The introduction of Chinese agricultural machinery to Africa has unlocked significant opportunities for the continent, according to an Egyptian expert at an agricultural machinery expo.
The “Zhejiang Agricultural Machinery Going to Africa” Virtual Expo, held in Jinhua, Zhejiang Province, China, aimed to foster cooperation between Zhejiang and African countries in the agricultural machinery sector, with a focus on improving food security and advancing agricultural modernization.
Zhejiang, home to over 4,200 agricultural machinery companies, has emerged as a key player in China’s agricultural sector, generating more than USD 11 billion in output.
The expo attracted over 100 government officials, industry leaders, and agricultural machinery dealers from more than 20 African countries, including Egypt, Kenya, Morocco, and Nigeria.
Professor Mostafa Gouda, from Egypt’s National Research Centre and Zhejiang University, shared the positive impact of Chinese machinery on Egypt’s agriculture: “Smart agricultural machinery was a huge challenge for us in Egypt. But now, with China’s equipment, we’ve found solutions. It’s a game-changer.”
Morocco also faces similar challenges in the agricultural machinery sector. Meriem Homaid, CEO of the Morocco SIEMA Agricultural Exhibition, explained that agriculture plays a crucial role in Morocco’s economy but is burdened by high costs and outdated equipment, particularly for small and medium-sized businesses. However, she sees Chinese agricultural machinery as a cost-effective solution for Moroccan farmers.
“Chinese machinery offers high performance at competitive prices,” Homaid said. “It presents a unique opportunity for Moroccan farmers to modernize without breaking the bank.” She also noted the machinery’s adaptability to Morocco’s diverse landscapes and its eco-friendly features, including solar power systems and water-saving solutions, which align with the country’s sustainability goals.
Gouda highlighted the role of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as a key driver of agricultural modernization in Africa. He emphasized that access to advanced machinery has long been a challenge for African nations, but the BRI is helping to address this by encouraging cooperation and investment.
Gouda further praised China’s agricultural cooperation with Africa as “unique,” pointing to China’s greenhouses and smart systems, which have gained widespread popularity across the continent due to their affordability and effectiveness.