Global experts and African Union–European Union (AU–EU) Agriculture Ministers have renewed their commitment to strengthen collaboration and address the pressing challenges facing agri-food systems across both continents.

Rising from the 6th AU–EU Agriculture Ministerial Conference held at the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) headquarters in Rome, Italy, the experts, and international partners emphasised that the urgency to act has never been greater.
 
“In a time when global agri-food systems are under mounting pressure — up to 37 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions, driving 80 per cent of deforestation, threatening biodiversity, and wasting one-third of all food produced — the urgency to act has never been greater.”

Representing the CGIAR Executive Managing Director, Dr. Ismahane Elouafi, the Director General of the Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice), Dr. Baboucarr Manneh, in his keynote address, during the session on research, innovation, and technology underscored the critical role of international research collaboration in driving sustainable agricultural transformation and enhancing the resilience of food systems in Africa.

“With the right partnerships and engagements, challenges such as unequal collaboration, policy misalignment, and resource gaps can be overcome to ensure the efficient delivery of research and innovations in Africa,” said Manneh.

During his address, Manneh emphasised CGIAR’s pivotal role in advancing agricultural research and innovation through global partnerships. Backed by a network of 15 world-class Research Centres—including Africa-based leaders such as AfricaRice, IITA, ILRI, and CIFOR-ICRAF — CGIAR brings more than 50 years of experience in developing cutting-edge technologies and policy solutions that support inclusive, climate-smart agricultural growth.

CGIAR’s contributions align directly with AU and EU priorities, particularly through its new 2025–2030 Research and Innovation Strategy, which is designed to be more inclusive, regionally aligned, and responsive to Africa’s needs — especially through frameworks like the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP).

By fostering trust, co-creation, and inclusive partnerships, CGIAR helps bridge the gap between science and policy, unlock private-sector engagement, and deliver impactful solutions that boost productivity, improve nutrition, and strengthen rural livelihoods.