AGRA in partnership with The Africa Food Systems Forum, has launched the 2024 Africa Agriculture Status Report, titled “Harnessing the Private Sector for Food Systems Transformation in Africa,” in Kigali, Rwanda.

The launch comes at a crucial time when experts warn that climate change, limited financing, and inadequate infrastructure could exacerbate inequalities in global trade systems, affecting Africa's agrifood landscape.

The 2024 forum aimed to "Innovate, Accelerate, Scale, and Share" lessons to advance Africa's food systems.

It brought together nearly 5,000 stakeholders, including world leaders, investors, academia, farmers’ organisations, and the private sector.

The forum called for collaboration among governments, development partners, and private sector stakeholders to invest in infrastructure, support MSMEs, and implement effective policies with a focus on youth and women.

The discussions highlighted the vital role of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in transforming food systems in Africa and globally.

The forum also aimed to promote healthier, more inclusive, sustainable, and resilient food systems to help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals in Africa by 2030.

Key Presentations:

Speaking at the forum, AGRA President Dr Agnes Kalibata stated, “The Africa Agriculture Status Report 2024 highlights the transformative role of MSMEs in shaping Africa's agrifood landscape.

By harnessing the power of the private sector, we can drive meaningful food systems transformation and achieve sustainable growth.

This report provides actionable insights on supporting MSMEs to enhance their impact on food security and economic development.”

The report emphasizes the increasing focus on inclusive agribusiness investments by medium and large-scale enterprises, with a growing recognition of the critical role of smallholder farmers in boosting agricultural productivity and food security.

Case studies from countries like Malawi, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, and Zambia illustrate how investments in infrastructure, digital technologies, and innovative farming techniques are driving diversification, boosting exports, and integrating smallholders into larger value chains.

Findings and Insights:

The report reveals that the private sector drives approximately 80% of Africa’s food economy, with MSMEs managing around 85% of the agrifood value chains.

It highlights the importance of supporting these enterprises to enhance food security and stimulate economic growth.

The report identifies urbanization, rising food consumption, and shifting dietary patterns as key drivers of MSME growth, presenting significant market opportunities in both urban and rural areas.

However, it also outlines the challenges MSMEs face, such as inadequate infrastructure, limited access to finance, and regulatory barriers.

To address these challenges, the report recommends targeted investments in infrastructure, enhanced financial access, and streamlined regulatory processes.

It calls for a coordinated agro-industrial policy strategy to support MSMEs and improve their operational environment, emphasising their role as major employers in the agri-food sector, providing up to 60% of employment in some regions.

The 2024 Africa Agriculture Status Report provides a roadmap for leveraging private sector potential to transform food systems across Africa, ensuring sustainable growth and food security for all.