In The Spotlight
The African Union (AU) delivered a key presentation on fisheries and aquaculture policy in Uganda. (Image source: AU)
The African Union (AU), through its Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR), delivered a key presentation on fisheries and aquaculture policy at a side event during the World Aquaculture Society (WAS) Conference in Entebbe/Kampala, Uganda, from 24 to 27 June 2025
Led by Simon Owani Olok, senior policy officer for Fisheries and Aquaculture at AU-IBAR, the presentation underscored the sector's critical role in the livelihoods of over 10 million Africans, "most of whom are among the rural poor." Despite their importance in food security and economic development, these sectors face threats from poor governance, institutional weaknesses, and over-exploitation of key fish stocks.
The AU has responded with major political commitments, including the 2014 Abuja Declarations and the 2015 World Summit on Sustainable Development, which led to the Policy Framework and Reform Strategy for Fisheries and Aquaculture in Africa (PFRS). Endorsed by Heads of State in Malabo in 2014, the PFRS aims to unlock the sector's full socio-economic potential through "market-led, sustainable strategies".
Key milestones include the African Fisheries Reform Mechanism (AFRM), APRIFAS, and the PRNFAA. A pan-African strategy for data collection and evidence-based policymaking has been launched, with 16 AU Member States aligning policies with the PFRS.
Member States bear primary responsibility for implementation, integrating fisheries into national plans and engaging stakeholders. The AU "remains committed to providing leadership and technical support" to ensure fisheries and aquaculture drive Africa's economic transformation. Further details are available on AU-IBAR's official website.
Collaborative strategies aim for a resilient Africa that proactively addresses risks. (Image Credit: AU)
In a significant move for public health and environmental sustainability, the African Union-InterAfrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) have jointly launched two key frameworks: the One Health Zoonotic Disease Prevention and Control Strategy (2025–2030) and the Africa CDC Strategic Framework on Climate Change and Health (2025–2029)
These strategies represent a unified, cross-sectoral approach to combating the intertwined challenges of zoonotic diseases and climate change across the continent.
Speaking at the launch event in Addis Ababa, Huyam Salih, director of AU-IBAR, called for action, urging stakeholders to move beyond mere declarations:“Let us move beyond declarations—now is the time for united, cross-sectoral action. I call on all stakeholders to embrace the One Health Strategy as a continental imperative. Together, we must forge a new era of health security, where animal, human, and environmental health are protected as one. Africa’s resilience depends on it, and our future demands it.”
The strategies were developed through a collaborative and evidence-based process that involved Member States, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), technical partners, and civil society organisations. The overarching goal is to create a resilient Africa that addresses risks proactively rather than reactively.
Raji Tajudeen, the deputy director-general of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention echoed this sentiment, stressing the urgency of moving from rhetoric to results: “These frameworks are more than strategy documents; they are Africa’s collective commitment to protecting our people, our ecosystems, and our future. We must move from rhetoric to results. The time to act is now, and the responsibility rests with all of us.”
Mekdes Daba, Minister of Health, Ethiopia highlighted the interconnectedness of health, ecosystems, and economies across Africa, stating: “Our health, ecosystems, and economies are deeply intertwined. We cannot protect one without investing in all. This is a call for action, not another declaration.”
With more than 75% of emerging human diseases originating from animals and climate change intensifying health risks, the new frameworks seek to strengthen surveillance, improve early warning systems, and integrate public, animal, and environmental health responses. These strategies offer both a roadmap and a call for decisive, coordinated action for a healthier, more resilient Africa.
Tickets and the full programme are available at the official website. (Image credit: DLG )
Tickets are now on sale for Agritechnica 2025, the world’s largest trade fair for agricultural machinery, taking place from 9-15 November in Hanover, Germany
Organised by the DLG (German Agricultural Society), this year’s show is set to welcome around 430,000 visitors and 2,700 exhibitors from over 50 countries. Held under the theme “Touch Smart Efficiency”, Agritechnica 2025 introduces a new visitor concept: “7 Days – 7 Topics”, focusing on specific professional groups each day. With all 23 exhibition halls fully booked, interest is high—76% of surveyed potential visitors have already committed to attending.
This year also marks the debut of the digital farm centre – presented by FarmRobotix, showcasing innovations in robotics, automation, and artificial intelligence. Other highlights include DLG’s Expert Stages, startup showcases, and international networking events. The parallel systems and components exhibition will serve as a central B2B hub for suppliers in the agriculture and off-highway sectors.
New features for dealers include the international dealer centre, business matchmaking, and optional listings in the official event app.
Day tickets start at €29, with two-day and special event options also available. For the first time, tickets include free access to local public transport in the Hanover region.
Visitors can also take advantage of special trains and group travel packages from Germany and Switzerland.
Tickets and the full programme are available at the official website.
South Africa’s agricultural sector remains a vital contributor to both food security and employment. (Image Credit: WACO Modular)
South Africa’s agricultural sector remains a vital contributor to both food security and employment, with over 950,000 people working across farms nationwide
However, during critical planting and harvesting periods—particularly in remote or rural regions—many farms struggle to scale their infrastructure quickly and affordably. Traditional brick-and-mortar construction often proves too time-consuming, costly, or impractical, especially when speed and flexibility are non-negotiable. This is where modular infrastructure is reshaping the sector, offering fast, adaptable, and cost-effective solutions that align with the modern demands of agriculture. Prefabricated off-site and designed for rapid deployment, modular units can be installed within days, allowing operations to scale efficiently without significant downtime. More than just temporary structures, these buildings provide long-term value, as they can be relocated, reconfigured, or repurposed between seasons—for example, shifting from worker accommodation to storage or training facilities.
Designed to withstand tough environmental conditions, modular units are especially suited to rural farming contexts, requiring minimal site preparation while offering durability and low maintenance. They have become increasingly popular for use in staff housing, cold storage, mobile clinics, sanitation facilities, and maintenance workshops. Beyond meeting operational demands, modular infrastructure also enhances worker well-being—a factor often overlooked in seasonal planning. Comfortable, climate-controlled accommodation with access to sanitation and healthcare improves morale and productivity, encouraging seasonal workers to return year after year and reducing recruitment challenges. From a sustainability perspective, modular buildings also offer clear advantages, with lower on-site labour requirements, reduced material waste, and features such as solar readiness and smart climate monitoring. These innovations make it possible to extend essential services even to the most remote locations, all while reducing environmental impact. As agricultural operations grow more complex and face increasing pressure to adapt to shifting environmental and economic conditions, modular infrastructure offers a future-ready approach. It enables farms to remain productive, resilient, and competitive—whatever the season—by combining speed, adaptability, and sustainability in a single, practical solution.
Article by Zharn-Pierre Nel, Branch Manager at Waco Modular
Utility tractors are compact, fuel-efficient, and easy to operate. (Image Credit: Balkrishna Industries Ltd.)
In today’s agricultural landscape, utility tractors—often called ‘wildcard’ tractors—remain one of the most sought-after and strategic choices for small to medium-sized farms
With power outputs ranging from 70 to 130 horsepower, these machines are designed to handle a wide array of tasks, from light fieldwork and transport duties to front loader operations in tight spaces such as barns, vineyards, and orchards.
Versatility is a cornerstone of utility tractors, and tyre choice must mirror this adaptability. That’s where Balkrishna Industries Ltd. (BKT) steps in. BKT offers customised tyre solutions, blending advanced technologies and modern compounds to deliver tyres that are reliable, durable, and fit for varied terrain and tasks.
Utility tractors are compact, fuel-efficient, and easy to operate—qualities that make them indispensable for day-to-day farming activities. Their ergonomic design guarantees comfort during extended operating hours, while their powerful traction and manoeuvrability allow productivity even on loose or uneven soil. Whether it’s ploughing, weeding, transporting hay, or navigating narrow barns, utility tractors offer unmatched flexibility.
BKT provides tyre models specifically designed for utility tractor use in order to support these demands. These include:
AGRIMAX RT 765 – Excellent for open-field use, offering even weight distribution, reduced soil compaction, and strong self-cleaning properties.
AGRIMAX RT 855 – A versatile option suitable for multiple terrains, delivering high traction and tear resistance. Ideal for tractors frequently moving between the field and the road.
AGRIMAX RT 657 – Reliable for both tillage and road transport, with select sizes suitable for grape harvesting. Noted for its comfort and fuel-saving design.
BKT continues to support evolving agricultural practices by developing tyre patterns that meet the real-world needs of utility tractor operators. With durability, performance, and operator comfort in mind, BKT’s solutions help farmers maximise productivity and manage agricultural resources more effectively.
Nigeria is working to make the agriculture sector globally competitive.
The President of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, has pledged to remove all obstacles limiting Nigeria’s agricultural potential, especially in livestock production, as part of his administration’s goal of achieving food sovereignty and boosting exports
During a bilateral meeting with Brazilian President, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, on Saturday at Copacabana Forte, Tinubu emphasised the need for urgent agricultural reforms. “Excessive bureaucracy has delayed progress,” said Tinubu, assuring Nigeria is working to make the sector globally competitive. "All technicalities in agreements between the two countries will be streamlined and fast-tracked in trade, aviation, energy transition, food and agricultural development, mining, and natural resources exploration," he added.
He praised Brazil’s leadership in agricultural research, calling the country a model in food production and exports. He also highlighted Nigeria’s investment in livestock, including poultry, fisheries, and cattle, which aims to create jobs and enhance food supply.
Tinubu pointed to Nigeria’s blue economy as a new frontier for collaboration in marine and aquatic resources. “State governments must act swiftly to drive food production nationwide,” he urged.
Lula da Silva echoed Tinubu’s urgency, promising to update all bilateral agreements and cut through red tape. “Our institutions will work with Nigeria to improve livestock farming systems,” he assured.
Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, reiterated Tinubu’s commitment to food security through global partnerships, noting Nigeria’s fertiliser production advantage.
Idi Mukhtar Maiha, Minister of Livestock Development, highlighted animal health, sanitation, and genetic research as key areas for Brazil-Nigeria cooperation.
Governors from Benue, Ogun, Niger, Delta, and Lagos, along with Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Mohammed Mohammed, Director General of the National Intelligence Agency, were present, underscoring strong national backing for Tinubu’s agricultural reforms.
Aviagen is investing in local breeding stock production within Saudi Arabia. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Aviagen is continuing to enhance its supply chain and its ‘global reach, local touch’ strategy by investing in a Grandparent (GP) operation for the production and distribution of Parent Stock (PS) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA)
This is a fully-owned Aviagen investment and the project is currently in the early stages of development.
Aviagen continues to recognise the strategic requirement for local, dedicated supply bases to ensure that Aviagen and all of our customers are best prepared to meet the increasing demand for poultry meat in this important, growing region. This investment will create a regional distribution hub for Aviagen brands, strengthening security of supply, and enhancing our ability to serve customers in KSA from a dedicated supply base within the region.
Saudi Arabia and the wider Gulf region present significant opportunities for the growth of poultry production and consumption. Aviagen is proud to support this development by investing in local breeding stock production within the Kingdom, aligning closely with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals. With its strategic location and strong potential for industry growth, Saudi Arabia is an ideal location for this investment, providing access to key neighboring Gulf markets.
Tom Exley, President, Aviagen TMEA commented, “This strategic initiative reflects our ongoing commitment to the region, enabling us to deliver greater value to our customers through enhanced security of supply and tailored customer support. By investing locally, Aviagen is helping to strengthen the poultry industry and contribute to the region’s food security and economic development goals.”
Tickets and the full programme are available at the official website. (Image credit: DLG )
Tickets are now on sale for Agritechnica 2025, the world’s largest trade fair for agricultural machinery, taking place from 9-15 November in Hanover, Germany
Organised by the DLG (German Agricultural Society), this year’s show is set to welcome around 430,000 visitors and 2,700 exhibitors from over 50 countries. Held under the theme “Touch Smart Efficiency”, Agritechnica 2025 introduces a new visitor concept: “7 Days – 7 Topics”, focusing on specific professional groups each day. With all 23 exhibition halls fully booked, interest is high—76% of surveyed potential visitors have already committed to attending.
This year also marks the debut of the digital farm centre – presented by FarmRobotix, showcasing innovations in robotics, automation, and artificial intelligence. Other highlights include DLG’s Expert Stages, startup showcases, and international networking events. The parallel systems and components exhibition will serve as a central B2B hub for suppliers in the agriculture and off-highway sectors.
New features for dealers include the international dealer centre, business matchmaking, and optional listings in the official event app.
Day tickets start at €29, with two-day and special event options also available. For the first time, tickets include free access to local public transport in the Hanover region.
Visitors can also take advantage of special trains and group travel packages from Germany and Switzerland.
Tickets and the full programme are available at the official website.
APPP: Africa's largest infrastructure finance and partnership event
A workshop was organised to align national fisheries and aquaculture strategies and agricultural investment plans with the PFRS. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
The African Union (AU) delivered a key presentation on fisheries and aquaculture policy in Uganda. (Image source: AU)
The African Union (AU), through its Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR), delivered a key presentation on fisheries and aquaculture policy at a side event during the World Aquaculture Society (WAS) Conference in Entebbe/Kampala, Uganda, from 24 to 27 June 2025
Led by Simon Owani Olok, senior policy officer for Fisheries and Aquaculture at AU-IBAR, the presentation underscored the sector's critical role in the livelihoods of over 10 million Africans, "most of whom are among the rural poor." Despite their importance in food security and economic development, these sectors face threats from poor governance, institutional weaknesses, and over-exploitation of key fish stocks.
The AU has responded with major political commitments, including the 2014 Abuja Declarations and the 2015 World Summit on Sustainable Development, which led to the Policy Framework and Reform Strategy for Fisheries and Aquaculture in Africa (PFRS). Endorsed by Heads of State in Malabo in 2014, the PFRS aims to unlock the sector's full socio-economic potential through "market-led, sustainable strategies".
Key milestones include the African Fisheries Reform Mechanism (AFRM), APRIFAS, and the PRNFAA. A pan-African strategy for data collection and evidence-based policymaking has been launched, with 16 AU Member States aligning policies with the PFRS.
Member States bear primary responsibility for implementation, integrating fisheries into national plans and engaging stakeholders. The AU "remains committed to providing leadership and technical support" to ensure fisheries and aquaculture drive Africa's economic transformation. Further details are available on AU-IBAR's official website.
Aviagen is investing in local breeding stock production within Saudi Arabia. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
ZIVO Bioscience and top animal health firm launch studies on poultry immune-boosting compounds
Collaborative strategies aim for a resilient Africa that proactively addresses risks. (Image Credit: AU)
In a significant move for public health and environmental sustainability, the African Union-InterAfrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) have jointly launched two key frameworks: the One Health Zoonotic Disease Prevention and Control Strategy (2025–2030) and the Africa CDC Strategic Framework on Climate Change and Health (2025–2029)
These strategies represent a unified, cross-sectoral approach to combating the intertwined challenges of zoonotic diseases and climate change across the continent.
Speaking at the launch event in Addis Ababa, Huyam Salih, director of AU-IBAR, called for action, urging stakeholders to move beyond mere declarations:“Let us move beyond declarations—now is the time for united, cross-sectoral action. I call on all stakeholders to embrace the One Health Strategy as a continental imperative. Together, we must forge a new era of health security, where animal, human, and environmental health are protected as one. Africa’s resilience depends on it, and our future demands it.”
The strategies were developed through a collaborative and evidence-based process that involved Member States, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), technical partners, and civil society organisations. The overarching goal is to create a resilient Africa that addresses risks proactively rather than reactively.
Raji Tajudeen, the deputy director-general of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention echoed this sentiment, stressing the urgency of moving from rhetoric to results: “These frameworks are more than strategy documents; they are Africa’s collective commitment to protecting our people, our ecosystems, and our future. We must move from rhetoric to results. The time to act is now, and the responsibility rests with all of us.”
Mekdes Daba, Minister of Health, Ethiopia highlighted the interconnectedness of health, ecosystems, and economies across Africa, stating: “Our health, ecosystems, and economies are deeply intertwined. We cannot protect one without investing in all. This is a call for action, not another declaration.”
With more than 75% of emerging human diseases originating from animals and climate change intensifying health risks, the new frameworks seek to strengthen surveillance, improve early warning systems, and integrate public, animal, and environmental health responses. These strategies offer both a roadmap and a call for decisive, coordinated action for a healthier, more resilient Africa.
South Africa’s agricultural sector remains a vital contributor to both food security and employment. (Image Credit: WACO Modular)
Nigeria is working to make the agriculture sector globally competitive.
Utility tractors are compact, fuel-efficient, and easy to operate. (Image Credit: Balkrishna Industries Ltd.)
In today’s agricultural landscape, utility tractors—often called ‘wildcard’ tractors—remain one of the most sought-after and strategic choices for small to medium-sized farms
With power outputs ranging from 70 to 130 horsepower, these machines are designed to handle a wide array of tasks, from light fieldwork and transport duties to front loader operations in tight spaces such as barns, vineyards, and orchards.
Versatility is a cornerstone of utility tractors, and tyre choice must mirror this adaptability. That’s where Balkrishna Industries Ltd. (BKT) steps in. BKT offers customised tyre solutions, blending advanced technologies and modern compounds to deliver tyres that are reliable, durable, and fit for varied terrain and tasks.
Utility tractors are compact, fuel-efficient, and easy to operate—qualities that make them indispensable for day-to-day farming activities. Their ergonomic design guarantees comfort during extended operating hours, while their powerful traction and manoeuvrability allow productivity even on loose or uneven soil. Whether it’s ploughing, weeding, transporting hay, or navigating narrow barns, utility tractors offer unmatched flexibility.
BKT provides tyre models specifically designed for utility tractor use in order to support these demands. These include:
AGRIMAX RT 765 – Excellent for open-field use, offering even weight distribution, reduced soil compaction, and strong self-cleaning properties.
AGRIMAX RT 855 – A versatile option suitable for multiple terrains, delivering high traction and tear resistance. Ideal for tractors frequently moving between the field and the road.
AGRIMAX RT 657 – Reliable for both tillage and road transport, with select sizes suitable for grape harvesting. Noted for its comfort and fuel-saving design.
BKT continues to support evolving agricultural practices by developing tyre patterns that meet the real-world needs of utility tractor operators. With durability, performance, and operator comfort in mind, BKT’s solutions help farmers maximise productivity and manage agricultural resources more effectively.
Eric Muuga explained the delay in the Thwake Dam.
The main agenda of the new vision is to transform the Expanded Public Works Programme from temporary job relief to a skills-based employment pipeline.
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The African Union (AU) delivered a key presentation on fisheries and aquaculture policy in Uganda. (Image source: AU)
Collaborative strategies aim for a resilient Africa that proactively addresses risks. (Image Credit: AU)
Nigeria is working to make the agriculture sector globally competitive.
Utility tractors are compact, fuel-efficient, and easy to operate. (Image Credit: Balkrishna Industries Ltd.)
South Africa’s agricultural sector remains a vital contributor to both food security and employment. (Image Credit: WACO Modular)
Eric Muuga explained the delay in the Thwake Dam.
The main agenda of the new vision is to transform the Expanded Public Works Programme from temporary job relief to a skills-based employment pipeline.
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The regulation agency has requested farmers to switch to organic production methods and utilise only licensed pesticides.
This initiative targets vulnerable communities affected by climate change. (Image credit: Adobe Stock)
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Utility tractors are compact, fuel-efficient, and easy to operate. (Image Credit: Balkrishna Industries Ltd.)
Eric Muuga explained the delay in the Thwake Dam.
The main agenda of the new vision is to transform the Expanded Public Works Programme from temporary job relief to a skills-based employment pipeline.
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