00:00:00 IGIHE NETWORK KINYARWANDA ENGLISH FRANCAIS

Kagame hosts AGRA leaders to discuss Africa’s agricultural transformation

By Esther Muhozi
On 3 April 2024 at 08:41

President Paul Kagame, on April 2, 2024, welcomed leaders of the African Green Revolution Alliance (AGRA), an African forum advocating for agricultural reform.

Among these leaders were the Chairman of the AGRA Board, Hailemariam Desalegn, and the President of AGRA, Dr. Agnes Kalibata.

The Office of the President has explained that their discussions focused on the upcoming African food conference to be held in Kigali from September 2 to 6, 2024, and the journey of agricultural transformation on the African continent.

"This afternoon at Urugwiro Village, President Kagame received Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa [AGRA] Board Chair, H.E Hailemariam Desalegn, AGRA President Dr. Agnes Kalibata and their delegation for discussions on the upcoming Africa Food Systems Summit and the progress of agriculture transformation on the continent," reads the statement.

AGRA’s primary goal is to aid Africa in achieving food self-sufficiency and surplus for export through agricultural development.

In 2022, the alliance initiated a five-year plan aimed at enhancing agriculture in 16 countries where it operates, including Rwanda.

Desalegn explained that the program would cost $550 million.

He stated, "We aim to transform the nutrition of Africans, ensuring that everyone has access to affordable and nutritionally diverse diets. However, this comes at a cost, requiring $550 million to support the program."

AGRA was established in 2006 by Kofi Annan, the Ghanaian who served as the Secretary-General of the United Nations. He led its Board until 2013 when he was succeeded by Strive Masiyiwa, who was then replaced by Desalegn in 2019.

President Kagame and AGRA discussed the upcoming Food Systems Summit to be held in Kigali.

Advertisement

YOUR OPINION ABOUT THIS ARTICLE

RULES AND REGULATIONS
Kwamamaza