On 25 June, IITA officially signed a hosting agreement with the Government of the Republic of Zambia. The signing ceremony took place with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Honorable Joseph Malanji, signing on behalf of the Government of Zambia and the Institute’s Southern Africa Hub Director, David Chikoye, on behalf of IITA.
In his opening remarks, the Minister welcomed everyone to the signing ceremony, which he considered to be a huge milestone that will allow for the commencement of IITA’s operations in Zambia as a recognized international organization with privileges and immunities. “The decision to establish the regional offices in this country speaks volumes of your organization’s confidence in the prevailing climate, in terms of being conducive to the various dem ands that an international office may require. Among these are a secure, peaceful, and stable environment capable of enhancing your normal operations to the benefit of all your beneficiaries,” he stated.
He said he was particularly delighted that IITA’s m andate is centered on the promotion of agriculture, which is considered to be the primary driver of Zambia’s economic growth program under the seventh national development plan.
“As you are aware, the global agenda 2030 for sustainable development carries a similar m andate with poverty reduction being the overarching goal of the 17 development goals. Our people will not rise above the poverty threshold of US$1.25 per day without improvements in agricultural production,” he continued.
Honorable Malanji expressed hope that IITA will be able to collaborate with many relevant stakeholders in Zambia to unlock the massive potential of agriculture as a business for all.
To achieve the above, we will need facilitation with new technologies and management styles in the sector. I eagerly look forward to your contribution in this regard.
Speaking on the granting of diplomatic immunity and privileges to IITA, the Minister stressed that this carried with it responsibilities which any organization or other entity so granted must adhere to. He therefore appealed to the Institute to continue to project and protect their impeccable image.
Responding on behalf of the Institute, Director David Chikoye thanked the government of Zambia for agreeing to host the IITA regional office. He highlighted the celebration of IITA’s golden jubilee anniversary in 2017 stating, “I am happy to inform you that IITA has been operating in Zambia for over 30 years. Our activities were governed by a memor andum of underst anding with the Government of Zambia signed through the Ministry of Africa.”
“Over that period, we did not have a permanent address in Zambia; we operated in project mode, on a short-term basis and these projects were managed from the neighboring countries or headquarters.”
Chikoye noted that the signing of the hosting agreement is a clear testimony that IITA is even now more committed to help Zambia and southern Africa transform its agriculture into a more viable sector.
“Although we have a regional m andate, I can assure you that the people of Zambia, will have more access to our technologies, facilities, and skills since we are based here,” said Chikoye who also extended an invitation to the Honorable Minister to visit the IITA facilities so that he can be more familiar with the activities of the Institute.
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