Board chairman of the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) Hailemariam Desalegn is urging African leaders and other agricultural sector stakeholders not to relax on efforts to tackle food security on the continent.

He said, “As Africa builds back from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. Leaders should ensure the pace lost in agriculture and food systems transformation is picked up to ensure the wholesome growth of people across the continent.”

"We must all be part of the movement for change if we are to improve our food systems. Recommit and build on the commitments made and the shared vision of improving our food systems," he added.

Mr. Desalegn who is also a former Ethiopian Prime Minister was speaking on Thursday at the official launch of the AGRF Summit 2022 in Kigali, Rwanda. 

The Alliance for a Green Revolution Forum every year brings together a critical range of stakeholders from across Africa, including government officials, private sector actors, development and non-profit partners, academics, among others, to discuss how to make Africa more food secure. This year’s event in September will be under the theme: “Grow, Nourish and Reward Bold Actions for Resilient Food Systems”.
 
“The AGRF will provide a platform for partners to call to action all stakeholders to catalyze action, recommit and build on a shared vision of Africa’s Food Systems transformation,” Mr. Desalegn said.
 
President of AGRA, Dr. Agnes Kalibata said “every year we strive to ensure we bring you the best that we can bring.” "We assure all that the AGRF will be a tremendous success," acting managing director of AGRF Jennifer Baarn said.

Now in its 12th year, the AGRF assembles a diverse range of speakers to showcase the possibilities and inspire commitment and action from all parties within the food systems. The 2022 summit will come off in the Rwandan capital of Kigali in September.
 
Rwanda’s Minister for Agriculture and Animal Resources, Dr. Gerardine Mukeshimana said her country looks forward to welcoming the rest of Africa for a conversation on how to improve Africa’s food security. Rwandan Prime Minister Edouard Ngirente was also among the audience at the launch.
 
USAID Mission Director for Rwanda Jonathan Kamin said “the AGRF Summit 2022 provides an opportunity for us to reflect on the coordinated actions by stakeholders towards translating commitments made into actionable strategies and progress on the ground.” "2022 offers a crucial opportunity to rethink and renew efforts to transform Africa's Food Systems. We can all make a difference in driving this commitment to zero hunger,” he added.