Leaders Launch Africa Food Systems Report and Bold Initiatives to Transform Agriculture, Empower Youth, and Build Resilient Food Economies Across the Continent

DAKAR, SENEGAL — The Africa Food Systems Forum (AFSF) 2025 opened in Dakar with a resounding call for bold action, inclusive innovation, and systemic transformation to reshape the continent’s agricultural future. Against the backdrop of both progress and persistent challenges, leaders from across Africa launched the Africa Food Systems Report (AFSR) 2025, unveiled new partnerships, and mapped out strategies to build resilient, equitable food systems capable of nourishing 1.4 billion people.

The report, developed by AGRA and its partners, underlined Africa’s paradox: agricultural output has grown faster here than anywhere else in the world—averaging 4.3 percent annually since 2000—yet hunger and malnutrition remain widespread. One in three African children is stunted, and more than 300 million people were undernourished in 2023.

“Africa cannot afford piecemeal progress,” said Alice Ruhweza, President of AGRA. “We must seize this moment to scale inclusive innovations, attract investment, and put farmers, youth, and small businesses at the center of our food systems.”

Africa’s Food Systems at a Crossroads

The AFSR 2025, released under the theme “Drivers of Change and Innovation in Africa’s Food Systems”, highlighted both achievements and alarming gaps. While governments and private actors have expanded agricultural output, structural weaknesses persist.

The report identified five major levers for transformation:

• Governance: Countries with coherent, accountable governance have stronger nutrition and food security outcomes, while fragile states face food insecurity rates above 80 percent.
• Climate & Demographics: Population growth, urbanization, and climate shocks are straining food supply. The report urges rapid adoption of climate-smart and regenerative practices.
• Infrastructure Deficits: Up to 30 percent of food is lost post-harvest due to poor roads, storage, and cold chains. Closing these gaps could raise farmer incomes by 40 percent.
• Finance: Agriculture receives less than 5 percent of commercial lending. Blended finance, digital credit, and insurance are needed to scale resilience.
• Productivity: Cereal yields remain low at 1.7 tons per hectare, far below the global average of 4.2 tons. Expansion into fragile ecosystems continues to threaten soil health.

“Africa cannot feed its future with the tools of the past,” said Dr. John Ulimwengu, lead author of the report. “This year’s analysis provides a roadmap for transformation grounded in African leadership, innovation, and systems thinking.”

New Initiatives to Drive Change

Responding to the findings, AGRA and partners announced several initiatives designed to address systemic weaknesses and accelerate transformation:

1. Investing in Africa’s “Hidden Middle”
   In collaboration with the Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund (AECF), AGRA launched Africa100, an initiative to support 100 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in 12 countries. These firms act as vital connectors between smallholder farmers and markets, while also creating jobs and building resilience in rural economies.
2. National “Investible Flagships”
   AGRA is working with governments in Ethiopia, Malawi, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, and Tanzania to design country-specific pipelines of bankable projects to attract capital for food security, youth employment, and climate resilience.
3. Transforming Poultry Systems
   To address Africa’s protein gap, AGRA and partners launched the Poultry Feed Innovation Grand Challenge to reduce feed costs, particularly in Southern Africa. The first-ever Poultry Futures Forum will take place in Zambia later this year to convene regional stakeholders.
4. Youth and Storytelling
   With partners like Global Citizen and Farm Radio, AGRA announced programs to elevate youth voices and narratives. A new Africa Media Fellowship will train young agricultural storytellers, while Farm Radio’s network of 1,300+ stations will carry key messages to farmers in seven markets.
5. Nutrition-Linked School Meals
   In partnership with African First Ladies and the Rockefeller Foundation, AGRA will link local farmers to school feeding programs through the new School Meals Coalition, ensuring nutritious food for children while securing stable markets for farmers.

The Urgency of Action

With Africa’s population projected to hit 2.5 billion by 2050, speakers at the forum stressed that food systems reform is no longer optional. The stakes are economic as much as humanitarian.

If current trends persist, Africa’s annual food import bill—already above $100 billion—could soar, while undernourishment and youth unemployment risk fueling instability.

 

“Our message is clear,” said Ruhweza. “Africa’s food future is not about producing more, but producing better—through smarter finance, stronger governance, and empowered communities.”

Key Statistics from AFSR 2025

• 4.3%: Africa’s annual agricultural growth since 2000 (fastest globally).
• 1 in 3: African children under five are stunted.
• 300 million+: Africans undernourished in 2023.
• $100 billion+: Africa’s annual food import bill.
• <5%: Share of commercial bank lending directed to agriculture.
• 30%: Share of food lost post-harvest due to weak infrastructure.

A Continent at a Turning Point

The forum echoed a growing consensus: Africa’s food systems transformation will require more than short-term projects. It demands coordinated governance, financing innovations, and a stronger role for SMEs and youth.

The shift will also require listening to those who often remain on the margins—smallholder farmers, women, and rural entrepreneurs.

The AFSR 2025 emphasized that transformation is achievable but requires bold choices now. “The next decade is decisive,” Dr. Ulimwengu noted. “Africa has the opportunity to turn its agricultural abundance into real food security and prosperity.”

As the Dakar summit continues, delegates are expected to deepen commitments on climate resilience, sustainable finance, and technology adoption. Whether these ambitions translate into systemic change will shape the continent’s food future for generations.