Strengthening Africa–China Rice Research Collaboration with Visit from Senior ICS–CAAS Breeding Experts
- manougbre
- 23 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Bouaké, Côte d’Ivoire – November 16, 2025, AfricaRice welcomed two senior rice breeding experts from the Institute of Crop Sciences of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (ICS–CAAS)—Prof. Wensheng Wang and Prof. Xu—to its M’bé Research Station in Bouaké. The high-level visit marks a significant milestone in expanding Africa–China scientific cooperation, particularly in rice breeding innovation, knowledge exchange, and long-term capacity development.
Reaffirming a Strategic Partnership
Opening the program, the Director General of AfricaRice highlighted the enduring partnership among AfricaRice, ICS–CAAS, and global partners such as the Gates Foundation. “By opening our fields, laboratories, and research platforms to you today, we aim to reinforce scientific cooperation and explore renewed joint initiatives—building on successful models such as Green Super Rice—for the benefit of farmers across the continent”, he added. He also emphasized that these collaborations must continue driving tangible benefits for African countries by combining China’s advanced technological capacities with AfricaRice’s deep expertise in African production systems.
Technical Exchanges and Breeding Innovations
The visit featured a series of scientific presentations from both institutions:
AfricaRice researchers shared updates on molecular breeding, genetic resources, and regional seed systems.
ICS–CAAS experts presented progress on joint breeding platforms, technological innovations, and ongoing collaboration mechanisms.
Discussions centered on aligning breeding priorities with African environments and identifying new avenues for joint research, technology transfer, and large-scale breeding innovation.
Strengthening Capacity Building: Insights from Dr. Bruce Oliver
Dr. Bruce Oliver underscored the importance of enhancing capacity building within Africa–China partnerships. He highlighted the need for a clear roadmap to support long-term training, noting that China has maintained a strong commitment to agricultural research in Africa.
He emphasized the transition from short-term courses toward Master’s and PhD pathways, showcasing successful models implemented by CAS. He also drew attention to growing interest in expanding similar collaborations with institutions in India and Brazil, as part of a broader global training ecosystem.
Field and Laboratory Visits
The delegation toured AfricaRice’s cutting-edge research facilities, including:
Seed multiplication plots
Molecular breeding screen house
Rapid Generation Advance (RGA) facility
Rice–fish culture systems
Perennial rice trials
Laboratory visits covered the Grain Quality Lab, Plant Health Lab, and the AfricaRice Genebank, home to one of the most important collections of African rice biodiversity.
ICS–CAAS Perspective : Reinforcing a Shared Vision
Prof. Wensheng Wang, Deputy Director General of ICS–CAAS, described his first visit to AfricaRice as highly meaningful. He commended the dedication of AfricaRice researchers and students and reaffirmed China’s strategic interest in strengthening agricultural collaboration with Africa.
He noted that AfricaRice and ICS–CAAS have significantly expanded their exchanges in the past two years, with scientific meetings held in Beijing, Sanya, and Addis Ababa. He reaffirmed China’s commitment to supporting AfricaRice through joint research, innovation platforms, and expanded degree-oriented training opportunities.
He also emphasized the importance of building a long-term collaborative framework that mobilizes global partners—including those in India and Europe—to maximize impact and accelerate progress in rice research for development.
Comments