Bamako, Mali – October 26, 2025 — The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research – Crops Research Institute (CSIR-CRI) and the Agroecology and Circular Economy for Ecosystem Services (ACE4ES) Africa Consortium have successfully showcased a range of proven agroecological and circular economy technologies at the Market for Agricultural Innovations and Technologies (MITA 2025), held from October 20 to 24, 2025, in Bamako, Mali.
Organized by CORAF under the theme “Facilitating access to agricultural technologies and innovations for integrated soil management,” MITA 2025 served as West and Central Africa’s flagship platform for agricultural research institutions, private sector actors, policy makers, and development partners to exchange, exhibit, and negotiate technology transfers aimed at strengthening food and soil systems across the continent.
Showcasing Agroecological Solutions for Soil Regeneration
At the technology presentation and exhibition, the ACE4ES Consortium presented its Circular Biomass Soil Regeneration System (CB-SRS) — a pioneering model developed and demonstrated at the Multicultural Technology Park (MTP) of CSIR-CRI in Fumesua, Ghana.
The CB-SRS integrates biochar production, composting, and biological agents such as ducks and fish into one circular farming system that regenerates soil fertility, restores microbial life, and reduces methane and black-carbon emissions from open burning of residues.
The system has demonstrated up to 40% yield increases in maize and rice and over 80% reduction in black-carbon emissions under Ghanaian field conditions, positioning it as one of the region’s most scalable models for climate-smart and integrated soil management.
Panel Engagement and Policy Dialogue
Representing the ACE4ES Consortium, Dr. Kwaku Onwona-Hwesofour Asante, The PI for the project and National Focal Point on Agroecology for Ghana, addressed the continental audience during a high-level panel discussion.
He responded to questions from scientists, private investors, and government representatives on how the ACE4ES Multicultural Technology Park could serve as a regional hub for scaling up soil-health innovations, linking smallholder farmers, entrepreneurs, and policy frameworks across ECOWAS countries.
“The CB-SRS demonstrates that Africa’s pathway to healthy soils and food security lies in transforming waste into wealth. By integrating biological systems with carbon-smart technologies, we create a practical, inclusive, and scalable solutions for farmers,”
said Dr. Asante during the panel.
Stakeholder Interest and Partnership Prospects
The ACE4ES booth drew strong attention from delegates representing CGIAR centres, CORAF’s national research systems, development agencies, and agribusiness companies, who expressed interest in exploring collaborative pilots and licensing arrangements through the ACE4ES MTP demonstration platform.
Discussions were also initiated with several country delegations—including Mali, Benin, Niger, and The Gambia—on establishing satellite demonstration hubs to replicate the CB-SRS model in dryland and savannah contexts.
About MITA 2025
MITA 2025, hosted under the high patronage of the Prime Minister of Mali, featured exhibitions, B-to-B sessions, ministerial panels, and the second edition of the Abdoulaye Touré Agricultural Innovation Prize. The event reaffirmed CORAF’s commitment to promoting science-based innovations that are climate-smart, gender-responsive, and nutrition-sensitive, while supporting Africa’s pursuit of soil sovereignty and sustainable food systems.
Story by: Voice of African Farmers
