Africa’s economy is predominantly tied with agriculture. Even though it is widely practiced as a mainstay of the peoples’ livelihood across the continent, Africa still languishes under food insecurity, mainly due to lack of advancement in modern agricultural technology that can help increase productivity and mitigate risks.
“Given the level of endowment with natural resources (plenty of arable land, rich aquatic biodiversity, suitable environment) in Africa, Agriculture and the broader agrifood systems remain the backbone of our economies and the main source of livelihoods, food security and income for millions of African families” said Ms. Patience Mhuriro, speaking on behalf of H.E. Moses Vilakati, the AU Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment, during a recent visit to an urban agriculture development center in Yeka Sub city of Addis Ababa.
“Yet, while agriculture sustains us, the level of modernization is still dominated by hand-tool technology” she added.
On the contrary, China has managed to modernize its agriculture sector and reap maximum possible benefit which has immense contribution to ensuring food security and assist the overall economy. The technological advancement of China in the agriculture sector has a promising potential to drive the fledgling agriculture in Africa, as indicated by Muhiriro.
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“Modernized agriculture can redeem Africa from perpetual food insecurity. The best practices China is promoting, aligns well with the AU’s Agenda 2063 Aspirations and the CAADP’s vision of building sustainable and resilient agrifood systems. In realization of this vision, the AU developed the Sustainable Agricultural Mechanization Framework for Africa.”
As a result, China and Africa have scaled up agricultural cooperation as part of the high level partnership of the two sides which has gained special momentum after being structure under the Forum on China Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
Ever since the two sides consolidated their cooperation under FOCAC in the last quarter of a century, they have leaped great steps forward in achieving tangible outcomes. One can mention a lot of flagship projects in various sectors like construction of infrastructure, industrial parks, human resource training and trade among others.
The footprints of Chinese investment in Africa is so easily discernible that it can reflect the magnitude of the cooperation that is powered by the win win principles and facilitated by the FOCAC platform.
The Chinese Mission to African Union (AU) is working towards demonstrating the unreserved endeavors of China in discharging its commitment towards China, Africa cooperation. Under the Meet China in Africa series, it is possible to see the progress of cooperation.
It is to be recalled that in the first episode of the series which took place on 19 July 2025, it has showcased the accomplishment of Chinese Construction industry in various Africa countries selecting the Bole International Airport as an example.
The second episode of the series which took place on 29 August 2025 has displayed the achievements of the two side’s collaboration in the agriculture sector.
Delegations from the Chinese Mission to AU that was led by Ambassador Jiang Feng as well as representatives from AU Commission for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment have on the occasion participated in the field visit that took place at the Yeka Urban Agricultural Demonstration Center here in Addis Ababa.
The Center is established by the City Government of Addis Ababa to promote urban agriculture in the metropolis. Under the FOCAC platform the government of China has deployed agricultural experts that train Ethiopian experts in agricultural technologies. The experts group which was deployed in different rounds during the last three years has helped to transfer important technical knowledge to Ethiopian experts.
Speaking during the field visit Head of the Chinese Mission to AU Ambassador Jiang Feng indicated that agricultural cooperation constitutes an important cornerstone of win-win cooperation between China and Africa. Up to now, China has established over 20 agricultural technology demonstration centers in Africa, promoting more than 300 advanced agricultural technologies such as close planting of corn and vegetable cultivation, benefiting over one million small-scale farmers in Africa. China’s agricultural technical assistance and transfer of advanced agricultural technologies have enriched the “grain bags” and “vegetable baskets” of the African people, and contributed to the steady advancement of agricultural modernization in Africa”
Ambassador Jiang Feng further indicated that through the first three-year plan of the China-Africa Cooperation Vision 2035, China has sent more than 500 agricultural experts to Africa and trained nearly 9,000 agricultural talents.
According to head of the experts group at the China-Ethiopia Agricultural Technology Demonstration and Training Center in Yeka Mr Shou Yun ,so far, a total of 35 Chinese experts has been dispatched. The current fourth-phase group, composed of 8 experts, arrived in Ethiopia in August 2024 for a three-year mission.
During its stay thus far in the center the group has accomplished important cooperation works in establishing the China- Ethiopia Agricultural Technology Training Center: in Yeka, constructing China-Ethiopia Agricultural Cooperation Poverty Reduction Demonstration Village in Oromia Region, provided trainings in production of maize, vegetables, and mushrooms, mechanization of teff, capacity building, and policy research.
The head reflected that during the experts’ year long stay so far they have drawn important conclusion that are vital for future China-Africa Agricultural Collaboration.
The experts’ reflection focuses on the importance of committed government leadership, respect for farmers, model replication and leveraging two markets.
Especially concerning the vitality of leveraging market opportunities he said “African products such as cashews, coffee, avocado, beef, and sesame enjoy strong demand in China. With unified standards, brand building, and strict quality control, African farmers can access to global markets, contributing to stronger agriculture, thriving rural areas, and more prosperous farmers.
Ambassador Jiang Feng on his part has also stipulated that China will further upscale its strong support for Africa’s agriculture sector development, and in connection with the need to facilitate market opportunities for Africa’s agricultural products he noted that his government has already put in place tariff incentives for the continents products
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“In terms of economic and trade cooperation, China is ready to, through negotiating and signing the agreement of China- Africa Economic Partnership for Shared Development, grant the zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent tariff lines to African countries.”
The Ambassador further reiterated that in Addition to the agriculture sector China will further enhance its cooperation with Africa in the economic development and human resource development, among others.
For this end he underlined the need to embrace the principle of unity and collaboration as the best solutions to global challenges. After lauding African Unions dream of unity and solidarity he has expressed deep appreciation of the union’s stance on the principle of one China.
“The flag of the African Union is shining with the African dream of unity and solidarity. This dream is deeply felt by China. For five thousand years, we have been well aware that unity is the root of civilization and division is the shackle of development”
Muhiriro on the occasion commend the Chinese delegation in Ethiopia for their unwavering collaboration and commitment to working with Africa to contribute to realization of “the Africa we want”
She further asserted that “The relationship between China and Africa is one of enduring friendship, fruitful cooperation and mutual respect and long lasting. I thank you and wish us fruitful outcomes of this engagement”