In a significant move set to reshape Africa's agricultural landscape, the Africa Rice Centre (AfricaRice) and Thailand's prestigious Kasetsart University (KU) have entered into a strategic partnership. The collaboration, sealed with a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), aims to drive innovation and bolster food security across the continent through advanced rice science.
A Strategic Alliance for Food Security
The landmark agreement was officially signed on 20 December 2025 in Bangkok, Thailand. The ceremony was a key part of the relaunch of the Thailand-Africa Initiative (TAI). High-profile dignitaries in attendance included Thailand's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, and Nigeria's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar.
This partnership strategically merges AfricaRice's extensive pan-African network and mandate with the world-class expertise of Kasetsart University's Rice Science Center. The union is a direct response to the urgent need for African nations to achieve greater rice self-sufficiency and reduce their reliance on costly imports.
Four Pillars of Collaboration
The joint initiative will focus on four critical areas designed to deliver tangible results for farmers and consumers.
Firstly, in Varietal Development, the partners will accelerate the creation of climate-resilient and high-yielding rice varieties. They plan to use advanced techniques like genome editing and germplasm exchange to develop seeds that can withstand harsh African growing conditions.
Secondly, the focus on Nutrition & Biofortification will address widespread micronutrient deficiencies. The collaboration will work on producing fortified rice products specifically tailored to meet the dietary needs of African markets.
Thirdly, Mechanisation efforts will target post-harvest losses. A key part of this plan involves deploying suitable technologies and exploring the potential establishment of an assembly plant for agricultural machinery in Côte d’Ivoire.
Finally, Capacity Building is a cornerstone of the MoU. The programme will involve training a new generation of African researchers, agricultural extension workers, and youth through technical exchanges and joint educational programmes.
Leadership Perspectives on the Partnership
The Director General of AfricaRice, Dr. Baboucarr Manneh, expressed strong optimism about the alliance. He stated that the partnership significantly strengthens the centre's capacity to deliver cutting-edge rice innovations across Africa. He highlighted that Kasetsart University's renowned excellence in rice science perfectly complements AfricaRice's mission to transform value chains and enhance nutrition for millions.
Echoing this sentiment, Professor Dr. Dokrak Marod, Vice President for Research and Internationalisation at Kasetsart University, emphasised the university's pride in joining forces with AfricaRice. He affirmed their shared commitment to leveraging scientific breakthroughs for developing high-quality, climate-smart rice varieties and technologies that will fuel the sustainable growth of Africa's rice economy.
This MoU stands as a flagship achievement under the revived Thailand-Africa Initiative, showcasing a powerful model of South-South cooperation. It demonstrates how developing nations can collaborate effectively to tackle shared global challenges, particularly in the crucial areas of food security and sustainable agricultural development.
