CNRRI–AFIRCARICE Joint Laboratory for Rice Research and Development Inaugurated and Begins Operations

August 5th, 2026 

From May 29 to 30, a delegation led by Baboucarr Manneh, director general of the AFRICARICE Center (AFRICARICE), visited the China National Rice Research Institute (CNRRI) for in-depth discussions on further cooperation. The event was attended by Dr. Li Jiayang, a member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and director of Yazhou Bay National Laboratory; Dr. Qian Qian and Dr. Yang Weicai, both members of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and deputy directors of the laboratory; Ms. Zhai Lin, deputy director of the Bureau of International Cooperation of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences; and Mr. Gong Xifeng, vice chair of the International Agricultural Think Tank of the China Association for the Promotion of International Agricultural Cooperation and director of the proposed CGIAR China Office. Mr. Jiang Renhua, director general of CNRRI, chaired the meeting. Dr. Wang Kejian, deputy director general of CNRRI, along with heads of relevant divisions and experts, also attended.

At the meeting, Mr. Jiang Renhua outlined CNRRI’s progress in scientific and technological innovation and industrial applications, as well as the existing basis for cooperation between CNRRI and AFRICARICE and its future prospects. He stressed that the two sides should capitalize on their respective resources and platforms to expand cooperation in germplasm collection and characterization, rice breeding innovation, resilient rice production technologies, standardized seed production systems, and talent exchange and training, thereby fully tapping the potential of the partnership, building on their complementary strengths, and achieving mutually beneficial outcomes.

Mr. Baboucarr Manneh noted that Africa's food self-sufficiency rate currently stands at only about 20 percent. Shortages of improved varieties, technologies and equipment, compounded by inadequate irrigation infrastructure and a lack of skilled professionals, have severely constrained the continent's rice production capacity. With 28 member countries, AFRICARICE has a strong on-the-ground presence across Africa. He hoped that CNRRI would expand the transfer of rice technologies tailored to Africa's climate and growing conditions to help strengthen regional food security.

The two sides agreed to develop a locally driven technology framework to boost rice production in Africa and deepen cooperation across research, education and industry. During the visit, Mr. Jiang Renhua and Mr. Baboucarr Manneh signed a memorandum of understanding and jointly inaugurated the CNRRI–AFRICARICE Joint Laboratory for Rice Research and Innovation, marking the laboratory's official launch. 

The strategic discussions and launch of the joint laboratory have laid a stronger foundation for a long-term, stable and closely integrated partnership. The two sides will use the joint laboratory as a key platform to focus on innovation in rice research and the practical application of new technologies, drive joint advances in rice science and technology between China and Africa, and expand results-oriented cooperation in the rice sector.

During the visit, Mr. Baboucarr Manneh, Mr. Gong Xifeng and the delegation toured CNRRI's exhibition hall, controlled-environment laboratory and the Rice Product Quality and Inspection Testing Center.