Xinhua News Agency | Chinese Science and Technology Injects New Momentum into the Development of African Countries

Recently, Xinhua News Agency released a special English report on the China–Africa Economic and Trade Expo, highlighting the fruitful achievements of China–Africa cooperation in science and technology. One seed can change the world; one technology can connect China and Africa. At the recently concluded Fourth China–Africa Economic and Trade Expo, China’s independently developed perennial rice technology became a focal point for African delegates eager to learn more—an inspiring example of how Chinese agricultural science and technology are supporting food security in Africa.

Changsha, June 17 — At the Fourth China–Africa Economic and Trade Expo, which concluded successfully in Changsha, Hunan Province, a booth showcasing China’s independently developed perennial rice technology attracted large crowds. African delegates listened attentively to technical presentations and carefully took notes.

Such scenes vividly reflect how Chinese experts are sharing professional knowledge and experience with African partners. Throughout the expo, similar platforms for technical exchange could be seen everywhere.

China’s technological advances in fields such as biotechnology, digital communications, and artificial intelligence are continuing to make significant contributions to Africa’s development and modernization.

Perennial Rice

On the 11th, the Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators on the Implementation of the Outcomes of the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation released the List of Outcomes of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation, which explicitly included the “establishment of the China–Africa Perennial Rice Technology Cooperation Center” as part of the achievements benefiting agriculture and improving people’s livelihoods.

Unlike traditional rice, which must be replanted every year, perennial rice can be harvested continuously for several years after a single planting. At present, perennial rice has been successfully introduced into several African countries, including Burundi, Uganda, Madagascar, and Mozambique.

In early 2024, a technical team from BGI Group established a perennial rice demonstration planting base in Karuzi, Burundi. The first harvest in June 2024 yielded an average output per mu that was twice that of local rice varieties. In addition, the perennial rice regenerated, significantly improving local farmers’ agricultural efficiency.

Zhang Qiang, a perennial rice technology expert at BGI, told Xinhua that the “one planting, multiple harvests” characteristic of perennial rice can significantly reduce production costs associated with repeated sowing and seedling cultivation. This allows local farmers to devote more time and energy to other productive activities, releasing labor potential. Perennial rice can also effectively reduce land tillage, protect soil structure, lower the risk of soil erosion, and promote sustainable agricultural development.

Parts of this article are adapted from Xinhua News Agency.