AGRA and CGIAR Forge Landmark Partnership to Transform African Agriculture
The Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) has concluded a high-impact week at the inaugural CGIAR Science Week in Nairobi by signing a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with CGIAR. The agreement marks a major milestone in accelerating agricultural innovation and scaling science-based solutions for smallholder farmers across Africa.
Unveiled during CGIAR Science Week, held from April 7 to 12, the MoU formalizes a strategic partnership between AGRA and CGIAR, reinforcing a shared vision to transform food systems through collaborative research, policy development, and technology dissemination. The partnership is expected to strengthen efforts in countries including Kenya, Ethiopia, Ghana, Nigeria, and Uganda, among others.
AGRA President Alice Ruhweza, a keynote speaker at the event, emphasized the alignment of the partnership with AGRA’s mission to deliver sustainable agricultural solutions at scale.
“Our collaboration with CGIAR demonstrates our ongoing commitment to accelerating agrifood systems transformation in Africa,” she said. “This is the first step toward integrating science and delivery scaling ideas, strengthening country systems, and equipping smallholder farmers with the tools they need to thrive.”
Echoing the significance of the agreement, CGIAR Executive Managing Director Ismahane Elouafi noted:
“This moment of CGIAR cementing its collaboration with AGRA is not only a milestone, but also a significant continuation of the legacy we’ve built together in advancing science, innovation, and impact for Africa’s smallholder farmers.”
The MoU outlines joint action in co-developing inclusive and climate-resilient agricultural innovations, supporting policy frameworks, and bridging the gap between research and practical implementation. Initial collaborative initiatives include the “Capacity Sharing for Development (CapSha)” program, designed to foster a multidirectional exchange of knowledge and technology.
During the Science Week, AGRA also showcased its flagship Village-Based Advisor (VBA) model, which has successfully delivered last-mile agricultural advisory services to over 28 million farmers in 12 countries. The model remains a cornerstone of AGRA’s approach to localized, context-specific agricultural support.
AGRA further demonstrated its commitment to youth-led innovation by presenting five rising agripreneurs who are developing cutting-edge solutions for the continent’s food systems. Among them were Joyce Rugano, whose AI-powered Wastebot converts organic waste into fertilizer within 24 hours, and Priscillah Wakarera, creator of the Agripad soil analysis device. Their work underscored the vital role of youth in driving technology adoption and climate adaptation in agriculture.
As CGIAR Science Week wrapped up, both organizations reaffirmed their resolve to co-create resilient, inclusive, and innovation-driven food systems setting the stage for a new era of agricultural transformation across Africa.
