By Reinhard Lotz
Development agencies have a unique opportunity to drive agricultural transformation in Africa. By acting as intermediaries between global and local stakeholders, they facilitate knowledge sharing, coordinate efforts, and ensure that projects align with regional priorities. Investing in regional infrastructure, supporting value chain development, and building the capacity of farmers and agricultural institutions are crucial steps towards enhancing agricultural productivity and market access.
Furthermore, addressing climate change challenges through the promotion of climate-smart agriculture and sustainable land management is essential for building resilience. Regional agencies can also play a pivotal role in creating an enabling environment for agricultural development by advocating for supportive policies and fostering public-private partnerships. By capitalizing on these opportunities, regional development agencies can contribute significantly to improving livelihoods, ensuring food security, and achieving sustainable agricultural growth in Africa.
The 7th Annual African Agri Investment Indaba (AAII24) is set to be a key event for development agencies looking to expand the impact of their initiatives in the African agriculture sector. Scheduled from November 18-20 in Cape Town, AAII24 will gather over 600 key stakeholders from across the agrifood value chain, against the backdrop of increasing climate finance and agricultural transformation.
Currently, development agencies are playing a critical role in transforming African agriculture through various initiatives. For example, the World Bank has significantly increased its support for climate-smart agriculture (CSA) technologies across the continent. In 2024, they approved an additional $40 million in grants to the Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA) project. This funding is aimed at enhancing climate resilience and food security in countries such as Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Mali, Senegal, and Zambia. These efforts include the validation and dissemination of CSA technologies, improving farmers’ and livestock keepers’ ability to predict and prepare for climate-related events, and establishing a Regional Hub for Fertilizer and Soil Health in West Africa.
“The African Agri Investment Indaba is an unparalleled platform for promoting collaboration and driving impactful change in the agricultural sector,” says Ben Leyka, CEO of the African Agri Council. “By bringing together key stakeholders, we aim to accelerate agricultural transformation, enhance market access, and build resilience against climate challenges. This event is crucial for development agencies looking to scale their initiatives and create sustainable growth across the continent.”
About African Agri Investment Indaba:
The African Agri Investment Indaba (AAII) is the largest agriculture investment conference in Africa, providing a platform for stakeholders to connect, collaborate, and drive the growth of the agricultural sector. The Indaba is organized by the African Agri Council NPC, a network dedicated to fostering agricultural development across the continent. This year’s event will feature over 800 participants, 60+ speakers, and 70+ exhibitors from more than 40 countries, all committed to advancing Africa’s agricultural landscape.
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For more information
visit www.agri-indaba.com