AGRA Champions Accelerated Food Systems Reform Across Africa
At the recent CAADP Partnership Platform (CAADP-PP) forum held in Kigali, Rwanda, the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to supporting African governments in expediting food systems reform. This pivotal gathering, jointly convened by the African Union Commission (AUC) and the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD), united key stakeholders from governments, development partners, and the private sector with a shared vision of enhancing agricultural delivery and ensuring food security across the continent.
AGRA’s leadership emphasised the urgent need to move beyond broad promises towards tangible actions that place African priorities and leadership at the forefront of transformation. Jonathan Said, AGRA’s Vice President for Technical Expertise, stated, “The CAADP Partnership Platform is essential for aligning partners on collaborative delivery. Our role is to support the AUC and AUDA-NEPAD by ensuring partner coherence and focusing on critical priorities such as developing food corridors, end-to-end value chains, and commercialising seed systems. This approach enables countries to accelerate National Agriculture Investment Plans (NAIPs), attract private investment, and expand financing access for farmers and SMEs.”
A key highlight of the forum was the presentation of the Africa Food Systems Report 2025, which offers a comprehensive analysis of progress across supply chains, dietary improvements, and food environments. Discussions at the event concentrated on bolstering flagship national programmes and enhancing regional trade mechanisms. Delegates recognised the pressing need to mobilise increased private sector investment, particularly in value addition and market development, to harness the full potential of Africa’s agricultural sector.
Soil degradation emerged as a critical threat to food security during plenary discussions. Participants concurred that investing in sustainable soil fertility management practices, precision fertiliser application, and robust agricultural extension services are indispensable. These efforts will equip farmers with the knowledge and inputs necessary to sustain productive soils and secure crop yields over the long term.
In line with continental strategies, the forum advanced the African Union’s Seed and Biotechnology Action Plan. AGRA showcased its work through the Centre of Excellence for Seed Systems in Africa, highlighting collaborative projects with One CGIAR and National Agricultural Research Systems aimed at developing climate-resilient and nutrient-dense crop varieties. These innovations are vital for adapting to changing climatic conditions while improving nutritional outcomes.
Gender and youth empowerment formed a central theme throughout the CAADP-PP meeting. Recognising that women and young people constitute a significant portion of Africa’s agricultural labour force, AGRA and partners committed to scaling programmes that improve their access to land, finance, skills development, and markets. A dedicated side event hosted by the AUC explored methodologies for tracking youth entrepreneurship and employment in agriculture—a knowledge gap that currently hampers targeted investment in youth-led agribusinesses.
Zimbabwe stands as a compelling example of these wider continental efforts. The Zimbabwean government, aligned with its National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), has been pivotal in integrating seed system improvements and youth empowerment into its agricultural policy frameworks. Initiatives such as the Zimbabwe Agricultural Growth Programme (ZAGP) have successfully promoted climate-smart agriculture and facilitated youth access to financing and training. This alignment underscores how national actors can operationalise African Union directives and AGRA’s frameworks to stimulate inclusive agricultural growth.
AGRA’s proactive engagement at the CAADP-PP forum reinforces its conviction that coordinated national action, backed by robust partnerships and private sector involvement, can elevate Africa’s food production capacities and substantially reduce hunger. The organisation’s strategic focus on creating enabling environments for smallholder farmers, forging strong value chains, and embedding resilience into agricultural systems promises a fertile ground for achieving food self-sufficiency and economic empowerment for all.
As African countries, including Zimbabwe, continue to implement their National Agriculture Investment Plans with renewed vigour, the collective momentum harnessed at the Kigali forum presents a pivotal opportunity. By prioritising youth and women’s participation, adopting climate-smart technologies, and fostering innovation in seed systems and value addition, Africa stands poised to transform its agrarian landscape for sustainable prosperity.
About The Author
