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Keynote Address: ‘Building Africa’s Future: Crop Research and Innovation for Agricultural Transformation, Resilience, and Inclusion’
Introduction: Ladies and Gentlemen, esteemed colleagues, and distinguished guests.
It is with great pleasure and a profound sense of responsibility that I stand before you today on the opening day of the 13th Africa Crop Science Society Conference, organized by the National Agricultural Institute of Mozambique (IIAM) in collaboration with the Africa Crop Society and the University of Eduardo Mondlane.
This event manifests the power of collaboration in driving the scientific innovations crucial for agricultural development. As we gather here, I am reminded of my journey through academia, where I had the privilege of working with young, vibrant minds, exploring the vast world of research, and witnessing the transformative power of education and innovation in addressing real-world challenges.
With its young and dynamic population, Mozambique is a nation with great potential. According to UNICEF, nearly half of Mozambique’s 30 million citizens are aged below 15 years. This demographic advantage presents a unique opportunity to harness the energy and creativity of our youth in driving agricultural innovation.
The Africa Crop Science Society Congress, established in 1993 by visionary African scientists, has played a pivotal role in advancing crop production and improving food security across the continent. Today, we must build on this legacy and continue to champion innovations that will shape the future of agriculture in Africa.
Science and technology are the keys to progress and development for any nation. In ICT, the built environment, aviation, health, and the environment sectors, we have witnessed remarkable advancements transforming our societies. However, the agricultural sector has not yet fully embraced technological innovations.
For example, while genetically modified organisms (GMOs) have been successfully adopted in countries like South Africa for over 27 years, other nations remain hesitant. This slow uptake has cost Africa dearly, and we must recognize and promote the role of agricultural biotechnology as a solution to achieve agricultural and food system transformation.
At the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), we have partnered with IIAM to address the challenges facing maize production in Mozambique. Through the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development’s PEDSA Strategy, IIAM is mandated to reduce poverty and ensure food security.
However, the low utilization of advanced technologies continues to hamper crop improvement efforts. Thankfully, Mozambique has made some progress and approved the commercial release of TELA maize, which will significantly contribute to -food security in Mozambique.
Embracing biotechnology for agricultural transformation directly contributes to Mozambique’s food and nutrition security. TELA maize supports the government’s mission to enhance productivity and profitability in the agricultural sector, increased maize production will stimulate growth in related industries, creating jobs and driving rural development.
Better productivity will also contribute to national food reserves, providing a buffer against food shortages and enhancing Mozambique’s overall food security profile.
TELA maize directly benefits farmers through increased productivity and income. Its varieties have demonstrated yields of up to 10 tons per hectare, compared to the current average of about three tons per hectare from conventional maize varieties. This increase will enhance farmer incomes and livelihoods.
The dual benefits of drought tolerance combined with insect protection against Fall Armyworm and Stem Borer will deliver more stable and reliable harvests for farmers. Farmers will also experience a reduction in production costs through savings on expensive chemicals for controlling these pests.
TELA maize is a testament to what committed partnerships can achieve in addressing key challenges. The collaborative efforts of the Mozambique government, research institutions, and international partners have brought much-needed solutions to maize farmers in the country. This collaboration has strengthened the drive to increase farmers’ access to the best seeds, practices, and technologies.
We are deeply concerned about the low level of investment in research and development (R&D) in Africa, which currently stands at just 0.5% of GDP—far below the global average of 1.7%. This underinvestment hampers our progress in science, technology, and innovation (STI), which are critical drivers of economic growth and transformation.
We -call for a recommitment to funding allocation, as affirmed in the Lagos Plan of Action, to increase STI budgets to at least 1% of GDP by 2025. Moreover, it is essential that part of the 10% national budgetary allocation to agriculture, as outlined in the Malabo Declaration, is dedicated to research and development.
Africa has the potential to achieve the aspirations of the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and become a global leader in innovation. By 2050, two-thirds of global population growth will occur in Africa. We must invest in our human capital, particularly our youth, to enhance their skills and empower them to drive technological development.
At AATF, we are committed to co-creating practical solutions that will unlock the full potential of African agriculture. We believe that by investing in new farming technologies—from better seeds to digital tools to machinery—we can transform African agriculture into an engine of economic growth that benefits all.
This belief has been reaffirmed by the results we have seen through the TELA maize project, which focuses on developing pest-resistant and drought-tolerant maize varieties. Africa is a drought-prone continent, making farming risky for millions of smallholder farmers who rely on rainfall to water their crops.
Maize, the most widely grown staple crop in Africa, is the main food source for more than 300 million people, yet it is severely affected by frequent drought droughts. Climate change will only exacerbate this problem. Identifying ways to mitigate drought risk, stabilize yields, and encourage small-scale farmers to adopt best management practices is fundamental to realizing food security and improving livelihoods across the continent.
For most smallholder farmers, the only option for controlling pest insects is to spray plants numerous times with insecticides, which are costly and not easily accessible. Insect-protected maize provides in-plant insect protection against damaging stem borer pests, enabling more widespread and consistent control of target pests.
Today, I call on all of us to ensure that the innovations now ready for deployment are rapidly made available to those who need them most. We must fast-track emerging technologies to African farmers, who are on the front lines of the battle against climate change and food insecurity. By building coalitions, fostering political support, and ensuring access to the right mix of farming innovations, we can empower African farmers to achieve great things and continue on the path of progress.
In closing, let us reaffirm our commitment to building Africa’s future through crop research and innovation. Together, we can transform agriculture, create resilient food systems, and ensure that no one is left behind. Thank you.
