USDBC, PABRA forge strategic alliance to boost dry bean trade across Africa

AFRICA – The United States Dry Bean Council (USDBC) and the Pan-Africa Bean Research Alliance (PABRA) of the Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Centre for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) have launched a strategic partnership aimed at advancing market development, innovation, and trade for dry beans across Africa.

The alliance was officially inaugurated on June 29, 2025, in Nairobi, in a celebration that drew food innovators, agribusiness leaders, researchers, and policymakers from across the continent and the United States.

Under the theme innovation, nutrition, and collaboration, the launch signaled a renewed effort to elevate beans from a staple crop to an engine of economic growth, climate-smart agriculture, and improved nutrition. USDBC representative Thoric Cederstrom described the initiative as a “movement” rather than a simple agreement.

“This is more than a partnership, it’s a chance to reimagine the role of beans in our diets, our economies, and our food systems,” Cederstrom said while speaking at the launch, urging actors in the bean value chain to embrace innovation and inclusivity in shaping the future of the bean sector.

The event fostered networking among private-sector players, including Cherubet Foods, Delish and Nutri, Dryland Seed Company, Pure Seeds/Asquest, Agripack, and Unga Ltd., who explored bean-based product opportunities.

A standout presentation came from Tei Mukunya Odundo, Founder of Naturelock Foods, who introduced Stewsday, an instant green gram meal designed to cut cooking time in half.

Mukunya expressed enthusiasm for collaborating with USDBC and PABRA to develop similar instant dry bean products, citing rising demand from health-conscious, time-strapped consumers.

“Beans have huge potential. We just need to make them more accessible for today’s busy lifestyles,” she noted.  According to her, this focus on innovation aligns with the partnership’s goal of expanding bean value chains and aligning production with consumer preferences.

Converging at the Alliance Africa headquarters, the stakeholders sought to outline actionable steps. Discussions centered on investing in research, enhancing mechanization, and leveraging digital platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube to reposition beans as modern, desirable foods for younger audiences.

A proposed “Power Up with Beans” digital campaign aims to boost consumption and engagement. Additionally, a joint documentary was proposed to spotlight bean farmers from Africa and the U.S., amplifying their voices and raising awareness of beans’ nutritional and economic value.

Jean Claude Rubyogo, PABRA Director, emphasised the partnership’s alignment with PABRA’s mission to empower African farmers through improved seed systems, market access, and climate resilience.

“Beans are not just about food. They’re about opportunity, sustainability, and resilience,” he said. The discussions highlighted innovative applications, such as high-protein bean flours for athletes and health-conscious consumers, and the need for digital tools to connect smallholder farmers with buyers and technical support.

The partnership also sets the stage for future collaborations, including PABRA’s 30th anniversary in Rwanda in 2026, expected to draw over 500 participants.

Rubyogo invited USDBC to support the event, which will showcase beans’ transformative impact since PABRA’s founding in 1996. Other opportunities include the Bean Congress in Guadalajara, the World Food Prize in Iowa, and the 2026 Micronutrient Forum in Ghana.

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