In The Spotlight
Mozambique and the United Arab Emirates have signalled a renewed commitment to strengthen cooperation in agriculture, food security and environmental protection, as both countries seek closer strategic partnerships.
The announcement was made by Mozambique’s Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Fisheries, Roberto Mito Albino, during meetings held in Dubai on the margins of the World Governments Summit. The discussions took place alongside a session on the future of energy and industries, where Mozambique is participating as part of its broader international engagement.
According to Minister Albino, cooperation between the two countries is being reshaped to reflect growing bilateral relations and shared priorities. He said talks with the UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, Amna Al Dahak, resulted in an agreement to establish a joint technical team tasked with putting into action commitments outlined in an existing Memorandum of Understanding on environment and biodiversity.
The team will focus on translating policy agreements into concrete programmes that support sustainable agriculture, environmental conservation and inclusive economic growth.
Minister Albino stressed the importance of ensuring that small scale farmers benefit from agricultural development. “Small-scale producers should be integrated to increase their income and contribute to the overall growth of the country. We also reject the idea that the industrialization of agriculture represents a threat to the environment. Today, to increase overall production, we focus on expanding areas, which leads to deforestation, because yields per hectare are low. Industrialization allows for greater production in a smaller area and with less environmental impact”, he said.
He pointed to the Mapai dam project in Gaza province as a clear example of how modern infrastructure can support both productivity and environmental protection. The dam is expected to support intensive agricultural activity within a limited area, reducing pressure on forests and fragile ecosystems.
“With 200,000 hectares of irrigable land, we can obtain the yield that is currently achieved on about one million hectares with low productivity levels. The dam will also allow for flood control, energy production, and environmental protection in the Limpopo basin”, he said.
On innovation, Minister Albino highlighted the need to embrace modern technologies that support sustainable farming. He said agricultural industrialisation can be achieved without harming the environment by applying conservation practices, responsible use of inputs and cleaner energy solutions.
“It is possible to industrialize agriculture in an environmentally friendly way. It must include conservation practices, rational use of inputs, and technologies that eliminate the need for fossil fuels harmful to the environment.”
He also underlined the importance of digital transformation, adding: “Mozambique cannot remain on the sidelines of global trends linked to new technologies and artificial intelligence. The world is becoming digital and Mozambique must be digital.”
The renewed partnership with the UAE is expected to support Mozambique’s efforts to modernise its agricultural sector while protecting natural resources and improving food security.
A World Bank Implementation Support Mission is currently taking place in Monrovia as part of ongoing oversight of the Liberia Sustainable Management of Fisheries Project, one of the country’s most important investments in food security, jobs and coastal economic growth.
Led by World Bank Task Team Leader Ngao Mubanga, the mission is focused on reviewing progress, strengthening technical delivery and ensuring that planned activities under the project are completed on time and to the required standard. The project is being implemented by the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority, commonly known as NaFAA.
According to an official statement, the mission is assessing a range of priority investments that span infrastructure development, fisheries value chains, institutional strengthening and private sector participation. Among the major activities under review are preparations for a modern fisheries complex, progress under the aquapreneurs incubation programme and renovation works at NaFAA’s regional headquarters in Harper, Maryland County.
The aquapreneurs initiative stands out as a key livelihood programme under the project. It is expected to conclude with the competitive allocation of fiberglass fishing canoes, aimed at improving safety at sea, modernising artisanal fishing methods and boosting productivity for small scale fishers.
“The objective of this mission is to ensure that implementation remains aligned with agreed standards and that project benefits are delivered efficiently to Liberians who depend on the fisheries sector for their livelihoods,” Mubanga said, underlining the World Bank’s focus on results driven development.
The mission is also reviewing efforts to establish a dedicated call centre to strengthen the Fisheries Information Management System, which supports data based decision making and monitoring of fishing activities. Alongside this, progress is being made on a Public Private Partnership framework to attract private investment into fisheries and aquaculture infrastructure.
Other components under review include construction of a 1.2 kilometre access road, as well as development of a 10 Year Fisheries Strategic and Investment Plan for 2026 to 2035. The plan is expected to be launched at the National Fisheries Investment Conference on March 30 and 31, 2026, by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai.
During the mission, the World Bank team will visit canoe manufacturing sites, meet beneficiaries of the Women’s Empowerment Grant Programme and inspect the Klay Fish Hatchery in Bomi County to ensure quality, community impact and environmental compliance.
“These field engagements are critical,” a NaFAA official noted. “They allow both the Bank and the implementing agency to directly hear from beneficiaries and ensure that investments are meeting community needs while respecting environmental standards.”
The government has defended the long standing practice that requires maize farmers to buy new seeds every planting season, explaining that most maize grown across the country comes from hybrid varieties that do not perform well when replanted.
David Silinde, Deputy Minister for Agriculture addressed concerns raised by Urambo MP Magreth Sitta, who questioned why farmers are unable to reuse seeds harvested from the previous season instead of purchasing fresh supplies each year.
Silinde said the issue lies in the nature of hybrid seeds, which are specifically developed to deliver high yields, resist diseases and tolerate harsh weather conditions. These qualities, he explained, are only guaranteed during the first planting.
“Most of the maize seeds used by farmers nationwide are hybrid seeds, developed by crossing two or more parent lines of the same family. Due to their scientific structure, these seeds cannot retain their superior qualities when reused, which affects harvests and overall agricultural efficiency,” he said.
According to the Deputy Minister, certified seeds sold through registered agro dealer shops undergo extensive laboratory testing before reaching farmers. These tests confirm their quality and ensure they meet standards for productivity and resilience. However, once farmers save and replant seeds harvested from hybrid crops, the original traits weaken or disappear completely.
He added that this decline results in smaller harvests, reduced income and lower overall productivity, which ultimately affects national food security. For this reason, farmers are advised to use certified seeds each season to maintain stable production.
In a supplementary question, Sitta asked what steps the government is taking to lower maize production costs for low income farmers and how it plans to protect crops from destructive pests.
In response, Silinde said the government remains committed to supporting farmers through its agricultural input subsidy programme. The initiative provides subsidised seeds, fertilisers and pesticides, helping to reduce farming expenses while improving yields.
He noted that the programme is designed to ensure small scale farmers can access quality inputs without placing too much strain on their finances, while also strengthening pest control efforts to safeguard crops throughout the growing season.
IFTEX 2026 marks the 13th edition of the International Flower Trade Exhibition and continues to strengthen its reputation as one of the most important business focused floriculture events in the world.
Set to take place in Nairobi, Kenya, the exhibition will be held from June 2 to June 4, 2026, at the Visa Oshwal Centre in Ring Road Parklands. Organised by HPP Worldwide, the event brings together the global flower trade under one roof and places East Africa firmly on the international floriculture map.
Designed exclusively for industry professionals, IFTEX 2026 is a trade only exhibition that welcomes growers, breeders, exporters, logistics providers and international buyers from across the globe. Entry is restricted to qualified visitors aged 18 years and above, ensuring a professional environment where meaningful business discussions and long term partnerships can flourish. The exhibition provides a focused platform for networking, sourcing new products and exploring opportunities within the fast growing global flower market.
The three day programme begins on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, with an official opening ceremony scheduled from 09:00 to 11:00 hrs, followed by exhibition hours running until 18:00 hrs. On Wednesday, June 3, 2026, the exhibition continues from 10:00 to 18:00 hrs and concludes with the official exhibition party from 18:30 to 23:00 hrs, offering a relaxed setting for industry networking. The final day, Thursday, June 4, 2026, runs from 10:00 to 16:00 hrs, allowing visitors to finalise meetings and business deals.
IFTEX has consistently positioned itself as a central global platform for the floriculture industry, attracting international participation and supporting large scale trade connections. While previous editions such as 2025 highlight the event’s growth, the confirmed dates and format underline the importance of IFTEX 2026 as a key calendar event.
For floriculture professionals seeking access to global markets, innovative flower varieties and valuable industry connections, IFTEX 2026 offers a unique opportunity to engage with the heart of the international flower trade.
Rwanda is taking a significant step in modernising its livestock sector with the arrival of the first batch of 10 high-genetic-potential Holstein-Friesian dairy bulls imported from Germany.
This initiative is designed to strengthen breeding programmes and accelerate improvements in both dairy and beef herds. A second shipment of 20 bulls is expected by April 2026, featuring additional dairy breeds including Holstein-Friesian, Jersey, and Brown Swiss, alongside top beef breeds such as Angus and Charolais.
These elite bulls will be central to Rwanda’s national bovine artificial insemination (AI) programme, producing high-quality semen distributed nationwide to enhance cattle genetics. By providing farmers with superior semen rather than requiring the purchase of costly breeding animals, the initiative aims to increase productivity, improve herd health, and raise milk yields significantly above those of many local breeds.
The project forms part of Phase II of the Rwanda Dairy Development Project (RDDP-2), a US $100 million programme funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and running from 2024 to 2029. RDDP-2 aims to modernise Rwanda’s dairy value chain, raise milk quality standards, and boost overall sector productivity.
Rwanda’s efforts to improve livestock genetics trace back to the “One Cow per Poor Family” (Girinka) programme launched in 2006, which introduced improved dairy breeds to rural households. Since then, structured crossbreeding, artificial insemination, and veterinary support initiatives have led to notable gains in national milk and meat production, though authorities emphasise that expansion remains crucial to meet targets outlined in the country’s Strategic Plan for Agricultural Transformation.
By integrating high-genetic bulls and modern AI techniques, Rwanda is laying the foundation for a more productive, resilient, and competitive livestock sector, supporting farmers while contributing to the country’s broader agricultural development goals.
The African Union Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment, Moses Vilakati, has applauded Ethiopia’s rise as a wheat exporter, describing it as a defining achievement not only for the country but for Africa as a whole.
Moses Vilakati, said, “We have realized where Ethiopia started and where they are right now — up to an extent where they are now exporting wheat. That’s a milestone, and we are very, very grateful.”
His remarks highlight how far Ethiopia has come in reshaping its agricultural landscape. Once heavily dependent on wheat imports, the country has invested in expanding domestic production, improving farming practices and embracing modern systems that support higher yields and greater resilience.
Vilakati also praised Ethiopia’s wider development agenda, pointing to its commitment to agricultural modernisation and digital transformation. He noted that the country’s progress shows what can be achieved when innovation aligns with clear policy direction and strong political will. For many African nations facing similar food security challenges, Ethiopia’s example offers a practical and encouraging model.
Vilakati stressed that digital tools are changing the way farming works across the continent. Farmers are gaining better access to timely information, improved climate data and smarter decision making systems that help them respond to changing conditions.
The AU Digital Agriculture Strategy 2024–2030 provides the continental roadmap for expanding such tools across agricultural value chains. Digital advisory platforms, climate information services and online marketplaces are already opening new opportunities, particularly for young people seeking to build careers in agriculture.
Following the inaugural AU Digital Agriculture Conference, the African Union Commission renewed its commitment to embedding digital innovation within Africa’s farming systems. As preparations begin for the 2027 review cycle, Vilakati urged member states to turn strategy into action and follow Ethiopia’s lead in pursuing food self sufficiency.
Global agriculture continues to expand, yet the agricultural machinery market is navigating a period of turbulence.
Economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions and shifting trade policies are reshaping where and how farm equipment is bought and sold. This evolving landscape was outlined during the press conference launching the 47th edition of EIMA International, the world’s leading exhibition for agricultural technologies, set to take place in Bologna from 10 to 14 November.
Mariateresa Maschio, FederUnacoma President, said, “Protectionist policies in some countries, economic sanctions, interference with trade routes, and tariff wars have led to market fragmentation and a sharp slowdown in trade which is weighing on the performance of the agromechanical sector.”
Traditional markets are feeling the strain. The United States recorded a 10 percent fall in tractor sales in 2025, while Germany, France and the United Kingdom also posted double digit declines. In contrast, southern Europe is showing renewed momentum. Italy and Spain both closed the year with strong growth, signalling cautious optimism within the European agricultural machinery industry.
India remains the standout performer. With tractor sales exceeding 1.1 million units, the country continues to dominate the global market. According to Maschio, this growth reflects deeper structural demand rather than a short term spike. “Over the past fifteen years, output in the primary sector has grown significantly,” said Mariateresa Maschio, “but to meet the needs of the world’s population it will have to grow by a further 14% by 2034, especially in India and in those countries of North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, and the Middle East that are experiencing the highest demographic growth.”
A new geography of agricultural production is emerging, driven by mechanisation, digital farming solutions and expanding demand in Asia, Africa and Latin America. Chinese manufacturers are rapidly increasing their presence across these regions and even gaining ground in Europe.
“In the coming years we will have a highly segmented agromechanical sector, with low-cost basic technologies alongside highly advanced technologies for complex operations,” added Mariateresa Maschio, underlining the importance of innovation, policy support and international cooperation as the sector looks ahead.
