CGIAR, AGRA sign landmark MoU to accelerate agricultural innovation in Africa
The agreement aims to co-develop and scale science-based solutions for smallholder farmers, bridging the gap between research and on-the-ground delivery.
KENYA – CGIAR and AGRA have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signaling a renewed commitment to accelerate agricultural innovation and strengthen food systems across Africa.
The agreement, formalized on April 10 during the inaugural CGIAR Science Week in Nairobi, aims to co-develop and scale science-based solutions for smallholder farmers, bridging the gap between research and on-the-ground delivery.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Ismahane Elouafi, Executive Managing Director of CGIAR, said that the partnership formalizes their shared vision to enhance food systems transformation through joint efforts in research, technology dissemination, and enabling policy environments.
“This MoU is a strong statement of our resolve to go further together in co-developing solutions and cultivating inclusive, sustainable food system reform across the continent,” she noted.
Alice Ruhweza, President of AGRA, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the collaboration’s potential.
“Our collaboration with CGIAR demonstrates our ongoing commitment to accelerating agrifood systems transformation in Africa. Building on years of collaboration, we now have the potential to work even closer together, scaling ideas, strengthening country systems, and providing smallholder farmers with the tools they need to flourish. This is the first step toward integrating science and delivery,” statedRuhweza.
The agreement outlines collaborative actions to bridge research and delivery, support enabling policy environments, and promote inclusive, climate-resilient agricultural systems aligned with Africa’s CAADP agenda.
The MoU also prioritizes collaboration in key countries, including Burkina Faso, Ghana, Nigeria, Mali, Ethiopia, Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Malawi, and Mozambique.
CGIAR Science Week 2025, held at the United Nations Office Nairobi (UNON) complex, has convened over 8,000 delegates in person and an additional 2,000 online participants. The event features a series of plenary sessions, workshops, exhibitions, and field trips to address pressing agricultural challenges.
A major highlight was the “Targeting Transformation – Africa” session, which explored how CGIAR’s 2030 Research and Innovation Strategy aligns with regional policy frameworks such as the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) and the Kampala Declaration. Experts discussed pathways for inclusive development and resilience in African agriculture.
In another key session, “Building Bridges & Scaling Innovations”, stakeholders examined ways to foster partnerships that scale up successful innovations to reach millions more smallholders.
The session emphasized the importance of integrating digital technologies, climate-smart practices, and public-private partnerships to amplify impact.
AGRA used the platform to showcase its Village-Based Advisor (VBA) model, which has already benefited over 28 million farmers across 12 countries. AGRA also spotlighted five agripreneurs who are pioneering new approaches to agri-food system challenges, from digital platforms for extension services to innovative financing tools for smallholder farmers.
As the CGIAR Science Week concludes, the new MoU stands as a strategic pivot towards deeper collaboration, aimed at making science more actionable and inclusive for Africa’s farmers.
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