AATF Chief Says Biotechnology Pivotal to Advancing Food Security and Sovereignty in Africa

Addis Ababa, March 20, 2026 (FMC) — Agricultural biotechnology is emerging as a key driver in transforming Africa’s food security and sovereignty, according to Dr. Canisius Kanangire, Executive Director of the African Agricultural Technology Foundation.

Speaking to Fana Podcast, he noted that Ethiopia, through the Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research, stands as a strong example of this shift, adopting biotech crops to address persistent challenges such as low yields, climate variability, and pest outbreaks.

Notable successes include insect-resistant cotton and drought-tolerant TELA maize, which are helping farmers combat threats such as fall armyworm, stem borers, and unreliable rainfall.

According to the AATF Executive Director, these technologies are boosting productivity while reducing pesticide use, lowering costs, safeguarding farmers’ health, and supporting biodiversity.

However, wider adoption of biotechnology across Africa continues to face challenges, as misinformation and disinformation fuel public skepticism and hesitation among farmers.

As Dr. Kanangire stated, “There are some doubts about the advantages of the technology, and we need to provide more information and strengthen knowledge and public awareness.”

Partnerships involving AATF, governments, and private sector actors are helping to accelerate access to these innovations.

Dr. Kanangire emphasized the need for Africa to lead its own agricultural transformation through increased local funding, stronger stakeholder collaboration, and sustained efforts to build public trust.

These steps, he stressed, are critical to unlocking biotechnology’s full potential in advancing sustainable food security and sovereignty across the continent.

By Tewodros Sahile