation on Tuesday, bringing together key African and Chinese stakeholders to forge deeper partnerships in agriculture, technology, and industrial development.
The high-level forum took place in Nairobi on June 24 and was jointly organized by the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), the Beijing Jingwa Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Center, the International Livestock Research Institute, and the Finance Center for South-South Cooperation.
The forum comes amid growing interest in sustainable solutions for Africa’s food security challenges and a push for modernization of farming systems across the continent.
Speaking during the event, African Union envoy Ibrahim Mayaki said African countries could benefit from China’s experience in rural transformation and policy-led agricultural growth.
“China’s approach to agricultural modernization, poverty reduction, and rural development provides useful lessons. But African solutions must reflect our own ecosystems and social contexts,” Mayaki said.
Mayaki also called for stronger joint research in climate-smart agriculture, development of high-yielding seeds, and adoption of modern irrigation and digital extension tools. He emphasized these areas as crucial to fighting food insecurity and malnutrition across Africa.
Hamadi Boga, vice president at AGRA, highlighted the progress already achieved through existing China-Africa collaborations. He pointed to technology exchanges, agricultural demonstration sites, and rising agro-processing capacity as proof of growing cooperation.
“China’s innovation-driven agricultural model offers practical inspiration. African nations must deepen partnerships to improve soil health, enhance access to credit, and expand market opportunities,” Boga said.
Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Guo Haiyan reaffirmed China’s commitment to supporting Africa’s agricultural goals. She said China was ready to share its technology, expertise, and policy tools to strengthen food systems on the continent.
“Our cooperation has focused on transferring technologies, boosting trade in agricultural products, and upgrading value chains to help African farmers increase productivity and income,” Guo said.
She added that China is also helping African countries improve pest and disease response, train extension officers, and develop agro-processing infrastructure.
The conference marked a significant step in expanding bilateral cooperation beyond infrastructure and trade, focusing instead on long-term investments in Africa’s food security and industrial development.
Officials at the forum agreed to pursue joint programs, strengthen research networks, and promote inclusive strategies to drive agricultural modernization and rural prosperity.
The outcomes of the meeting are expected to inform future China-Africa action plans on food systems, technology transfer, and industrialization.