The President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Felix Antoine Tshisekedi, inaugurated the Kalambo Laboratory specializing in tropical agriculture in Africa. The ceremony took place in the presence of several authorities from all over the world.

Among them, former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo; IITA Director Sanginga Nteranya; AfDB President Akinwumi Adesina; South Kivu Governor Theo Ngwabije Kasi and members of the provincial government and many others.

Several speeches punctuated this ceremony. In his speech, Félix Tshisekedi said that the promotion of agriculture is the pillar of sustainable development. So, a godsend for future generations.

For his part, Nigeria’s Honorary President Olusegun Obasanjo explained that the second book of its kind in Africa, IITA, will help save nearly US$50 million in the state coffers. Fees that were used for the importation of the various products that this agricultural laboratory will now produce.

IITA Director Sanginga Nteranya reviewed the history of the institution, its evolution and contribution. He spoke of a laboratory that will also invest more in the multiplication of banana rejects, cassava cuttings, bean, corn and soybean seeds.

According to him, since 2011, the former President of Nigeria has contributed to the revival of IITA’s activities by encouraging the strategies developed and by advocating with African institutions.

For his part, AfDB President, Akinwumi Adesina, promised his institution’s support to the DRC, immediately announcing support for the construction of the Inga III hydroelectric plant and the rehabilitation of 100 kilometres of road in Bukavu city.

The name of this Research Campus of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in Kalambo on behalf of former Nigerian President « Olesugun Obansanjo » is a sign of recognition for his contribution to the project activities.

Agnès KAYEMBE