Sino-African synergies: An alliance for sustainable food systems

On August 26, 2024, in Dakar, Senegal, a historic meeting marked a turning point in Sino-African relations and the global quest for sustainable food systems. The Academy of Global Food Economics and Policy (AGFEP) and the Consortium of International Agricultural Research Centers (CGIAR) in Senegal (Alliance, IFPRI, AfricaRice, CIMMYT, ILRI, ICRISAT) convened to address pressing issues like malnutrition, environmental degradation, and the impacts of climate change—challenges posing serious threats to global food security. Eminent figures such as Shenggen Fan, Yumei Zhang, and other specialists enriched the discussions. In his opening remarks, Issa Ouedraogo, PhD, stated, “We are here to radically rethink how we approach our food and agricultural systems. It is imperative that we innovate to create policies that not only address today’s challenges but also pave the way toward a sustainable and resilient future.” This gathering served as a crucial platform to develop innovative solutions meeting immediate needs while laying the groundwork for long-term improvements in food security and environmental management.