Experts push Africa to turn bioeconomy research into profitable industries

Nairobi, Kenya - Africa is prioritizing its staple crops and research commercialization to bolster food security, with governments and policymakers urging increased investment in locally consumed foods such as rice, cassava, and maize. Agriculture and science officials emphasize shifting focus from mere harvest quantities to creating value chains that connect farmers with quality seeds, processors, research institutions, regulators, and consumers.

Countries like Sierra Leone are leading the charge, placing rice and cassava at the center of their Feed Salone strategy, and supporting farmers, processors, and markets to establish a dependable demand for domestic produce. Dr. Isata Kamanda, Sierra Leone's Deputy Minister for Agriculture and Food Security, advocates for investing in major staples such as rice, cassava, and vegetables, citing significant improvements in rice yields supported by farmer assistance and enhanced seed systems.

In Kenya, Principal Secretary for Science, Research and Innovation Prof. Shaukat Abdulrazak stresses the need to diversify consumption and strengthen domestic value chains, highlighting initiatives like Galana-Kulalu and the use of technology to support agricultural production. Both officials stress the critical role of reliable seed systems, certification, and regulatory standards in ensuring higher production yields do not go to waste.

They also point out the importance of commercializing agricultural research, with Kamanda calling for universities and research institutions to establish commercial arms to bring innovations from laboratories to the market, generating royalty income to reinvest in further innovation. Kenya is exploring similar avenues through the Kenya National Innovation Agency and university innovation clubs.

The Africa Bioeconomy Workshop in Nairobi, co-organized by various international and regional entities, gathers policymakers, scientists, investors, entrepreneurs, and development partners to explore strategies for accelerating the commercialization of Africa's biological resources and scientific capabilities. High-level participants include Kenya's Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, East African Community Deputy Secretary General Andrea Ariik Malueth, and British High Commissioner to Kenya Matt Baugh, aiming to contribute to a broader African narrative on bioeconomy development and international cooperation ahead of the Global Bioeconomy Summit in Dublin, Ireland.