The African Academy of Sciences (AAS) is deepening international knowledge exchange and collaboration to fast-track Africa’s socio-economic transformation, according to its President, Professor Lise Korsten.

In an exclusive interview with The Ethiopian Herald, Prof. Korsten said the Academy is committed to nurturing young and emerging African scientists by supporting their research initiatives and helping them develop impactful projects across multiple disciplines. “We are building a platform where African researchers can exchange ideas with global peers and apply innovative technologies to Africa’s challenges,” Prof. Korsten stated.

The AAS, headquartered in Kenya, brings together over 600 leading African scientists and operates through several specialized think tanks that publish research across a wide range of fields, including agriculture, health, energy, mathematics, physics, chemistry, and social sciences.

Prof. Korsten highlighted that many of the Academy’s current research initiatives focus on applying artificial intelligence (AI) and other modern technologies to enhance agricultural systems, strengthen food security, improve processing efficiency, and reduce post-harvest waste. “Our scientists are working on innovations in agricultural marketing, irrigation quality, aquaponics, animal husbandry, crop protection, and other agricultural fields — all contributing to better food security and livelihoods,” she said.

To advance this mission, the Academy is strengthening global partnerships and promoting knowledge-sharing mechanisms. Recently, it signed a cooperation agreement with CABI, an international body representing over 50 partners, to promote innovative diagnostic and agricultural technologies across the continent.

The AAS is also building stronger links between African scientists and their global counterparts, including those from BRICS nations. A major initiative underway is the Academy’s collaboration with the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences to consolidate China–Africa cooperation in agricultural research and industry development.

According to Prof. Korsten, this collaboration will help Africa leverage China’s experience in achieving food security through the rapid adoption of advanced technologies.  “Africa can learn from China’s success — how to develop, localize, and implement technologies that drive agricultural productivity. Farmers need to be awakened to this potential,” she emphasized.

She added that the cooperation will promote innovation networks within Africa, enabling local scientists to replicate proven solutions suited to their unique ecosystems. In a related development, Chinese Ambassador to the African Union Jiang Feng recently announced that China has already established 20 agricultural technology centers across Africa, directly benefiting more than one million smallholder farmers.

Prof. Korsten believes such initiatives demonstrate what is possible when knowledge and technology are shared effectively. “Africa has the potential to replicate this success quickly,” she said. “We have the land and the soil. Every farmer can become a prosperous producer who not only feeds his family but contributes to his nation’s food security.”

After more than four decades of operation, the African Academy of Sciences continues to serve as one of the continent’s most influential scientific institutions — promoting excellence, fostering collaboration, and ensuring that knowledge becomes the foundation for Africa’s self-sustained growth.

Original article written by Yohanes Jemaneh and published in Gazette Plus.