Crops

The MiniQube combines form and function. (Image source: Minitube)

The minimalist digital microscope called MiniQube that has been developed by Minitube and QubeDot has won the international Red Dot Design Award 2026 in the Product Design category

Build upon exemplary innovation, the MiniQube combines form and function that deliver highly reproducable results in a clean, modern aesthetic. Bereft of complications such as screws or knobs, the fully integrated digital microscope is a significant advancement in standardised computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA). 

The award highlights the product’s clean, minimalist design as well as its successful integration of functionality, user-friendliness, and technological precision. Its autofocus, a motorised and heated stage, digital light control and well-synced optics optimise variability and considerably simplifies analyses delivery. 

The MiniQube enhances hygienic laboratory environments with its exceptional usability, ergonomics and durability.

The Red Dot Design Award acknowledges MiniQube's outstanding standards for laboratory equipment in industry and research, which are driven by cutting-edge technology and a user-centered design approach. 

While Minitube comprises an expert team on semen and embryo processing and preservation, its advancement requires relevant technical support as well. The MiniQube is thus an example of the team's equal expertise in related fields such as basic and applied research, product development and quality assurance.

Kenya Sets Course for Smarter Farming with New Agriculture Council (Image credit: The Online Kenya)

Kenya is moving with clear intent to reshape its agricultural future through the launch of the World Agriculture Forum country council

The initiative reflects a growing commitment to modernise farming by bringing together innovation, investment and collaboration across the entire agricultural value chain.

At its core, the council is focused on improving productivity while helping farmers adapt to a changing climate. With rising pressure from unpredictable weather, population growth and strained supply systems, the country is looking for practical ways to increase both the quality and volume of food production. The aim is not only to grow more, but to do so in a way that is sustainable and resilient.

A strong emphasis has been placed on the use of advanced technologies. Tools such as artificial intelligence and bioengineering are expected to support farmers in making informed decisions and improving overall farm performance. Better seeds, smarter planning and efficient resource use are all part of this shift towards more intelligent farming systems that balance productivity with environmental care.

The council is also designed to close the gap between policy and real farm practices. By encouraging closer cooperation between government bodies, researchers and agribusiness leaders, it seeks to turn ideas into measurable results. This includes boosting yields, raising farmer incomes and strengthening rural communities over time.

Equally important is the focus on partnerships and local innovation. By connecting scientists, investors and policymakers, the platform creates space for knowledge sharing and tailored solutions that reflect Kenya’s unique agricultural landscape. It also opens doors for farmers to access global expertise and new markets.

Support for farmers remains a key priority. The initiative promotes access to finance, training and modern tools, ensuring that innovation is not out of reach for those working on the ground. Collaboration between public and private sectors, along with strong local engagement, will be vital to making these efforts successful.

Looking ahead, Kenya plans to build a scalable model for agricultural growth by 2028, signalling a shift from planning to real action in the sector.

FAO Chief urges faster global action on One Health Agenda (Image credit: FAO)

At a key global meeting in Lyon, Qu Dongyu, Director General of the Food and Agriculture Organization, called for stronger and faster efforts to advance the One Health agenda

Speaking at the fourth annual executive meeting of the Quadripartite partnership, he warned that gaps in capacity and a lack of stable funding are still slowing real progress.

The Quadripartite brings together the Food and Agriculture Organization, United Nations Environment Programme, World Health Organization, and World Organisation for Animal Health. This alliance aims to improve cooperation across sectors to better protect the health of people, animals, plants, and the environment. At its core is the One Health approach, which encourages collaboration across disciplines to address shared challenges such as disease, food safety, and environmental risks.

During his opening remarks, Qu recognised the progress made in recent years, especially in strengthening cooperation and advancing the Joint Plan of Action. Still, he made it clear that progress has not been equal everywhere and that more must be done to turn plans into real change on the ground.

"This meeting is not only about taking stock - it is about accelerating action," Qu said. "We need to expand and scale One Health implementation at country and community level. We need to work collectively, bringing together our individual comparative advantages, in line with our connected yet distinct mandates."

He also highlighted the need to strengthen knowledge sharing and build stronger evidence to show the value of One Health investments. According to him, improving governance, encouraging scientific collaboration, and building stronger communities of practice will be essential for long term success.

As the FAO prepares to pass leadership of the partnership to the World Health Organization, Qu outlined key priorities for the future. These include scaling up action at country level, securing sustainable investment, and raising political awareness to keep One Health high on the global agenda.

He concluded by thanking partner organisations for their continued cooperation and reaffirmed FAO’s commitment to building more resilient and sustainable food systems worldwide.

AfDB Boosts African Growth Businesses with Strategic Fund Investment (Image credit: African Development Bank)

The African Development Bank Group has pledged US$15mn to the SPE PEF III private equity fund, signalling strong support for businesses that are ready to move beyond their early stages and expand across Africa

This step reflects a wider ambition to strengthen the private sector by helping mid sized companies that often face difficulty securing long term funding.

Managed by SPE Capital, the SPE PEF III fund is primarily focused on North Africa, while also exploring promising opportunities in parts of sub Saharan Africa. Its purpose is straightforward: to provide financial backing to companies that want to grow, enter new markets, and improve how they operate. By focusing on this phase of development, the fund fills an important gap between early stage investment and large scale corporate financing.

The investment approach centres on sectors that are seen as essential for long term economic progress. Industrial activity is one of the main priorities, covering areas such as manufacturing, packaging, and food processing. These industries play a key role in strengthening local production and reducing reliance on imports. Another focus lies in business and industrial services, including logistics, outsourcing, and financial technology, which help companies operate more efficiently. The third area is human capital, which includes healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and education, all vital for both social wellbeing and economic stability.

Beyond direct funding, the investment is expected to attract further interest from other investors. Institutions like the African Development Bank often act as early supporters, helping to reduce risk and encourage wider private sector involvement. This can lead to increased flows of capital into African markets and a more active investment environment.

Overall, the move supports the Bank’s broader mission to drive economic growth, create jobs, and expand business opportunities across the continent. By improving access to finance and backing key industries, this initiative is set to help African businesses grow in a steady and sustainable way while becoming more competitive in regional and global markets.