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KFC is Zambia: More investment, more restaurants, everyday choice



  • KFC is bringing new investment to Zambia, with more locations, world-class operational expertise and hundreds of jobs.
  • With 17 restaurants across Lusaka and the Copperbelt, and 25 more in the pipeline, KFC is making a long-term commitment to Zambia and demonstrating its confidence in the country’s future growth.
  • Streetwise is the platform making KFC accessible and relevant to everyday Zambians across all income levels.
  • Local leadership, skills transfer and local supply chain development are central to KFC’s long-term presence in Zambia.

KFC (http://KFC.co.za) is launching a new growth phase Pa Zed, showing up bigger, bolder and more locally rooted than ever before.

The brand is bringing significant investment, an expanded restaurant footprint, and a commitment to becoming part of Zambian culture and everyday life.

And Streetwise is central to the story, as the platform that makes KFC accessible and relevant to everyday Zambians across all income levels. It’s how KFC moves beyond being an occasional treat to becoming part of how Zambians live and make their way.

“Zambian consumers are resourceful,” says Akhona Qengqe, KFC Africa General Manager. “They make a plan, they make a little go a long way, and they keep moving forward. Streetwise is us saying: we respect that hustle. We’re built for your life, not the other way around."

Qengqe says KFC’s investment in Zambia is about confidence in the market and in the brand’s ability to be relevant to Zambians. “Streetwise is how we earn that relevance. It’s not about competing on price alone, it’s about building a brand Zambians turn to as part of their everyday life,” she says.

Expanding Pa Zed

KFC currently operates 17 locations across Zambia: 13 in the Lusaka area (including the new KFC Mazabuka, which opened in September) and four in the Copperbelt region.

The pipeline of 25 new restaurants tells a much bigger story. As well as several more locations in Lusaka, residents of Chingola, Solwezi, Livingstone and Kapiri Mposhi will soon have new KFCs. A further 12 identified sites will expand the brand’s footprint across the country.

Qengqe says every new restaurant creates about 30 jobs, about 60% of which usually go to women. “But a job at KFC isn’t just a job. It’s an opportunity, especially at a moment like this when KFC is making clear its long-term ambitions in Zambia,” she says.

“Our commitment is to develop experienced local teams and create pathways for talented Zambians to advance.”

South African team members supporting some restaurants are there for only one reason, says Qengqe: to transfer expertise and strengthen Zambian operations. “The goal is clear: build restaurants led by Zambians, managed by Zambians, rooted in Zambian communities.”

Embedded in Africa

With about 1,600 restaurants across 22 sub-Saharan markets, and the ambition to increase that number to 3,000 by 2035, KFC Africa is deeply embedded in the continent’s economic fabric.

“In Zambia specifically, we’re aggressively developing local supply chains to strengthen the agricultural sector and empower local businesses,” says Qengqe.

“We’re committed to building supply ecosystems that reduce dependence on imports and create lasting prosperity, and this new chapter in Zambia is an expression of that promise.”

Today, more than ever before, KFC is Zambia. Get the taste.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of KFC Africa.

About KFC Africa: 
KFC has been part of Africa’s story since 1971, when the first restaurant opened in Johannesburg. Today, with more than 1,500 restaurants across 22 sub-Saharan countries, it stands as the continent’s leading quick service restaurant brand and home of the Original Recipe® fried chicken that millions love.

At KFC Africa, we feed more than hunger, we feed potential. Every meal served is part of a bigger purpose: creating a seat at the table for everyone and ensuring that potential isn’t just seen, it’s nurtured. That commitment comes to life through initiatives that make a measurable difference. Our Streetwise Academy, backed by Services SETA accreditation, equips team members with skills to thrive across frontline leadership, HR, and operations, achieving a 75% promotion and retention rate that proves the power of investing in people. Initiatives such as the Ikusasa Lethu scholarships and youth potential programmes across Africa open pathways to education, livelihoods, and brighter futures.

With over 40,000 team members powering our business, KFC Africa is proud to be an employer of choice, officially certified as a Top Employer across Africa for excellence in people practices, leadership, and workplace culture. This recognition reflects our commitment to cultivating careers, fairness, and integrity while serving millions daily. Because when individuals rise, families strengthen. Communities grow. Nations transform. That’s the undeniable impact we are proud to serve.

  1. EnergyGE Vernova secures order aimed to strengthen regional energy capacity in Côte d’IvoireCompanies: GE VernovaDeveloped by Songon Energies S.A., Songon power plant is built to strengthen energy security and support future growing electricity demand in Greater Abidjan GE Vernova 9E turbine technology to support reliable power delivery for industrial growth and millions of households Infrastructure development expected to create up to 1,400 new jobs and drive positive community impact GE Vernova (https://www.GEVernova.com/) announced today that it will provide the gas power technology for the new Songon combined-cycle power plant, located in the Songon region near Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. Following the signing of financing agreements (https://apo-opa.co/3U5xBxI) last June, Songon Energies (https://apo-opa.co/483QKTX) - Ivorian development investment company focused on advancing energy infrastructure – selected GE Vernova to supply a 9E gas turbine and generator. The plant – to be built by the EPC contractor China Energy International Engineering Co., Ltd. - is expected to deliver 372 megawatts (MW), a capacity equal to the power needs of approximately 5 million Ivorian homes. Download infographic: https://apo-opa.co/3UBqA7W Supporting a growing national energy landscape. Côte d’Ivoire has made significant progress, reaching an electrification rate of 94.3 percent by 2024 through initiatives like the “Electricity for All Program” (PEPT), in line with the national goal to achieve universal electrification and improved power quality by 2030. Despite these gains, the nation faces an annual demand growth rate of 10 to 15 percent and rural areas still require expanded access. In this energy landscape, this new power plant will help fill a critical gap. The facility is projected to represent up to 12 percent of the country’s total installed base upon its scheduled 2029 operational launch, playing a vital role in meeting these ambitious development targets. Furthermore, the project is expected to generate up to 1,400 new jobs, creating economic opportunities for the local community. "The Songon Energies project is designed to strengthen energy security and support future growing electricity demand growth in the Greater Abidjan region while reinforcing the country's position as a regional energy hub in West Africa," said Mr. Wang Xiaoming, Deputy General Manager (Acting CEO) for Songon Energies. “The facility is expected to ease energy pressure on the Abidjan metropolitan area, providing a reliable foundation for the development of skilled workers, the growth of industrial zones, the expansion of small and medium-sized enterprises, and a tangible improvement in the daily lives of millions of Ivorian households. We selected to work with GE Vernova for this new power plant, because of our deep trust in their efficient technology and their constant, proven presence in Côte d'Ivoire, which gives us great confidence in the long-term success of this facility." “We are honored to support Songon Energies with our proven 9E technology for this crucial infrastructure project," said Joseph Anis, CEO of Gas Power in Europe, Middle East, and Africa at GE Vernova. "Our commitment to power plant operators is rooted in delivering advanced gas power technology that provides the reliable, dispatchable energy necessary for long-term growth and positive community impact. Beyond the turbine island, we look forward to applying our expertise in powering the HV sub-station, providing digital software, and long-term services to support the broader energy system in its goal to enhance grid stability, operational efficiency, and local prosperity." GE Vernova’s commitment to Côte d'Ivoire remains steadfast, built upon a long history of supporting the nation’s electrification goals. The company’s footprint in the country centers on a large installed base, key power transmission hardware, digital software deployments, and long-term service contracts. GE Vernova utilizes its global expertise and local presence to help power plant operators increase power capacity, while supporting a more secure and reliable energy future. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of GE Vernova. Notes to editors: For further information: : Laura Aresi [email protected] Abeer Masood [email protected] About GE Vernova: https://apo-opa.co/4dIF9x2) and LinkedIn (https://apo-opa.co/4ySoaRg) GE Vernova’s Gas Power business engineers advanced, efficient natural gas-powered technologies and services, along with decarbonization solutions that aim to help electrify a lower carbon future. It is a global leader in gas turbines and power plant technologies and services with the industry’s largest installed base. Forward Looking Statements:
  2. EnergyGE Vernova décroche un contrat visant à renforcer la capacité énergétique régionale en Côte d’IvoireCompanies: GE VernovaDéveloppée par Songon Energies S.A., la centrale électrique de Songon est construite pour renforcer la sécurité énergétique et répondre à la demande croissante en électricité du Grand Abidjan. La technologie de turbine 9E de GE Vernova soutiendra la fourniture d'une énergie fiable pour la croissance industrielle et pour des millions de foyers. Le développement de cette infrastructure devrait créer jusqu'à 1 400 nouveaux emplois et générer un impact positif sur les communautés environnantes. GE Vernova (https://www.GEVernova.com/) a annoncé aujourd'hui qu'elle fournira la technologie de production d'énergie au gaz pour la nouvelle centrale à cycle combiné de Songon, située dans la région de Songon, près d'Abidjan, en Côte d'Ivoire. Suite à la signature d'accords (https://apo-opa.co/3U5xBxI) de financement en juin dernier, Songon Energies (https://apo-opa.co/483QKTX) – une société ivoirienne d'investissement et de développement axée sur l'avancement des infrastructures énergétiques – a sélectionné GE Vernova pour fournir une turbine à gaz 9E et son générateur. La centrale, qui sera construite par l'entrepreneur EPC China Energy International Engineering Co., Ltd., devrait fournir 372 mégawatts (MW), une capacité équivalente aux besoins en électricité d'environ 5 millions de foyers ivoiriens. Télécharger l’infographie : https://apo-opa.co/3UBqA7W Soutenir un paysage énergétique national en pleine croissance. La Côte d’Ivoire a réalisé des progrès significatifs, atteignant un taux d'électrification de 94,3 % en 2024 grâce à des initiatives telles que le « Programme d'Électricité Pour Tous » (PEPT), conformément à l'objectif national d'atteindre l'électrification universelle et une meilleure qualité de l'énergie d'ici 2030. Malgré ces acquis, le pays fait face à un taux de croissance annuelle de la demande de 10 à 15 %, et les zones rurales nécessitent encore une extension de l'accès à l'électricité. Dans ce contexte énergétique, cette nouvelle centrale aidera à combler une lacune critique. L'installation devrait représenter jusqu'à 12 % de la base installée totale du pays lors de sa mise en service prévue en 2029, jouant un rôle vital dans l'atteinte de ces objectifs de développement ambitieux. De plus, le projet devrait générer jusqu'à 1 400 nouveaux emplois, créant ainsi des opportunités économiques pour la communauté locale. « Le projet de Songon Energies est conçu pour renforcer la sécurité énergétique et soutenir la croissance future de la demande en électricité dans la région du Grand Abidjan, tout en consolidant la position du pays en tant que hub énergétique régional en Afrique de l'Ouest », a déclaré M. Wang Xiaoming, directeur général adjoint (PDG par intérim) de Songon Energies. « L'installation devrait alléger la pression énergétique sur la zone métropolitaine d'Abidjan, en fournissant une base fiable pour le développement de travailleurs qualifiés, la croissance des zones industrielles, l'expansion des petites et moyennes entreprises, et une amélioration tangible du quotidien de millions de foyers ivoiriens. Nous avons choisi de travailler avec GE Vernova pour cette nouvelle centrale en raison de notre profonde confiance dans leur technologie efficace et de leur présence constante et éprouvée en Côte d'Ivoire, ce qui nous donne une grande confiance dans le succès à long terme de cette installation. » « Nous sommes honorés de soutenir Songon Energies avec notre technologie 9E éprouvée pour ce projet d'infrastructure crucial », a déclaré Joseph Anis, PDG de Gas Power pour l'Europe, le Moyen-Orient et l'Afrique chez GE Vernova. « Notre engagement envers les exploitants de centrales électriques repose sur la fourniture d'une technologie de production d'énergie au gaz avancée qui offre l'énergie fiable et pilotable nécessaire à une croissance à long terme et à un impact communautaire positif. Au-delà de l'îlot de turbine, nous sommes impatients d'apporter notre expertise dans l'alimentation du poste électrique haute tension, en fournissant des logiciels numériques et des services à long terme pour soutenir le système énergétique dans son objectif d'améliorer la stabilité du réseau, l'efficacité opérationnelle et la prospérité locale. » L'engagement de GE Vernova envers la Côte d’Ivoire demeure inébranlable, bâti sur une longue expérience en soutien aux objectifs d'électrification du pays. La présence de l'entreprise dans le pays s'articule autour d'une large base installée, d'équipements clés de transport d'électricité, de déploiements de solutions logicielles numériques et de contrats de services à long terme. GE Vernova met à profit son expertise mondiale et sa présence locale pour aider les exploitants de centrales électriques à accroître leur capacité de production, tout en œuvrant pour un avenir énergétique plus sûr et plus fiable. Distribué par APO Group pour GE Vernova. Notes aux éditeurs : Pour plus d’information : Laura Aresi [email protected] Abeer Masood [email protected] À propos de GE Vernova : https://apo-opa.co/4dIF9x2) et LinkedIn (https://apo-opa.co/4ySoaRg) L'activité Gas Power de GE Vernova conçoit des technologies et des services avancés et efficaces de production d'énergie à partir de gaz naturel, ainsi que des solutions de décarbonation visant à aider à électrifier un avenir à faible émission de carbone. Il s'agit d'un leader mondial des turbines à gaz, ainsi que des technologies et services pour centrales électriques, disposant de la plus grande base installée du secteur. Déclarations prospectives : Ce document contient des déclarations prospectives, c'est-à-dire des déclarations relatives à des événements futurs qui, par nature, concernent des sujets incertains à des degrés divers. Ces déclarations prospectives portent souvent sur les performances et la situation financière futures attendues de IHI et de GE Vernova, ainsi que sur les performances attendues de leurs produits, l'impact de leurs services et les résultats qu'ils peuvent générer ou produire, et contiennent souvent des termes tels que « attendre », « anticiper », « avoir l'intention de », « prévoir », « croire », « chercher », « voir », « sera », « serait », « estimer », « projeter », « objectif », « préliminaire » ou « fourchette ». Les déclarations prospectives, par leur nature, traitent de questions incertaines à des degrés divers, comme les déclarations concernant les transactions, investissements ou projets planifiés et potentiels et leurs résultats attendus, ainsi que les impacts des conditions macroéconomiques et de marché et de leur volatilité sur les opérations commerciales, les résultats financiers et la situation financière des entreprises, ainsi que sur la chaîne d'approvisionnement mondiale et l'économie mondiale.
  3. SaaSZambia: President Hichilema Warns Against Hoarding Mining LicencesPresident Hakainde Hichilema has warned mining companies against holding mineral licences for speculative purposes, saying Government will enforce a “use it or lose it” policy to ensure Zambia’s mineral wealth contributes to economic growth and job creation. Speaking at the 2026 Zambia Mining and Investment Insaka in Lusaka today, President Hichilema said Zambia’s target of producing three million metric tonnes of copper annually could be achieved by unlocking stalled mining projects, expanding operations and increasing exploration across all provinces. He cited the revival of Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) and the Konkola Deep Mining Project (KDMP) as key developments, saying stakeholders had agreed that the mine should contribute 300,000 tonnes towards the national production target. The President urged mining companies to move beyond conventional corporate social responsibility initiatives, arguing that employment, skills development and contracts for local businesses offered greater long-term benefits to communities than isolated donations. He cited Lumwana Mine and the US$1.3 billion S3 expansion at Kansanshi Mine as examples of projects incorporating local contractors and young people into mining operations, manufacturing and supply chains. Mr. Hichilema also highlighted the Kitumba Greenfield project in Mumbwa District, which was unlocked after years of litigation, as an example of how resolving investment bottlenecks could stimulate provincial economic activity. He said Government had invested nearly US$100 million in a nationwide, high-resolution geophysical mapping survey covering Zambia’s 752,000 square kilometres to reduce exploration risks and attract investment. On regional cooperation, President Hichilema called on Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Botswana to establish cross-border joint ventures and harmonise standards in critical minerals and energy. He said reliable electricity generation, shared transmission infrastructure and an open-access energy market were essential to supporting deep-level mining and mineral beneficiation, which adds value to minerals before export. The President urged the three countries to strengthen regional partnerships and build the scale needed to compete in global mineral markets. Speaking at the same occasion, Botswana’s Minister of Minerals and Energy, Bogolo Joy Kenewendo, called on African countries to move beyond exporting raw minerals and invest in local processing, manufacturing and technology to retain more economic value on the continent. Ms Kenewendo, who represented Botswana President Duma Gideon Boko, urged Botswana, Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to strengthen regional integration and invest in shared infrastructure to develop mineral-based industries and regional value chains. She said Africa had for too long exported raw materials while other economies captured the benefits through processing, manufacturing and technological advancement, adding that the model could no longer define the continent’s economic future. Ms Kenewendo noted that Botswana, which had built its development foundation on the responsible management of diamond resources, was diversifying into copper, base metals and critical minerals. She said the move was intended to position Botswana and the wider Southern African Development Community (SADC) region as leading global mining jurisdictions, while promoting industrialisation, job creation and greater regional economic cooperation. Democratic Republic of Congo Minister of Mines Louis Watum Kabamba said Zambia and the DRC shared the copperbelt stretching between Kolwezi and Ndola, with significant deposits of copper, cobalt and other minerals critical to the energy transition. He said mining success should be measured not only by production and exports, but also by the jobs, infrastructure and skills generated within local economies. Mr Kabamba urged the two countries to pursue complementary industrial development rather than compete unnecessarily, citing the proposed battery and electric vehicle value-chain project linking Musompo and Ndola. He also called for investment in reliable rail infrastructure to ease truck congestion at border crossings, particularly Kasumbalesa, alongside stronger cooperation in geological research, mineral traceability and efforts to curb illicit mineral trade. He stressed that regional industrialisation and shared prosperity depended on peace, stability and respect for national sovereignty. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House, The Republic of Zambia.
  4. EducationLes cultures traditionnelles africaines sur le devant de la scène mondiale: la chercheuse Pamela Afokpe remporte le prestigieux prix Norman Borlaug 2026 pour la recherche sur le terrainAujourd'hui, Pamela Afokpe, chercheuse en sciences végétales et responsable des opérations R&D chez East-West Seed (www.EastWestSeed.com) Afrique de l'Ouest, reçoit le prix Norman Borlaug 2026 pour la recherche et l'application sur le terrain, décerné par la Fondation du World Food Prize à Des Moines, dans l'Iowa. Financé par la Fondation Rockefeller, le prix Borlaug récompense les réalisations scientifiques exceptionnelles sur le terrain accomplies par des chercheurs de moins de 40 ans. Pamela Afokpe est distinguée pour son travail pionnier visant à transformer les légumes traditionnels africains, historiquement négligés par le secteur semencier formel, en d'importantes opportunités commerciales pour les petits producteurs. Pamela Afokpe reçoit cette distinction sur la même scène de Des Moines où son mentor, le regretté Simon N. Groot, fondateur d'East-West Seed, a reçu le World Food Prize en 2019. Cela marque la continuité de l'héritage d'East-West Seed sur cette scène mondiale, sept ans plus tard. Associer une génétique de pointe à un impact concret sur le terrain Bien qu'ils nourrissent des millions de personnes depuis des générations, les légumes traditionnels tels que le Gboma (Solanum macrocarpon), l'Amarante et la Corgnette ou Lalo (Corchorus olitorius) ont souffert de décennies de sous-investissement institutionnel. Travaillant depuis le centre de recherche d'East-West Seed basé sur le campus de l'Institut international d'agriculture tropicale au Bénin, Pamela Afokpe a remis en question l'idée reçue selon laquelle ces cultures n'étaient pas commercialement viables. Lorsque les sceptiques affirmaient que les petits producteurs se contenteraient toujours de réutiliser leurs propres semences, elle a démontré qu'ils le faisaient par manque d'alternatives commerciales améliorées, et non par préférence. À partir de 2017, dans un champ loué avec un système d'irrigation manuel, Pamela Afokpe a bâti la plateforme régionale de recherche en partant de zéro, rassemblant plus de 2 000 accessions de cultures régionales à travers l'Afrique de l'Ouest. En parallèle de la direction des opérations régionales, elle a obtenu une bourse doctorale compétitive (Sandwich PhD) à la Wageningen Graduate School, en partenariat avec l'Université de Wageningen aux Pays-Bas. Ses travaux universitaires ont donné lieu à des publications évaluées par des pairs sur la diversité génétique et la résistance aux ravageurs de la corgnette, faisant le lien entre la biosystématique végétale avancée et la sélection sur le terrain. Sa principale percée commerciale, la variété de Gboma Sika, a introduit une tolérance intermédiaire au flétrissement bactérien (Ralstonia spp.), un pathogène causant historiquement des pertes allant jusqu'à 100 % dans les champs, tout en offrant une conservation prolongée après la récolte. Promouvoir les « cultures d'avenir » et la vision de l'initiative VACS Le travail de Pamela Afokpe illustre directement la mission fondamentale de l'initiative VACS (Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils), un partenariat mondial mené par le Département d'État américain, la FAO et l'Union africaine qui promeut les « cultures d'avenir » comme éléments essentiels d'une nutrition résiliente au climat et de la santé des sols. Crucialement, Pamela Afokpe a compris que la science agricole ne réussit que si elle atteint le marché. Elle a remplacé le semis à la volée traditionnel par une gestion précise des pépinières, réduisant ainsi de 40 % les coûts d'intrants pour les agriculteurs. Pour prouver la viabilité commerciale de sa variété, elle a organisé des démonstrations de conservation en plein air directement auprès des commerçantes des marchés, démontrant que la réduction du pourrissement de la variété Sika se traduisait par des marges quotidiennes plus élevées pour les ménages. La demande sur le marché est devenue si forte que les revendeuses ont commencé à réserver les récoltes directement sur les parcelles des producteurs, avant même le début de la production. À ce jour, la variété Sika a généré l'équivalent de plus de 3 000 tonnes de produits au cours de ses trois premières années, profitant à des dizaines de milliers de petits producteurs et de commerçantes en Afrique de l'Ouest et du Centre. Cette percée a valu à Pamela Afokpe le prix mondial Platinum Helix R&D d'East-West Seed en 2025. Inspirer un leadership visionnaire à travers l'Afrique Pamela Afokpe est également boursière One Planet Fellow, reconnue pour son leadership dans la réponse aux défis climatiques dans l'agriculture. Menant de front la recherche sur le terrain, la rédaction de sa thèse de doctorat, sa vie de mère et le dépassement des stéréotypes de genre dans le travail agricole, elle est devenue une figure de proue de l'autonomisation des femmes tout au long des chaînes de valeur agricoles. « Les légumes traditionnels africains doivent être au centre de la carte mondiale de la sécurité alimentaire », a déclaré Pamela Afokpe lors de son discours d'acceptation. « En appliquant une science rigoureuse aux cultures de nos grand-mères, nous prouvons que les petits producteurs et les commerçantes des marchés peuvent développer des chaînes de valeur commerciales viables lorsqu'ils ont accès à des semences de qualité. » « Pamela représente exactement le type de chercheur que le Dr Borlaug soutenait : allier une science génomique rigoureuse à un impact concret et durable sur le terrain », a souligné le Prof. Eric Schranz, titulaire de la chaire du groupe de biosystématique à l'Université de Wageningen. « Son travail a permis d'établir une plateforme de recherche pleinement opérationnelle qui transforme activement les systèmes de cultures maraîchères traditionnelles en Afrique de l'Ouest. » Développement à l'échelle du continent: l'héritage d'une entreprise classée au palmarès « Change the World » de Fortune Le parcours de Pamela Afokpe s'inspire profondément de la philosophie de Simon Groot axée sur les petits producteurs, notamment la décision historique d'East-West Seed de rendre les semences de haute qualité accessibles grâce à de petits sachets abordables et adaptés aux besoins des petits agriculteurs. Alors qu'East-West Seed développe sa présence en Afrique de l'Ouest, le leadership de Pamela Afokpe en tant que responsable des opérations R&D témoigne de l'engagement de l'entreprise à étendre la recherche sur les semences traditionnelles à l'échelle du continent. Son travail confirme la raison pour laquelle East-West Seed a été nommée dans la liste 2026 « Change the World » du magazine Fortune, qui honore les entreprises générant un impact social positif grâce à leur stratégie commerciale globale. Distribué par APO Group pour East-West Seed. Lien supplémentaire : https://apo-opa.co/4s9tjC5 Contact presse : [email protected] À propos d'East-West Seed : Pour plus d'informations, veuillez visiter notre site web : www.EastWestSeed.com
  5. SaaSAfrican Indigenous Crops Take Global Stage as Scientist Pamela Afokpe Wins Prestigious 2026 Borlaug Field AwardToday, plant scientist Pamela Afokpe, R&D Operations Manager at East-West Seed (www.EastWestSeed.com) West Africa, accepts the 2026 Norman Borlaug Award for Field Research and Application at the World Food Prize Foundation in Des Moines, Iowa. Endowed by the Rockefeller Foundation, the Borlaug Field Award honors exceptional on-the-ground scientific achievement by individuals under 40. Afokpe is being recognized for her pioneering work in transforming African indigenous vegetables, historically dismissed by the formal seed sector, into high-performing, commercial opportunities for smallholder farmers. Afokpe accepts the honor on the same Des Moines stage where her mentor, the late Simon N. Groot, founder of East-West Seed, received the World Food Prize in 2019. This marks a continuation of East-West Seed's legacy on that stage seven years later. Bridging world-class genetics and last-mile field impact Despite feeding millions for generations, indigenous crops like Gboma (Solanum macrocarpon), Amaranth, and Jute Mallow (Corchorus olitorius) have suffered from decades of institutional underinvestment. Operating from East-West Seed's research hub at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture campus in Benin, Afokpe challenged the industry assumption that indigenous crops were commercially unviable. When skeptics argued that smallholders would only recycle farm-saved seed, Afokpe demonstrated that farmers relied on saved seed due to a lack of improved commercial alternatives, not preference. Beginning in 2017 in a rented field with manual irrigation, Afokpe built the regional research platform from the ground up, collecting over 2,000 regional crop accessions across West Africa. Concurrently, while leading regional operations, she secured a competitive Wageningen Graduate School Sandwich PhD scholarship with Wageningen University & Research in the Netherlands. Her academic research has yielded published peer-reviewed findings on the genetic diversity and pest resistance of Jute Mallow, bridging advanced plant biosystematics with field-level breeding. Her primary commercial breakthrough, the Sika Gboma variety, introduced intermediate tolerance to Bacterial Wilt (Ralstonia spp.), a pathogen causing historic field losses of up to 100%, alongside extended post-harvest shelf life. Championing "opportunity crops" and the VACS vision Afokpe's work directly exemplifies the core mission of the Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils (VACS) initiative, a global partnership led by the U.S. State Department, the FAO, and the African Union that champions "opportunity crops" as essential to climate-resilient nutrition and soil health. Critically, Afokpe recognized that agricultural science only succeeds if it reaches the market. She replaced traditional seed broadcasting with precise nursery management, cutting farmer input costs by 40%. To prove commercial viability, she conducted open-air shelf-life demonstrations directly with female market traders, proving that Sika's reduced post-harvest spoilage translated into higher daily household margins. Market demand grew so intense that female retailers began pre-booking harvests directly on farmers' plots before production even began. To date, Sika has generated over 3,000 tons of produce equivalent in its first three years, reaching tens of thousands of smallholder farmers and female retailers across West and Central Africa. The breakthrough earned Afokpe East-West Seed's global Platinum Helix R&D Award in 2025. Inspiring visionary leadership across Africa Afokpe is a One Planet Fellow recognized for her leadership in addressing climate challenges in agriculture. Balancing field research and doctoral thesis writing while managing motherhood and navigating regional gender stereotypes in agricultural fieldwork, she has become a leading advocate for women across agricultural value chains. “African indigenous vegetables belong at the center of the global food security map,” states Pamela Afokpe in her acceptance remarks. “By bringing rigorous science to the crops our grandmothers grew, we are proving that smallholder farmers and market women can drive viable, commercial value chains when given access to quality seed genetics.” “Pamela represents exactly the type of scientist Dr. Borlaug championed: combining rigorous genomic science with tangible, last-mile impact,” noted Prof. Eric Schranz, Chair of the Biosystematics Group at Wageningen University & Research. “Her work has established a fully functioning research platform that is actively transforming indigenous vegetable systems across West Africa.” Scaling across Africa: A Fortune "Change the World" legacy Afokpe’s journey was deeply inspired by Simon Groot’s smallholder-first philosophy, particularly East-West Seed's historic decision to make high-quality seeds accessible through small, affordable packages tailored to smallholders. As East-West Seed expands its footprint across West Africa, Afokpe’s leadership as R&D Operations Manager signals the company's commitment to scaling indigenous seed research across the continent. Her work reinforces why East-West Seed was named to Fortune’s 2026 'Change the World' list, recognizing companies that drive positive social impact through core business strategy. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of East-West Seed. Additional Link: https://apo-opa.co/4s9tjC5 Media contact: [email protected] About East-West Seed: For further information, please visit our website: www.EastWestSeed.com
  6. FinanceAfrican countries to advance cooperation with Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in the implementation of Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) for sustainable international trade in marine speciesNational authorities responsible for fisheries and for the implementation of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), from across 22 African coastal countries, commit to strengthen cooperation for improved implementation of CITES through national fisheries legal frameworks. In a regional workshop, jointly organized by the CITES Secretariat and the Development Law Service of the Legal Office of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) from 29 September to 1 October, 2026, participants highlighted the fact that a well-established, comprehensive and agreed trading conventions are crucial for African nations, which produce over 7 million tonnes of aquatic animals annually through marine capture fisheries. Opening the workshop, Ivonne Higuero, CITES Secretary General, reiterated the significance of adapting international conventions for the management and trading of fisheries and aquatic resources in Africa. “Fisheries and aquatic resources are fundamental to food security, livelihoods and economies across Africa. CITES has brought the knowledge and tools it has developed over the years to support African nations to conduct lawful and productive management of the fisheries sector. Participants of the workshop are expected to extensively dwell on key legal and administrative issues that would help to advance our collective interest, which is a world where all international wildlife trade is sustainable and legal,” she remarked. Farayi Zimudzi, FAO Subregional Coordinator for Eastern Africa and Representative to the African Union and UNECA, a.i. stressed the fact that fisheries management, wildlife trade regulation, and marine conservation are essential to help countries address current and emerging food security challenges. “The diversity of expertise represented here is one of the workshop’s greatest strengths. Bringing together CITES Management Authorities and national fisheries authorities offers a valuable opportunity for dialogue, mutual learning, and the development of practical solutions that are nationally relevant and regionally coherent. Sharing experiences in fisheries management, wildlife trade regulation, and marine conservation will be essential to helping countries address current and emerging challenges, including food insecurity,” she noted. Bringing fisheries and CITES authorities together Designed to encourage dialogue across sectors, the workshop responded to the increasing need for effective coordination between CITES authorities and fisheries administrations as the number of commercially exploited aquatic species regulated under CITES continues to grow. Currently, more than 2000 marine species, ranging from sharks and rays to sea cucumbers and corals, are listed in the CITES Appendices. The number has continued to rise in recent years, reflecting both the mounting pressures on marine biodiversity and the growing confidence of governments that are Parties to the Convention in CITES as an instrument for ensuring that international trade is sustainable, legal and well regulated. Implementing CITES requirements for these species involves scientific assessments known as Non-Detriment Findings (NDFs), evaluations of legal requirements known as Legal Acquisition Findings (LAF), and provisions concerning Introduction from the Sea (IFS), for specimens taken in marine Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction. The FAO-CITES partnership assists countries in understanding how these requirements interact with national fisheries legislation (see CITES-LEX), institutions and fisheries-management systems. Countries share experiences and common challenges A central focus of the workshop was the exchange of experiences among national authorities. Country representatives presented their legal and institutional arrangements, highlighted good practices and discussed continuing challenges. The discussions covered the regulation of trade in CITES-listed marine species, coordination between fisheries and CITES authorities, traceability, monitoring of sharks and rays, and the relationship between national fisheries legislation and CITES requirements. The workshop also introduced participants to the recently launched FAO Fisheries and Resources Monitoring System (FIRMS), with a practical exercise on how information generated through fisheries-governance systems, including licensing, catch documentation, monitoring, control and surveillance, and fisheries-management measures, can support CITES processes. Furthermore, representatives of the Regional Fishery Bodies Secretariats’ Network, the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission and the Subregional Fisheries Commission demonstrated how regional bodies can contribute through conservation and management measures, scientific data collection, information exchange and cooperation. Participants concluded that continued cooperation among fisheries administrations and CITES Management and Scientific Authorities will be essential to effective implementation of both CITES and national regulations. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).