Expo boosts Sino-Africa relations

As Africa intensifies efforts to tackle food insecurity and build resilient agricultural systems, the 2025 Africa International Agricultural Expo, taking place from Oct 28 to 31 in Kenya's capital Nairobi, is expected to deepen Sino-Africa cooperation in agricultural trade, technology and investment.

Jointly organized by Hunan Hongxing International Exhibition and Agri-Africa Exhibition, with the support from Kenya's Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, the expo is a venue for policymakers, investors, researchers, and farmers to share innovations, explore business opportunities and forge partnerships.

Speaking at the opening ceremony on Tuesday, Kipronoh Ronoh, principal secretary in the State Department of Agriculture, said that the expo serves as a continental platform to promote innovation, technology adoption, and market access as key enablers of agricultural transformation.

"The expo brings together over 150 exhibitors and 100-plus international delegations, representing a milestone in positioning Kenya as a regional hub for agri-business and innovation," he said.

He also commended the strong representation from China, reflecting the growing China–Africa agricultural partnership.

Guo Haiyan, Chinese ambassador to Kenya, said Africa's agricultural potential stands unmatched, with vast stretches of fertile, untapped land, year-round sunshine, and a youthful population brimming with innovative, entrepreneurial spirits.

However, despite this immense potential, she noted that the continent's agricultural productivity still lags behind — constrained by limited access to technology, financing and markets, as well as the growing impacts of climate change.

"China understands these challenges deeply," Guo said. "Five decades ago, we faced similar obstacles. But through innovation, technology transfer, and market reforms, we transformed our own agriculture from scarcity to abundance."