“One day, if you write my bio, a story will be of a scientist who died in the field in Africa while breeding and testing new banana varieties,” a statement that came in as a light joke from Professor Rony Swennen. Before that day comes, IITA-CGIAR is excited to announce that IITA Banana Breeding Program Lead Professor Rony Swennen has been elected an Associate Fellow of the African Academy of Sciences (AAS). This prestigious recognition celebrates his significant contributions to advancing science in Africa and globally.
Prof. Swennen is recognized for his efforts in establishing the IITA banana and plantain breeding program, which led to the development of high-yielding, consumer-acceptable, and disease-resistant varieties, as well as the regional testing of improved banana varieties.
During the Science Forum for South Africa (SFSA) event in Pretoria on 24 November 2025, Prof. Friday Okonofua noted that the recognition is a good sign for the future of science, encouraging scientists to recognize the key role played by science in revolutionizing technological practices that impact society, like improving productivity, ensuring food security, and improving livelihood.
“We are proud to welcome the distinguished individuals to the AAS fellowship. Their contributions to science have been extraordinary, and now they join a network of innovators dedicated to advancing Africa’s scientific development”, said Prof. Okonofua.
Prof. Swennen in collaboration with partners has been the lead behind the banana breeding efforts in IITA like breeding et releasing of high yielding East Africa Highland cooking bananas, locally referred to as “matooke” varieties in Tanzania and Uganda, the establishment and launch of the East African Banana Breeding Network to meet specific needs of the region’s farmers and increasing food security and income through farming of improved cooking banana.
“I am very honored to receive the AAS fellowship, but while I am honored that my past is valued, I see this as an opportunity to accelerate the impact of IITA’s banana breeding team in Africa,” said Prof. Swennen.
Moreover, Prof. Swennen’s influence extends beyond banana breeding; he has contributed to over 340 peer-reviewed articles and supervised more than 70 PhD students. Prof. Swennen is the second IITA staff member to receive this fellowship, following the Eastern Africa Hub Director and Biotechnology Program Lead, Docteur Leena Tripathi, who received it in 2024. Dr Tripathi was recognized for her contributions to bioscience and agricultural biotechnology.
The selection process for the AAS Fellowship involved multi-level reviews by the AAS Membership Advisory Committees (MACs) in various fields of specialization. The penultimate step was voting by the academy fellows, with final recommendations submitted to the AAS Governing Council for endorsement.
The AAS highlights the benefits and obligations of its fellows, including the honor of being elected to a continental academy and membership in the AAS highest decision-making body, the General Assembly.
AAS plays a key role in advancing the development of the African continent in scientific matters. This includes providing advisory support to the African Union and the continent. The Fellows of the African Academy of Sciences are scientists in their own right; they play a crucial role in driving the implementation of the Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) agenda for both the African Union and the African continent.
Contributed by Gloriana Ndibalema and Rony Swennen
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