Program Overview

Our Program

A structured, multi-partner initiative driving agricultural research transformation in Africa.

Mission

Strengthen African National Agricultural Research Systems through strategic South-South partnership with China, accelerating innovation, capacity, and impact for smallholder farmers.

Our program aligns with CAADP, CGIAR's research portfolios, and China's global development cooperation framework.

Strategic Objectives

  • 1

    Train 500+ African scientists by 2030

  • 2

    Launch 100+ joint research projects

  • 3

    Release improved varieties in 30 countries

  • 4

    Establish 20 institutional partnerships

Key Stakeholders

Four pillars of institutional collaboration powering the platform.

CA

CAAS

Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences — China's premier agricultural research institution and lead partner.

CG

CGIAR

AfricaRice, IITA, ILRI and other centers bringing global research expertise to the platform.

NA

African NARS

National Agricultural Research Systems across 25+ countries — the core beneficiaries and co-creators.

BG

Gates Foundation

Strategic funder supporting capacity building and research translation into farmer-ready solutions.

The 6-Step Fellowship Cycle

From application to return: a structured journey for each fellow.

01

Application & Selection

Competitive open call; NARS nomination and peer review.

02

Pre-departure

Orientation, language training, research plan finalization.

03

Residency at CAAS

6–12 months of laboratory and field research in China.

04

Return & Reintegration

Support to apply learning in home institution.

05

Follow-up Research

Small grants to continue collaborative projects.

06

Alumni Network

Lifetime engagement in platform activities.

Governance Structure

CapSha-China is governed by a Steering Committee with balanced representation from China, CGIAR, African NARS, and donor partners.

A Scientific Advisory Board and a Secretariat based in Beijing and Abidjan coordinate day-to-day operations.

Steering Committee
Strategic direction and oversight
Scientific Advisory Board
Research priorities and quality
Platform Secretariat
Coordination across partners
Working Groups
Thematic implementation teams