The University of Mpumalanga (UMP) is making history as the first university in South Africa and on the African continent to collaborate with Professor Zhang Zhaodong, a global authority on hybrid rice from China.
This landmark partnership seeks to transform rice farming in South Africa by introducing high-yield hybrid rice varieties, strengthening food security, creating sustainable jobs and positioning the country as a future net exporter of rice.
The initiative is driven through UMP’s Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, the School of Agricultural Sciences, and the Centre for Entrepreneurship & Rapid Incubator (CFERI), in collaboration with strategic local and international partners.
“UMP is honoured to lead this pilot, addressing South Africa’s food security challenges while fostering economic growth,” said UMP Vice-Chancellor Professor Thenjiwe Meyiwa.
The collaboration underscores UMP’s commitment to innovation, global partnerships and solutions that advance sustainable development.