The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) have announced the winners of the first Afreximbank-FARA Research, Innovation, and Competence in Agriculture (AFRICA) Awards. These awards were presented at the 2024 Afreximbank Annual Meetings (AAM2024) and the AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum (ACTIF), recognizing outstanding contributions to food security, income generation, resilience, and natural resource management in Africa.
The AFRICA Awards aim to honour exceptional achievements in research, innovation, agripreneurship, and policy advocacy within the agricultural sector. There are three award categories: the Africa Research Excellence Award, the Innovation-based Entrepreneurship Award, and the Impactful and Evidence-based Policies Award. An independent committee of globally recognized experts selected the winners.
One of the awardees, Professor Umezuruike Linus Opara, was recognized for his pioneering integrated value-chain approach to post-harvest research and innovation. His work has significantly reduced post-harvest losses, enhanced value addition, and improved market connections for African crops. Professor Opara holds the South African Research Chair in Postharvest Technology at Stellenbosch University and has an impressive academic background with degrees from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and a PhD from Massey University, New Zealand.
Another recipient, Professor Richard Mkandawire, was honoured for his instrumental role in conceptualizing and promoting the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP). He has advocated for inclusive, evidence-based policy processes and fostered partnerships among policymakers, the private sector, and knowledge institutions. Professor Mkandawire currently serves as the African director of the Alliance for African Partnership and Chair of the Malawi National Planning Commission.
Prof. Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors at Afreximbank, praised the winners for their significant contributions, highlighting the importance of transforming the agricultural sector to enhance efficiency, productivity, and modernization. Dr Aggrey Agumya, Executive Director of FARA, emphasized the importance of these awards in recognizing and honouring dedicated Africans who are shaping the continent's food and agriculture systems. He noted that these awards align with the African Union Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want.
These awards underscore the critical role of innovation and research in advancing Africa's agricultural sector and addressing food security challenges on the continent.
Article by RB Correspodent
Photo/AFREXIMBANK
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