Failure to address food system concerns may result in starvation in Africa by 2030

This worry was expressed by leaders at the ongoing Africa Food Systems Forum (AGRF) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Hussein Mohamed Bashe, Minister of Agriculture for the United Republic of Tanzania, emphasized the need for African leaders to work together rather than compete to reform food systems.

H.E. Ambassador Gabriel Ferrero, Ambassador at Large for Global Food Security, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, Spain, and Chairperson of the Committee on World Food Security, emphasized the importance of people-centric sustainable agrifood system transformation with the necessary government support and financial resources in his keynote speech.

In his opening remarks in a session titled “Parliamentary and Policy Makers Forum: Enabling a Favorable Business Environment for Trade,” former President of the United Republic of Tanzania, H.E. Dr. Jakaya Kikwete, highlighted the potential impact of extreme weather conditions on Africa’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), with a potential loss of 15% by 2030.

He emphasized the importance of smallholder farmers in African agriculture, emphasizing how disregarding their needs is futile. Sen. Dandutse Muntari Mohamme, Chairman of Nigeria’s Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and Tetfund, passionately advocated for international collaboration, harnessing innovation and technology for progress, and advocating for concrete solutions to address resource constraints and attract international involvement.

Sidie Mohamed Tunis, Speaker of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament, cited the private sector’s achievements in agriculture as a paradigm for possible success. He urged policymakers to collaborate with the business sector to promote agricultural growth, emphasizing Africa’s tremendous prospects.

The panel discussion in one of the sessions titled Generation Africa Opening Ceremony centered around making agricultural careers appealing to young people, establishing comprehensive support networks for youth, and emphasizing the need to form extensive partnerships.

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Ms. Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli, Co-founder and Executive Chair of Sahel Consulting and AGRA Board Member, emphasized the importance of highlighting success stories of young people thriving in the food ecosystem, with a special emphasis on the role of partnerships in supporting and promoting women’s work.

Mr. Svein Tore Holsether, President and CEO of Yara International, emphasized the importance of bringing businesses and communities together to provide mentorship opportunities, and emphasized the importance of effective communication and storytelling in creating business opportunities across the entire food system.