{"id":18063,"date":"2026-06-20T13:01:47","date_gmt":"2026-06-20T13:01:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dev.iita.org\/news-item\/rwandas-envoy-to-nigeria-engages-iita-on-strategic-agricultural-collaboration\/"},"modified":"2026-06-29T16:53:43","modified_gmt":"2026-06-29T16:53:43","slug":"rwandas-envoy-to-nigeria-engages-iita-on-strategic-agricultural-collaboration","status":"publish","type":"news-item","link":"https:\/\/iita.org\/fr\/news-item\/rwandas-envoy-to-nigeria-engages-iita-on-strategic-agricultural-collaboration\/","title":{"rendered":"Rwanda\u2019s Envoy to Nigeria engages IITA on strategic agricultural collaboration"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Dr
Dr Simeon Ehui with Ambassador Christophe Bazivamo during the visit to IITA headquarters in Ibadan.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In a move to deepen collaboration in agricultural research and innovation, the High Commissioner of Rwanda to Nigeria, Ambassador Christophe Bazivamo, visited the IITA<\/a> headquarters in Ibadan recently. The visit marks a renewed commitment to building strategic partnerships between Rwanda and IITA in advancing agricultural transformation across Africa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Welcoming the Rwandan delegation, IITA Director General and CGIAR<\/a> Regional Director for Continental Africa, Dr Sim\u00e9on Ehui<\/a>, highlighted Ambassador Bazivamo\u2019s strong roots in agriculture as an agronomist and policymaker. \u201cYour background connects deeply with the mission and vision of IITA,\u201d said Dr Ehui. \u201cWe are pleased to explore how Rwanda and IITA can work more closely to achieve shared goals in food systems transformation.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During the high-level meeting, Ambassador Bazivamo described the visit as a long-held aspiration, stating, \u201cComing to IITA is a dream come true. I have followed your work for years and remain impressed by your role in shaping agriculture and food security across Africa.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Ambassador
Ambassador Christophe Bazivamo during a tour of IITA’s Genebank.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/p>\n\n\n\n

He emphasized Rwanda\u2019s desire to tap into IITA\u2019s wealth of research and innovation, particularly in areas such as aflatoxin biocontrol, animal feed from cassava waste, value addition, climate-smart agriculture, and youth capacity building. The Ambassador also noted existing areas of cooperation between Rwanda and Nigeria, such as in defense, education, and aviation, and underscored the potential for IITA\u2019s presence in both countries to serve as a bridge for even broader collaboration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dr Ehui reaffirmed IITA\u2019s commitment to Rwanda and referenced ongoing initiatives in the country, including research and development in banana and cassava, the promotion of digital agricultural technologies, and the development of improved seed varieties. He proposed intensifying efforts to drive forward initiatives that support youth entrepreneurship and inclusive agricultural development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Peter
Peter Iluebbey, IITA Cassava Breeding International Trials Manager, sharing the existing opportunities in cassava value chain with Ambassador Christophe Bazivamo.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Discussions focused on the need to strengthen linkages between research institutions and smallholder farmers, with an emphasis on the role of intermediary organizations in amplifying outreach and ensuring innovations reach end-users. Both parties also recognized the importance of clear communication and awareness-raising to bridge the gap between research and practice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ambassador Bazivamo concluded by expressing Rwanda\u2019s readiness to scale up collaboration with IITA, stating, \u201cWe value the longstanding relationship with IITA and are eager to strengthen it. Rwanda is committed to supporting initiatives that drive agricultural innovation and food system resilience.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The visit sets the stage for a more robust and focused engagement between Rwanda and IITA, with shared aspirations for sustainable agricultural growth, youth empowerment, and resilient food systems in Africa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contributed by \u2018Timilehin Osunde and Anita Akinyomade<\/em><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

In a move to deepen collaboration in agricultural research and innovation, the High Commissioner of Rwanda to Nigeria, Ambassador Christophe Bazivamo, visited the IITA headquarters in Ibadan 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