The Department of Agriculture and Animal Health in the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (CAES) at the University of South Africa (Unisa) hosted the African Visiting Scholar Lecture in Council Chambers at Florida Campus on June 6th, 2025, from 10:00 to 12:30 hours. Two African experts were selected for this year's lecture because their research addresses current worldwide issues affecting the African continent directly. Through this platform researchers examined how global health and trade dynamics affect African development and agricultural systems.

Presenters with the leadership of the department

Dr Kudakwashe Magwedere delivered the presentation titled “Beyond One Health: Efforts and Lessons on Health Security Challenges in Africa” in his role as USAID Senior Project Expert for Global Health Security Program. Through his extensive work with public health veterinary services and One Health systems and pandemic preparedness Dr Magwedere has accumulated more than twenty years of expertise across Africa. His presentation presented the essential health and development protective strategies Africa must implement to combat both global disease outbreaks and antimicrobial resistance.

Dr Magwedere provided critical lessons for Africa to develop strong local health security systems by drawing from his experience at FAO, WHO, WTO and UNDP. His expertise provided useful information to policymakers and researchers as well as students who focus on food safety, zoonotic diseases and interagency coordination.

Prof Anthony Ojonimi Onoja, Professor of Agricultural Economics at the University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria, delivered a provocative lecture titled: “Exploring the US-Induced Global Trade War: A Blessing or Threat to the African Economy, Its Food and Agriculture?”

In the context of escalating global trade tensions, Prof Onoja analysed their implications for African economies—particularly in agriculture, trade flows, and food security. As a seasoned economist, policy influencer, and director of the Institute of Agricultural Research and Development (IARD), his lecture interrogated whether Africa can harness the shifting geopolitical landscape for its own economic benefit.

Prof Onoja is well-positioned to lead this conversation. His recent work in drafting Nigeria’s Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy (2025–2029), and advocacy for the creation of Nigeria’s Ministry for Blue and Marine Economy, underlines his active role in shaping Africa’s economic future.

The current events demand immediate discussion about these matters. Africa faces multiple simultaneous crises which include pandemics together with climate shocks and food insecurity and trade wars that challenge its ability to grow and maintain stability. The Department of Agriculture and Animal Health uses high-level experts to share research and policy insights and lived experiences which establishes its position as a thought leader for addressing global challenges through African perspectives.

*By Ms Gugu Masinga, Marketing and Communication Specialist, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences