The Africa Rice Centre (AfricaRice) and Kasetsart University (KU) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance research rice farming, innovation and food security across Africa. The agreement was formalised during the relaunch of the Thailand-Africa Initiative (TAI) in Bangkok, in the presence of Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, and Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Nigeria.
The innovative partnership is rooted in AfricaRice’s pan-African mandate and Kasetsart University’s world-renowned Rice Science Centre to deliver cutting-edge solutions to the rice sector in Africa.
Four pillars of collaboration
The partnership will focus on:
- Varietal development – Acceleration of climate-resilient, high-quality rice varieties through germplasm exchange, genome editing and Advanced Breeding Techniques
- Nutrition and Biofortification – Addressing micronutrient deficiencies through fortified rice products adapted to African markets
- Mechanisation – Deployment of appropriate post-harvest technologies, including the potential creation of an assembly plant in Côte d’Ivoire
- Capacity building – Training of African researchers, extension workers and youth through joint programmes and technical exchanges
Transforming Africa’s rice economy
This collaboration comes as African countries step up their efforts to achieve rice self-sufficiency and reduce dependence on imports. By combining AfricaRice’s regional expertise and KU’s advanced research capabilities, the partnership aims to bring tangible benefits to millions of smallholder farmers and consumers across the continent.
Dr. Baboucarr Manneh, Chief Executive Officer of AfricaRice, said: “This partnership strengthens our capacity to deliver cutting-edge rice innovations across Africa. Kasetsart University’s excellence in rice science is in line with AfricaRice’s mission to transform rice value chains and improve food and nutrition security for millions of people on the continent.”
Professor Dokrak Marod, Vice President for Research and Internationalisation at Kasetsart University, emphasised: “Kasetsart University is proud to partner with AfricaRice. Together, we will harness scientific advances to develop high-quality, climate-resilient rice varieties and technologies that support sustainable growth of the rice economy in Africa.”
A model of South-South cooperation
The MoU represents one of the flagship outcomes of Thailand’s renewed commitment to Africa under the Thailand-Africa Initiative, demonstrating how developing nations can Collaborate to address common challenges in food security and sustainable development.