The 2025 Kenya Science Week has taken on a global tone as experts from across the Global South, including China, gathered in Nairobi to explore innovative investment strategies aimed at addressing the world’s growing food security challenges. The event organized by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) and the Kenyan Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) placed particular emphasis on South-South cooperation and the pivotal role of scientific collaboration in agricultural transformation.
From 7 to 12 April the forum will bring together researchers, science experts, investors, and thought leaders to discuss actionable solutions to hunger and food insecurity issues that continue to impact millions across Africa and the developing world. The Science Week marks a milestone in knowledge sharing of cutting-edge agricultural science and technologies. The event is also an opportunity for stakeholders to investigate new investment pathways that accelerate agricultural research in the face of mounting global agricultural challenges.
The opening ceremony featured great personalities like H.E. Musalia Mudavadi (Prime Cabinet Secretary of Kenya) and H.E Mutahi Kagwe (Cabinet Secretary Agriculture & Livestock Development of Kenya), along with UN Nairobi Director General H.E Zainab Hawa, CGIAR Executive Managing Director Ismahane Elouafi, KALRO Director General Eliud Kireger, and others.
“The urgency of challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, land degradation, and food insecurity demands that we move beyond incremental change and into transformative action. Science Week highlights the critical role that science, innovation, and collaboration must play in building a more resilient and equitable food future.” Ismahane Elouafi.
The Chinese genomics giant BGI Group reaffirmed its commitment to South-South cooperation in the research and development of improved rice varieties to address Africa’s hunger and malnutrition crisis on Monday. Wang Jian, co-founder and chairman of the Board of Directors of the BGI Group, emphasized that collaboration among biodiversity-rich Global South countries is crucial to developing high-yield rice varieties and enhancing food security across the continent.
Chinese delegates highlighted their country’s agricultural technology advancements and successful rural revitalization strategies, offering insights into how similar models could be adapted in Africa.
Discussions at the Science Week celebration will also delved into climate-smart agriculture, biotechnology, building resilient seed systems, and sustainable land use, fields where China-Africa cooperation has shown increasing promise. Experts called for increased investments in local research institutions, technology transfer mechanisms, and inclusive policies that empower smallholder farmers and youth innovators.
