AGRA reaffirms support for African governments in advancing food systems reforms

AFRICA – Agriculture development organization AGRA has renewed its commitment to helping African governments deliver on their agricultural transformation goals as the continent enters a key phase of food systems reform.

Speaking during a side event at the 21st Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme Partnership Platform (CAADP-PP) in Kigali, Rwanda, AGRA joined partners to stress the importance of coordinated delivery anchored in Africa’s leadership and priorities. The event was co-organized by the African Union Commission (AUC) and AUDA-NEPAD member states.

This year’s CAADP-PP brought together governments, development partners, and private sector players to align on top priorities that drive measurable progress in Africa’s agri-food systems. During the forum, AGRA presented the Africa Food Systems Report (AFSR) 2025, which tracks progress across supply chains, diets, food environments, and key outcomes.

Jonathan Said, Vice President of Technical Expertise at AGRA, said: “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 commercialization, so that countries can implement their National Agriculture Investment Plans faster, crowd in private investment, and expand access to finance for farmers and SMEs.”

The shared priorities focused on helping governments strengthen coordination and delivery of flagship programs that drive agricultural growth. Partners also emphasized regional trade integration and private sector engagement to expand value addition and market access.

Said added: “AGRA’s initiatives are designed to connect smallholder farmers to regional markets, de-risk investment in agro-processing, and mobilize new financing models that catalyze growth along entire value chains toward Africa’s self-sufficiency and inclusive agricultural growth.”

Soil health and climate-smart seeds

Partners at the Kigali meeting agreed to speed up the African Soil Health and Fertilizer Agenda, addressing soil degradation as a major challenge to food security. Interventions will promote efficient fertilizer use, integrated soil fertility management, and farmer-centered extension systems to improve access to knowledge and inputs.

Efforts are also underway to implement the African Union’s Seed and Biotechnology Action Plan. AGRA showcased its Centre of Excellence for Seed Systems in Africa (CESSA), which links AGRA, One CGIAR, and National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS) to develop and distribute climate-resilient, nutrient-rich crop varieties.

Delegates placed new emphasis on including women and young people as key players in food systems reform. AGRA is promoting programs that improve access to finance, land, and skills for these groups. The AUC also held a side event on youth entrepreneurship and employment in agrifood systems, noting that countries still lack clear metrics to measure progress.

Organizers said the discussions in Kigali underscored one key message: Africa’s food security depends on joint action, accountability, and stronger delivery systems driven by the continent’s own priorities.

Sign up to receive our email newsletters with the latest news updates and insights from Africa and the World HERE.