The African Academy of Sciences (AAS) and the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS) signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Academy headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya on 9 April 2025. The signing ceremony marks the beginning of a transformative partnership aimed at advancing agricultural science and technology innovation across Africa and India.

The MoU was officially signed by Prof Lise Korsten, the President of AAS, and Dr Himanshu Pathak, President of NAAS, in the presence of distinguished representatives from both academies. This collaboration symbolizes a shared commitment to fostering sustainable agricultural development and promoting food, nutrition, and environmental security through science and innovation.

The agreement stems from over eight months of strategic discussions and planning by a joint Steering Committee, which crafted the framework for mutual engagement and knowledge exchange. The centrepiece of the MoU is the establishment of the India-Africa Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Forum (IAASTIF), a dynamic platform to facilitate long-term cooperation between Indian and African agricultural scientists, researchers, and policymakers.

“The AAS is proud to collaborate with NAAS in this historic partnership. Together, we aim to address the unique agricultural challenges faced by our continents and unlock new opportunities for innovation and growth,” said Prof Lise Korsten. “This MoU is a catalyst for change that will enable us to harness the power of science to transform lives.”

Dr Pathak echoed these sentiments, stating, “India’s agricultural expertise, particularly in climate-resilient farming, sustainable resource management, and agri-innovation, has the potential to significantly benefit African nations. This partnership enables us to learn from each other and co-develop solutions tailored to regional contexts.”

Key objectives of the MoU include:

• Promoting collaborative research in crop science, livestock, fisheries, forestry, and allied sectors;
• Organizing joint conferences, policy dialogues, workshops, and seminars;
• Facilitating the exchange of scientists, students, and fellows;
• Sharing data, publications, and best practices;
• Mobilizing resources and funding for joint initiatives.

The agreement underscores the principle of equitable partnership, with both parties committing to mutual respect, transparency, and shared ownership of outcomes. It also includes provisions for protecting intellectual property, ensuring data confidentiality, and respecting each academy's identity and branding.

The initial term of the partnership is set for five years, with provisions for early deliverables within the first year. Both academies have committed to initiating at least one joint activity—be it a research proposal, conference, or academic exchange—within the first 12 months.

This collaboration is expected to enhance the capacity of agricultural systems in Africa and India, promote sustainable development goals, and contribute meaningfully to global food security.

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NOTES TO EDITORS

The African Academy of Sciences  
The African Academy of Sciences (AAS) is a non-aligned, non-political, not-for-profit Pan-African organisation headquartered in Kenya; whose vision is to see transformed lives on the African continent through science. The AAS has a tripartite mandate: to recognize excellence through its highly prestigious fellowship and award schemes; to provide advisory and think tank functions for shaping the continent’s Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) strategies and policies; and to implement key STI programs aimed at addressing Africa’s developmental challenges.

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The National Academy of Agricultural Sciences 
The National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS), India is a vibrant national level body devoted to agricultural sciences. The NAAS focuses on the broad field of agricultural sciences including crop husbandry, animal husbandry, fisheries, agro-forestry and interface between agriculture and agro-industry. The Academy’s role is to provide a forum to Agricultural Scientists to deliberate on important issues of agricultural research, education and extension, and present views of the scientific community as policy inputs to planners, decision/opinion makers at various levels. To achieve this, the Academy organizes and supports national and international congresses, conferences, seminars, symposia, workshops and brainstorming sessions on critical issues in the field of agricultural sciences.