World Food Prize Laureate, Prof. Gebisa Ejeta shares his optimism about the future of African Agriculture with the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) and Biosciences Eastern and Central Africa (BecA). This was on 11^th Dec 09 during his visit to ILRI and BecA. He says that Africa is ready for positive change; and both Africa’s leadership and external governments are committed to the continent’s improvement. He finally challenges the continent to prove itself since the timing is right.

At the same time, the director of the BecA Hub, Dr. Segenet Kelemu explains how BecA can deliver for better African agriculture. She says that her organization can deliver by strengthening capacity in Africa through providing new technology and cutting edge science; and applying these to solve the continent’s problems. She also adds that BecA provides hope and optimism that hi-tech science can be done in the continent.

Bob McMullan, Australian Parliamentary Secretary for International Development Assistance comments on his country’s expanding focus in Africa during his visit to ILRI and BeCA on November 3rd, 2009.

He mentions the similarities between Australia and Africa highlighting the opportunities that this expanding focus offers both Australia and Africa. Mr. McMullan also underlines his country’s dedication to the millennium development goals and compliments the enthusiasm of the scientists at ILRI and BecA.