Africa Food Systems Forum: Dumelo calls for borderless Africa to boost agricultural trade

Deputy Minister for Food and Agriculture, John Dumelo, is advocating for a borderless Africa to improve agricultural trade. During the Africa Food Systems Forum, he discussed the need for intra-African trade with agriculture ministers, entrepreneurs, and other stakeholders. Dumelo highlighted that African nations possess unique agricultural strengths and resources, making intra-African trade mutually beneficial.

He emphasized the importance of eliminating trade barriers such as visa restrictions, tariffs, and inadequate infrastructure. Dumelo called for the expansion of existing trade corridors, like the West African corridor, to create a more unified African market. Achieving a borderless Africa would require collaboration across various sectors, including foreign affairs, infrastructure, and health.

Dumelo noted that progress has been made to address some challenges hindering intra-African agricultural trade. The 20th edition of the Africa Food Systems Forum is being held in Rwanda, with over 5,000 stakeholders from 50 countries expected to participate. The forum aims to invest in Africa's agri-food systems, focusing on investment and finance, food security, climate resilience, youth and digital innovation, and trade and markets.

Dumelo expressed gratitude to AGRA, a key partner of the AFSF, for providing a platform for global leaders to discuss Africa's food systems and stressed the need for continued collaboration with development partners to advance agriculture across the continent.