African leaders call for decisive investments to deliver a more sustainable food system for the continent

African leaders gathered at the Africa Food Systems Forum (AFSF) in Kigali, Rwanda, emphasized the need for decisive investments to build a more sustainable agrifood sector. The forum opened with a reflection on 20 years of efforts to strengthen African agriculture and improve smallholder farmers' livelihoods. Former Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Dessalegn, AGRA Board chair, highlighted that agricultural transformation is achievable when governments coordinate institutions and empower farmers.

He urged African governments to take ownership of their food systems agendas by establishing effective coordination mechanisms. Dr. Namanga Ngongi, former AGRA President, noted that the vision for smallholder farmers has evolved from merely providing inputs and market connections to treating farms as businesses and farmers as entrepreneurs.

Hari Menon, President of the Gates Foundation, pointed to advancements in agricultural innovation and access to technologies as key progress markers. AGRA President Alice Ruhweza highlighted the broad ecosystem of institutions and actors that have created conditions for farmers to succeed. Rwandan Prime Minister Dr. Nsengiyumva Justin stressed the importance of converting agricultural potential into prosperity while committing to the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP).

Dr. Gérardine Mukeshimana, IFAD Vice-President, warned that progress in halting hunger in Africa needed to be transformed into lasting change. Moses Vilakati, from the African Union Commission, called for a stronger focus on domestic food production and processing, stating that food imports represent missed economic opportunities.

Managing Director of AFSF, Amath Pathe Sene, emphasized the need to create jobs for African youth and women, nourish the population, and build resilient food systems capable of withstanding climate change challenges.