AGRA backs African governments as food systems reform gains speed

RWANDA – AGRA restated its support for African governments during the CAADP-PP conference in Kigali, Rwanda.

The institution, headquartered in Nairobi, aims to help countries speed up food systems reform. The forum, co-organised by the African Union Commission and AUDA NEPAD, brought together governments, development partners and private sector players who want stronger delivery in agriculture.

AGRA’s leaders urged partners to shift from broad commitments to real action. They stressed that African priorities and leadership must guide every step.

The organisation works closely with governments, private companies, civil society and development partners to strengthen food systems so farmers can earn more, markets can grow and countries can meet food security goals.

Jonathan Said, AGRA’s Vice President for Technical Expertise, explained the value of the platform. “The CAADP Partnership Platform is where partners align on what we will deliver together. Our role is to support the AUC and AUDA-NEPAD to secure partner coherence and focus on key priorities such as food corridors, end-to-end value-chain development and seed system commercialisation so that countries can implement their National Agriculture Investment Plans faster, crowd in private investment and expand access to finance for farmers and SMEs,” said Said.

Focus on real progress across value chains

During the forum, AGRA presented the Africa Food Systems Report 2025. The report tracks progress across supply chains, diets and food environments. The discussions centred on strengthening flagship national programmes and improving regional trade.

Delegates also stressed the need to attract more private investment, especially in value addition and market growth.

Said added that AGRA’s plans aim to create clear pathways for farmers. “AGRA’s initiatives are designed to connect smallholder farmers to regional markets, de-risk investment in agro-processing and mobilise new financing models that catalyse growth along entire value chains toward Africa’s self-sufficiency and inclusive agricultural growth,” he said.

Soil degradation came up as a major threat to food security. Partners agreed that countries must invest in better soil fertility practices, smarter fertiliser use and extension systems that offer farmers the right information and inputs.

The discussions also advanced the AU’s Seed and Biotechnology Action Plan. AGRA, through its Centre of Excellence for Seed Systems in Africa, showcased its work with One CGIAR and National Agricultural Research Systems to develop climate-ready and nutrient-dense crop varieties.

Youth and women took a central role in the Kigali meeting. Delegates noted that young people and women support much of Africa’s farm labour. AGRA and its partners now plan to scale programmes that help them gain land, finance, skills and market access.

A side event hosted by the AUC looked at how countries can track youth entrepreneurship and employment in agriculture. Many governments still lack proper metrics, which limits investment in strong youth ventures.

AGRA confirmed that it will keep working with governments and institutions to strengthen national delivery. The organisation believes that Africa can raise food production and cut hunger if countries coordinate better and execute their plans with focus and speed.

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