At the Ministerial Round Table, the role of governments was a major focus. Leaders stressed the need for better coordination and integrated solutions to tackle food system challenges. Governments were identified as key enablers of food systems transformation, with a strong push for enhanced collaboration with the private sector.

The Forum also saw the launch of the Africa Agriculture Status Report (AASR), a key document from AGRA. The report outlined important recommendations on investing in policy, infrastructure, and agro-parks, providing a roadmap for future development.

Discussions about the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) highlighted the need for a new agreement in the post-Malabo era. Delegates agreed on the importance of a robust successor agreement with effective coordination and accountability mechanisms.

Governments were urged to support the new agreement and improve the sharing of analytical insights to boost investment and collaboration. Nutrition and health were key topics, with a focus on improving access to healthy, affordable food.

The link between climate change and nutrition was highlighted, stressing the need for more investment in nutrition security. Initiatives such as school feeding programs were recognized as valuable investments in reducing poverty and food insecurity.

The Forum also addressed gender equality and youth engagement. There was a strong call for increased support for women-led agriculture and effective implementation of gender-responsive policies.
The potential of youth was emphasized, with calls for more investments in youth-led innovations and equitable access to education.

Dr. Canisius Kanangire, the Executive Director of the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) discussed the role of technology in agriculture. He highlighted the importance of digital solutions tailored to local needs to improve productivity and sustainability.

Kanangire noted that affordability, accessibility, and maintenance are key challenges, and stressed the need for collaboration and investment in infrastructure.

AATF’s efforts to promote digital technologies, such as mobile apps and remote sensing, were showcased. These technologies aim to help smallholder farmers with farm management, weather information, and e-extension services.

The Forum emphasized the need for public-private partnerships to make these technologies more accessible and affordable.

In summary, the African Food Systems Forum underscored the importance of innovation, accountability, and collaboration in transforming Africa’s food systems.

With a commitment to addressing these issues, the Forum set the stage for meaningful progress in improving food security and nutrition across the continent.