Revolutionizing Agriculture: Syngenta Unveils Crop Protection Development Knowledge Centre in Zambia
On the 25th March, 2025 Syngenta Zambia officially launched its Crop Protection Development (CPD) Knowledge Centre, a first-of-its-kind facility dedicated to transforming farming through research, technology transfer, and farmer training.
Nestled on a five-hectare plot in Chongwe, along great east road, the CPD Knowledge Centre is a hub of innovation, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing built to support Zambia’s role in leading sustainable agriculture across the region
The launch event drew a dynamic crowd of about 200 attendees, including farmers, researchers, government representatives, distributors, industry experts, and Syngenta colleagues from across the region. Guests were welcomed to a vibrant showcase of Syngenta’s latest crop protection solutions, interactive demonstrations, and partner exhibits, highlighting the collective effort behind modern agriculture.
“This is an exciting and momentous occasion for Syngenta,” said Albrecht Michel, Head of Crop Protection Development for Africa & Middle East, during his keynote. “The CPD Knowledge Centre is a platform to bring our global innovation closer to farmers, to co-create solutions, and to shape the future of agriculture together.”
Jerome Barbaron, BU Head of Africa & Middle East, Crop Protection, also emphasized the centre’s strategic value in shaping long-term impact:
“This Knowledge Centre is more than infrastructure; it’s our long-term commitment to enabling farmers to thrive in a changing world. It brings together the full strength of Syngenta’s R&D, field expertise, and global innovation, tailored to Zambian farmers.
Namakau Manzi, Syngenta Zambia’s Technical Lead, was celebrated for her role in leading the technical transformation of the site.
“Today is a proud moment for all of us,” she shared. “We’ve built a centre that not only showcases innovation but puts farmers at the centre of it. From trials to training sessions, this site will grow with our growers.”
The launch was a full-sensory experience of innovation in action. Field demonstrations showcased Syngenta’s New Product Introductions (NPIs), including: VIXERAN, VICTRATO, and MIRAVIS DUO
Guests experienced the visible results of these solutions, supported by in-field data, real-time trial plots, and expert insights. Farmers asked questions and shared their own experiences—making it a learning and engaging space.