Historically, universities in the USA and EU have trained a multitude of African scientists at the MSc and PhD levels, often at the highest level, in "cutting-edge" research.  However, this approach presents several limitation for producing active, functional scientists operating in Africa.  International funding agencies have therefore been looking for alternative training models. The University of Natal and Rockefeller Foundation have developed a new model, based on two years of academic training for each student at the University of Natal, followed by three years in their home country, undertaking research in their national research programs.  This model will ensure that African research on African crops is undertaken with appropriate technologies.  We hope it will also ensure a high level of retention of scientists in their home countries.  Our initial goal was to train five cohorts of 10 PhD students per annum, for a total of 50 PhD graduates in plant breeding.  The first cohort of students from six countries in SSA, started in 2002.  Training will be undertaken by both established and newly-hired staff.  International lecturers will provide short courses.  Field research supervision will be from three sources: the University of Natal, local scientists, and international supervisors.  The external supervisors will visit students during the year.  If this program fulfills its potential, then it can provide a model for the training of African scientists in a range of agricultural subjects, such as plant pathology and soil science.  In particular, there is a critical need to train seed scientists and in the production, storage and marketing of seed and tubers to ensure that there is a full chain of technology from original breeding, to seed production, to marketing and distribution, and to the successful growing of improved, adopted varieties by farmers.