A delegation from Cameroon’s Ministry of Scientific Research and Innovation – MINRESI participated in the Forum on China-Africa Economic, Trade and Cultural Cooperation held from November 7 to 8, 2026.

Invited by the President of Zhejiang Normal University – ZJNU, the Cameroonian delegation was led by Prof. Ngonkeu Eddy Leonard, Head of the Scientific and Technical Cooperation Division. He was accompanied by Dr. Mohammadou Mansourou, Director of General Affairs at MINRESI, and Dr. Ngando Ebongue Georges Frank, Director of Cooperation at the Institute of Agricultural Research for Development – IRAD.

The primary objective of the forum was to present a modern framework for Sino-African economic and trade relations by strengthening institutional understanding and strategic partnerships.

To advance win-win collaboration between China and Cameroon across science, technology, education, and agriculture, the MINRESI delegation held high-level meetings with Chinese officials, including the Vice Minister of Agriculture and the Deputy Vice-President of ZJNU. During these discussions, Prof. Ngonkeu introduced MINRESI and IRAD, establishing clear directions for joint scientific innovation and agricultural advancement.

A major milestone of the mission was the signing of a strategic Memorandum of Understanding – MoU between IRAD and Zhejiang Normal University. This agreement establishes a formal framework for cooperation in crop varietal improvement, precision agriculture, artificial intelligence applied to farming systems, and agricultural product processing.

Furthermore, the MoU lays the foundation for technology transfer, joint research initiatives, pilot projects, scientific training, and bilateral mobility schemes for Cameroonian researchers.

During their visit to ZJNU, members of the MINRESI delegation toured advanced university laboratories and research facilities. Recognizing their commitment to international scientific partnership, the delegation members were named Honorary Professors of the Silk Road China-Mozambique, an honor tied to upcoming plans for joint laboratories dedicated to smart agriculture.

Following the forum in Zhejiang, the delegation traveled to Nanjing on November 10, 2026, to visit Nanjing Normal University and engage in additional academic exchanges before returning to Yaounde.

This successful diplomatic mission underscories Cameroon’s commitment to leveraging international partnerships to modernize its agricultural research and technological infrastructure.