Homegrown innovation is the key to Africa’s agricultural future.

For Africa to thrive, it must enhance its scientific capacity, foster regional collaboration networks and create innovations suited to local realities.

Africa’s long-term agricultural resilience must be rooted in its own research and innovation systems. That was the strong consensus that emerged during a recent panel hosted by Corteva Agriscience in Johannesburg. The high-level discussion brought together influential stakeholders from across the agricultural value chain to explore how technology, seed innovation and strategic partnerships can help unlock the continent’s food production potential.

The panellists agreed that although global technologies are valuable, Africa cannot depend on solutions developed for different climates and economic environments. To truly thrive, the continent must strengthen its scientific capacity, build regional collaboration networks and develop innovations tailored to local realities. Technology adoption, they stressed, is not only a technical issue but also one that requires political will, strong education systems and long-term investment.

Ferdi Meyer, Managing Director of the Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy (BFAP), noted that despite historical underinvestment, African agriculture, especially in South Africa, continues to show impressive resilience and outperforms broader economic trends.

“The expansion of cultivated land and improved yields shows what is possible when technology and infrastructure are aligned,” said Meyer.

He emphasised that policy frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) will only succeed when implementation on the ground, from logistics to border services and market access, supports seamless regional trade.

“Technology adoption, responsive regulation and infrastructure development are essential to realising Africa’s agricultural potential and contributing to food security and export growth,” Meyer said.

Building resilience through technology and collaboration

Wandile Sihlobo, the Chief Economist of the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa (Agbiz), echoed this view, stressing the interdependence between innovation, sound policy and private-sector investment.

Africa’s vulnerability to climate shocks requires a structural shift, he said, rather than short-term responses. Digital tools, advanced crop genetics and farmer-centric solutions must be central to improving productivity and overall competitiveness across the continent.

Corteva Agriscience, the host of the event, reiterated its commitment to supporting this transformation.

“We don’t just create products. We develop technology that is designed around farmers’ real needs, resilience, reliability and return on investment,” said Abraham Vermeulen, Commercial Lead for Corteva Africa Middle East. “Private-sector research must work hand in hand with supportive policy environments to unlock large-scale impact.”

For farmers on the ground, technology is already changing lives. Commercial farmer and Nkanyezi Group CEO Lebohang Dhludhlu highlighted how innovation and support programmes are enabling more young people and women to succeed in agriculture.

“Data-driven insights, from crop performance to seasonal forecasts, allow farmers to make informed production decisions,” she said. “But access to training and practical guidance remains crucial to ensure that emerging farmers can fully leverage these technologies.”

Dhludhlu added that partnerships offering financing and market access support are vital to sustaining transformation and inclusive growth.

Throughout the discussion, experts underscored the urgency of strengthening Africa’s innovation ecosystem, from gene editing and breeding technologies to sustainable farming practices. These tools are essential for boosting productivity, protecting livelihoods against climate variability and maximising economic opportunities.

“We are committed to investing long-term in Africa, working closely with farmers, universities and governments to make cutting-edge technology accessible, practical and impactful,” Vermeulen concluded. “When farmers thrive, the whole agricultural value chain thrives, driving food security, export growth and shared prosperity.”

As the continent looks ahead, one message rings clear: Africa’s agricultural success must be built on African science, powered by African collaboration, innovation and ambition.

Source: Africanfarming.com