The African Academy of Sciences (AAS), in partnership with the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), co-hosted the 2025 General Assembly of the China–Africa Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Alliance (CAASTIA-GA 2025) from 26–29 October 2025 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The event marked a significant step forward in advancing agricultural modernization through science, technology, and innovation between China and Africa.

Launched under the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) framework, CAASTIA serves as a strategic platform to foster collaboration among agricultural research and education institutions, agribusinesses, and international partners. The Alliance is jointly guided by AAS and CAAS and aligns with the shared vision of both regions to build resilient, sustainable and inclusive agricultural systems that drive prosperity across the continent.

A New Era in China–Africa Agricultural Cooperation

CAASTIA was first conceptualized in 2022 and officially launched in 2023 during the Second Forum on China–Africa Cooperation in Agriculture (FOCACA) in Sanya, China. Since then, it has been recognized as a flagship initiative under FOCAC and has gained the support of African and Chinese leadership. To date, the Alliance brings together 91 founding members—52 from China and 39 from Africa, spanning 23 African countries—representing a broad spectrum of expertise across research, education, and innovation.

Building on this foundation, the CAASTIA General Assembly in Addis Ababa convened government ministers, scientists, policymakers, and private sector leaders under the theme: “Joint Effort through CAASTIA towards China–Africa Modern Agricultural Development.”

During the opening ceremony, participants witnessed the launch of the CAASTIA logo and official website — www.caastia.org — alongside the release of the CAASTIA Charter, the Three-Year Action Plan, and the announcement of the first batch of cooperation projects. These milestones signal the transition of CAASTIA from a strategic framework to a fully operational platform delivering tangible outcomes.

The General Assembly served as a platform to unveil major initiatives under the Three Major Cooperation Programs and the Sparkle Projects for Special Agricultural Products, both designed to strengthen food systems, promote value chain industrialization, and accelerate technology adoption.

Key sessions explored topics such as agricultural robotics and intelligent equipment, green disease prevention and control, digital innovation, and value chain development, with contributions from leading experts representing the African Union Commission, CAAS, and AAS.

A Platform for Long-Term Cooperation

With secretariats based at AAS in Nairobi and CAAS in Beijing, CAASTIA is building a sustainable framework of cooperation anchored on the principles of joint contribution, shared benefits, pragmatism, and long-term effectiveness. It will operate through a regular cycle of Annual Conferences, Governing Board Meetings, and Thematic Workshops, ensuring continuity and alignment with the agricultural priorities of both Africa and China.

The CAASTIA General Assembly in Addis Ababa has set a new benchmark for China–Africa agricultural cooperation—anchoring innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability at the heart of a shared journey toward agricultural transformation.