b'undertaken to execute strategic plans in the past is a clear indication that we know what we want to achieve in a planned manner. Take the case of our 2017-2020 strategic plan. In this docu-ment, we focus on: There is foreseen investment in the current running initiatives as wellAdvocacy on removing seed tradebarriers; as focus on strengthening the use of quality seed for better yields. Enhancing the harmonized seed regulations in the Regional Economic Communities (COMESA, SADC, ECOWAS and EAC); Strengthening partnerships with national seed trade associations, global seed industry players such as the International Seed Federation (ISF), the Asia Pacific Seedheard, which include, for example, partici- Market for Eastern and Southern Africa Association (APSA), the Europeanpation in international congresses such as(COMESA), the Southern African Seed Association (ESA) and regionalthe ISF Congress among others. Development Community (SADC), the institutions; Our eight-year consistent and strategicEconomic Community of West AfricanIntellectual Property Rights; partnership with CropLife InternationalStates (ECOWAS) and the East AfricanPlant Breeding Innovation. (CLI) to conduct sensitization and aware- Community (EAC).We can now boast of consistently pro- ness creation on biotechnology in AfricaIn the coming months, AFSTA hopes ducing The African Seed Magazine sincehas served to help African seed compa- to continue vouching for plant breeding 2014, which goes a long way to underlinenies discuss and commercialise biotechinnovation in Africa.our commitment to keep our membersin the face of progress towards commer- According to the new President of informed on the happenings in the localcialisation of GM seed in the continent.AFSTA, Azariah Soi, the association will and global seed sector. AFSTA, throughOur good relations and partnershipbe developing a new strategic plan to this magazine, seeks to promote Africawith the World Vegetable Centre havecover 2021 to 2026 which will continue to, wide awareness and action for thoseyielded into the setting up of Africa veg- among other issues, enhance social media who suffer from hunger and for the needetable breeding consortium to facilitatecommunication with the membership. to ensure food security and nutritiousaccess to germplasm. Other issues include helping to esca-diets for all. We seek to work with policylate our partnerships with key organiza-makers to strengthen agricultural policyTackling Challenges impacting thetions such as CropLife International (CLI), processes in Africa; improve agriculturalAfrican Seed Sector WorldVeg, etc. even as we advocate for a value chains and enhance information andIn the words of our immediate Pastbetter trading environment for our mem-communication within the continent. President Riadh Gabsi, African seedbership.It is immeasurable visibility ofcompanies are now shining, and thisAs already demonstrated, enhancing AFSTAs work especially to us as nationaltempo must be kept so that the seedthe activities of SIGs, which addresses seed trade associations, says Augustasector remains vibrant and beneficialissues on these two crop groups, remains Nyamadi, when asked to evaluate thein the fight against food insecurity.our key agenda at AFSTA.importance of the magazine in her workHowever, Africa remains the net importerFinally, we are open to future col-as the Executive Secretary of Nationalof seedsAFSTA seeks to address thislaborations and partnerships which seek Seed Trade Association of Ghanascenario to facilitate increased inflows ofto improve the fortunes of seed trade in (NASTAG).foreign currencies in Africa.Africa and beyond because we believe in The magazine provides information onthe African saying that if you want to go seed issues and raises the vital voices ofNext Steps fast, go alone but if you want to go far, go the seed sector players in Africa. According to Gabsi, for the association totogether.SWGiven the huge recognition of ourscale the heights of success, there needs work, AFSTA is often invited and involvedto be continuous advocacy for the har- Editors Note: Daniel Aghan is actively in key seed meetings to make themonized seed regulations in the RegionalCommunication Officer at the African voice of African seed industry seen andEconomic Communities of the CommonSeed Trade Association (AFSTA).50/ SEEDWORLD.COMINTERNATIONAL EDITION 2020'