Africa Agri-Food: Co-Create the Future

As the world converges in Yokohama for the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9), Africa presents itself not...

As the world converges in Yokohama for the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9), Africa presents itself not empty-handed, but with a firm commitment to transform its food systems to guarantee dignity, prosperity, and resilience for future generations. The theme of this year’s conference, “Co-create Innovative Solutions with Africa,” is particularly relevant. The continent's food systems are at a critical juncture. We have the opportunity to foster resilience and enable transformation, or we can accept a future characterized by increasing food insecurity, rising import costs, and missed opportunities. The most recent SOFI report indicates a global decrease in hunger levels to 673 million people (one in 12), marking the first such decline since 2019. Regrettably, Africa deviates from this trend, with 307 million people affected, which is over 20% of the population, or one in five. The choice before us is clear, as is the opportunity. Japan has been a reliable partner in this endeavor for a long time, and our collaboration has already demonstrated what can be achieved. In 2008, AGRA collaborated with Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and a broad network of African and international partners to establish the Coalition for African Rice Development (CARD). AGRA plays a crucial role in hosting CARD, and the objective remains straightforward yet ambitious: to double rice production in Sub-Saharan Africa by 2030. Why rice? Because for millions of African families, rice is more than just a crop. It is the staple food, the comfort food that unites communities, and the difference between children going to bed hungry or well-fed. However, by 2023, Africa’s rice self-sufficiency had declined to only 54 percent, compelling reliance on expensive imports that deplete scarce foreign exchange reserves. Against this background, CARD's progress is truly remarkable. In its first decade alone, rice production doubled from 14 million tons in 2008 to 28 million tons in 2018. By 2023, output had increased further to 36.6 million tons. This is not just a statistic; it represents food on family tables and income for farmers. CARD is now aiming for 56 million tons by 2030. This goal is ambitious, but achievable, and significant. It signifies stronger rural economies, greater food sovereignty, and more employment opportunities for Africa’s youth. It also implies reduced dependence on imports, thereby shielding the continent from the volatility of global markets. As CARD prepares for its 10th General Meeting in Madagascar this October, we are intensifying our focus on regional leadership and securing resources from both development partners and the private sector. Japan has led the way, not just with words but with concrete actions. Recently, JICA issued a $155 million bond to stimulate new investments in Africa’s agriculture. This exemplifies tangible partnership. However, rice is just one aspect of the larger picture. Across the continent, a wave of innovation is transforming African agriculture. Young entrepreneurs are developing digital platforms that connect farmers to markets, while agri-tech start-ups are creating tools to enhance productivity and efficiency. By supporting 11 youth-led companies, AGRA is demonstrating how innovation can generate jobs, stimulate entrepreneurship, and empower young Africans to contribute to feeding their continent. We are also directly addressing the interconnected challenges of climate change and malnutrition. With the support of the Green Climate Fund, AGRA is collaborating with governments to promote soil health, regenerative agriculture, and nutrition-sensitive farming. These practices are not only environmentally responsible but also vital for safeguarding Africa’s future and ensuring that agricultural progress translates into improved human health. At TICAD 9, we are not only here to showcase Africa’s accomplishments but also to advocate for increased collaboration and stronger partnerships. We seek to encourage more Japanese companies to introduce their world-class technologies in agri-tech, irrigation, and biofuels to African markets. We also want to see more concessional financing and innovative blended finance models that enable smallholder farmers and agricultural SMEs to prosper. Furthermore, we aim to strengthen our alignment with African priorities, from the Comprehensive African Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) commitments to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), to ensure that every advancement reinforces the continent’s own frameworks. Africa faces undeniable challenges, but its potential is equally significant. By combining Japan’s technological expertise with Africa’s vast agricultural resources, we can create a food system that feeds the continent, protects the environment, and drives economic growth. The only remaining element in short supply is a sense of urgency. TICAD 9 offers an opportunity to translate ambition into action, to jointly create a food-secure and climate-resilient Africa, and to do so immediately, before the cost of inaction manifests in hunger, instability, and lost opportunities. This year’s TICAD 9 will concentrate on how Africa and Japan can collaboratively develop practical solutions, leveraging Africa’s resources and youth potential alongside Japanese innovation, across three critical priorities: building resilient societies, ensuring peace and stability, and promoting shared economic growth. The way forward is evident. Let us choose action, and let us choose to act now. The author is the President of AGRA, an African-led organization dedicated to agricultural development.

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