by: Michele Vollaro | 8 April 2024
In a significant development for Zambia’s agricultural sector, President Hakainde Hichilema has officially declared the Nigerian-owned International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) as a research hub in the country, thereby giving it full diplomatic status. This announcement was made on the eve of the launch of IITA’s new food systems research and delivery facilities in the region, known as the Southern Africa Research and Administrative Hub (SARAH).
During the inauguration in Lusaka, President Hichilema highlighted the importance of agricultural research to the development of the sector and encouraged collaboration with other research institutions. The Zambian government has committed to supporting IITA-SARAH, which will host new facilities in Lusaka and develop advanced technologies to address critical issues such as food insecurity, plant health and seed systems.
Former President of Nigeria and IITA Ambassador for Africa, Olusegun Obasanjo, described the event as historic, highlighting the hub’s role in ensuring food and nutrition security not only for Zambia, but also for the rest of southern Africa. IITA Director General and CGIAR Regional Director for Continental Africa, Simeon Ehui, recognized the importance of this step forward in strengthening agricultural research and development in the region.
The event brought together key stakeholders from government, research, development and the agricultural sector, celebrating this milestone. IITA-Zambia, under the leadership of Country Director David Chikoye, is committed to supporting Zambia’s agricultural transformation, improving food security and promoting sustainable development across the region.
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