A recent perspective published in Engineering highlights the potential for Africa to significantly enhance its soybean industry, thereby improving food security both on the continent and in China. The study, titled “Development of the Soybean Industry in Africa: Safeguarding Food Security in Africa and China—A Perspective,” was authored by Vincent Ninkuu, Tianfu Han, and Felix D. Dakora. It underscores the importance of science, technology, and innovation (STI) partnerships between China and Africa to drive this agricultural transformation.

The global soybean trade volume with China reached 99.41 million tonnes in 2023, primarily sourced from Brazil, the United States, and Argentina, with Africa contributing virtually nothing to this figure. However, Africa, with its vast arable land (over 65% of the continent remains uncultivated, totaling 445 million hectares), has the potential to become a major player in soybean production. This could not only improve food security in Africa but also create employment opportunities and boost the continent’s economy through exports to China.

Historically, soybean cultivation in Africa has faced significant challenges, including the absence of compatible rhizobia in the soil, which are essential for nitrogen fixation—a critical process for soybean growth. However, recent advancements in breeding promiscuous soybean varieties that can freely nodulate and fix nitrogen with indigenous African rhizobia have addressed this constraint. For example, the Tropical Glycine cross (TGx) soybean cultivars developed by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) have demonstrated high nodulation and nitrogen fixation with native rhizobia, eliminating the need for commercial inoculants.

Another major challenge for soybean production in Africa is the continent’s climate. Soybeans are typically grown in temperate regions, while Africa’s agricultural areas are characterized by hot and dry conditions. However, researchers have identified several genes regulating photoperiodism and thermal responses in soybeans, paving the way for the development of varieties suitable for African climates. China’s rich germplasm collection and conservation can further facilitate the breeding of elite soybean cultivars resistant to abiotic and biotic stress in Africa.

The socio-economic benefits of large-scale soybean production in Africa are substantial. China’s growing demand for soybeans, driven by its limited arable land and increasing population, presents an opportunity for Africa to increase its GDP through soybean exports. This could create jobs for millions along the entire food supply chain, from production to processing and marketing. Additionally, engaging Africa’s youthful population in commercial soybean production could promote agricultural modernization and interest in agricultural sciences.

The study also highlights the role of the China–Africa Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Alliance (CAASTIA) in fostering STI partnerships. CAASTIA aims to build platforms for agricultural technology cooperation and exchanges, support joint research centers, and promote the application of agricultural remote-sensing and big data technology in Africa. These initiatives are expected to fast-track Africa’s agricultural modernization and increase food security.

However, expanding soybean cultivation in Africa must be approached with environmental considerations in mind. Lessons from Brazil, where soybean expansion has been linked to deforestation, highlight the need for sustainable practices. African governments must implement policies to minimize environmental damage while maximizing agricultural productivity.

Africa’s potential to contribute to the global soybean market is significant. With the right STI partnerships, breeding programs, and sustainable practices, Africa can enhance its soybean industry, improve food security, and strengthen its economy.

The paper “Development of the Soybean Industry in Africa: Safeguarding Food Security in Africa and China—A Perspective,” is authored by Vincent Ninkuu, Tianfu Han, Felix D. Dakora. Full text of the open access paper: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eng.2025.03.008. For more information about Engineering, visit the website at https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/engineering.