ANSO Delegation Visited Members and Partners in Nigeria, Senegal, and Egypt

ANSO Secretariat

15 07, 2025

From 1-7 July 2025, a delegation from the ANSO Secretariat, led by Dr. Zhang Shizhuan, Deputy Executive Director, visited Nigeria, Senegal, and Egypt at the invitation of ANSO member institutions to strengthen partnership and explore potential cooperation opportunities.

Nigeria

In Nigeria, the delegation visited the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), a member of ANSO. A meeting was arranged between the delegation and representatives from NASRDA, and hosted by Dr. Rakiya Babamaaji, Deputy Director of the Department of Strategic Space Applications. On behalf of Prof. Dr. Matthew Olumide Adepoju, Director General of NASRDA, Dr. Abayomi Taofik Alaga, Director of the Mission Planning and Data Management Department, extended a warm welcome to the ANSO delegation. Dr. Zhang Shizhuan expressed appreciation for the hospitality and congratulations on the organization of the ANSO-sponsored Regional Training Workshop on Empowering Agricultural Extension Workers for Food Security in West Africa on 1-3 July. Ms. Wang Zhongxiu from the ANSO Secretariat gave an updated introduction to ANSO’s latest programs and activities to stimulate mutual discussions for cooperation.

NASRDA highlighted the challenges Nigeria and other West African countries faced in food security, including limitations in technology, infrastructure, expertise, and replicable experiences and practices, and acknowledged the importance of a customized CropWatch monitoring system for West African countries to address food security in the region. Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to deepening collaboration in problem-solving science & technology for sustainable development. Representatives from the CropWatch team joined this meeting.

Senegal

During its mission to Senegal, the delegation visited the National Academy of Science and Techniques (ANSTS), a Governing Board member of ANSO. Prof. Moctar Touré, ANSTS President, and his colleagues warmly welcomed the delegation. Prof. Touré underscored the considerable potential for collaborative efforts between ANSTS and ANSO, particularly in joint programs, capacity building, and scientific exchanges. ANSTS identified food security as an immediate priority, seeking to leverage China’s expertise to address Senegal’s agricultural productivity challenges, while its hundreds of members across all disciplines stand ready to explore broader scientific collaborations. Prof. Touré declared ANSTS’s continued commitment to ANSO as an active member. The ANSO Secretariat encouraged greater utilization of ANSO opportunities by Senegalese scientists. Both parties agreed to explore possibilities to co-host conferences to enhance knowledge exchange among scientists from African nations, China, and the global scientific community.

The delegation also extended its visit to Senegal’s Ecological Monitoring Center (CSE), marking the first official contact between the two institutions. CSE representatives presented their organizational profile, including its subdivisions, research focus areas, and international partnerships. Both parties engaged in preliminary discussions to establish mutual understanding, laying the groundwork for potential future collaboration.

Egypt

ANSO Secretariat met with representatives from the National Research Centre (NRC) of Egypt, both a founding member and current GB member of ANSO, led by Prof. Dr. Wafaa Abdel Rahim, Dean of the Agricultural and Biological Research Institute. During the meeting, NRC showcased its research achievements and contributions to sustainable development. The ANSO Secretariat commended NRC’s active participation in ANSO programs and activities. Both sides agreed to strengthen collaboration in key areas, including agriculture, medicine, artificial intelligence, and so forth.