Ethiopia–Russia Deal Creates Way to Develop Biodiversity Into Economic Value: Ethiopian Professor
Ethiopia–Russia Deal Creates Way to Develop Biodiversity Into Economic Value: Ethiopian Professor
The agreement could help address gaps in high-level laboratory infrastructure and knowledge in Ethiopia, Tileye Feyissa, Head of Faculty and Associate Professor of Plant Biotechnology at Addis Ababa University, told Sputnik Africa.
The lack of advanced laboratories limits young researchers' potential, he said, adding that the project's rapid implementation would bring major academic benefits.
The speaker also stressed that, amid climate change and the spread of new diseases, the ability to produce vaccines and medicines locally is a matter of national sovereignty.
Strengthening biological research is essential for achieving self-sufficiency not only in food, but also in medicine and other sectors, recalling that during COVID-19 some Western countries were unwilling to provide testing supplies to African nations even for purchase, he noted.
Successful implementation of the agreement will depend on government commitment, provision of facilities, and joint scientific research cooperation, according to Feyissa.
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