At the launch of the 2025 African International Agricultural Expo in Kenya Nairobi on Tuesday, officials urged African farmers to adopt Chinese smart agricultural technology to strengthen food security, transform rural economies, and increase export ready production across the continent.
The expo will have dedicated sections for any Africa agriculture potential, veterinary science, green inputs, fintech, and cross-border trade partnerships, as well as cultural activities planned alongside technical sessions, like the World Mid-Autumn Food Contest to boost China Africa cooperation.
“This event comes at a critical time,” said Kenya’s principal secretary in the State Department for Agriculture, Paul Kipronoh Ronoh. “Africa’s population is nearing 1.5 billion, and with the mounting threats of climate change, we must act fast to secure our food systems. Innovation and market access must lead the way.”
Drone technology, like those developed by Chinese firm XAG, is also transforming precision in green tech in China agriculture and in countries like South Africa and Mozambique.
“The Chinese drones have completely changed the whole farming practices,” said sugarcane farm manager in KwaZulu-Natal, Deon Burger, adding that “with 3D terrain mapping and real-time adjustments, we can spray with pinpoint accuracy, reducing pesticide waste and minimizing environmental impact.”
Building Africa Agriculture Technology Advancement Chains
Chinese investments are extending agriculture technology in South Africa value chains, as seen in Kenya, where Hongokee built a macadamia processing plant using advanced technology, expected to process 6,000 tons annually and create 200 jobs.
“The Chinese company offers twice the local purchase price,” said farmer Jane Mburu, “and their stringent quality standards have helped us improve planting techniques.”
In Madagascar, China smart agricultural technology established the country’s first industrial-scale goat meat processing plant back in 2023, and now it completed its first exports to China and is on track to process 10,000 tons annually.
“This plant will advance Madagascar’s livestock sector and extend the value chain,” said Director General of Agriculture and Livestock, Michel Anondraka.
China Revolutionizing the Farm in Africa
The new Africa-China alliance is a convincing model for digital smart agriculture solutions.
With the burden of population growth, climate vulnerability, and food deficits on the continent, Chinese investment in agrotechnology, vocational skills, and infrastructure is not just help but a sustainable development agenda.
But for that to happen, African governments must ensure farming innovations are accessible, inclusive, available for all, as well as complemented by policies that empowers local farmers without displacing them. If framed in contrast with regional interests and values, this cooperation could redefine Africa’s rural economies not as dependent, but as digitally enabled independence.
In the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and the Belt and Road Initiative models, Beijing continues to push more integration through agri-industrial investments. The hybrid rice plants in Madagascar, irrigation projects in Kenya, and smart drone deployment in South Africa are all prototypes for Chinese agriculture technology management agency, transferring technology, improving logistics, and building entire industrial chains.
“This’s not about crops,” said CEO of Hongxin International Exhibition Company, Ding Guiping. “It’s about bridging minds, stimulating investment, and empowering rural Africa to grow.”.
As the launching site for the 2025 expo, China’s alliance for climate smart agriculture in Africa will make the smart agricultural technology visions for farming accessible realities.
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