The Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) is rallying local investments for African agricultural transformation amid a shifting development landscape, reaffirming its commitment to empowering smallholder farmers as global development priorities evolve and geopolitical instability grows.
Recent changes in international development financing frameworks threaten to stall progress across critical sectors—including agriculture, climate resilience, health, and education.
According to the Institute for Security Studies, these shifts could push an additional six million Africans into extreme poverty by 2026.
Speaking at a reception for AGRA’s key partners in Nairobi, AGRA President Alice Ruhweza emphasized the need for a renewed and robust approach to agricultural development.
The event convened government officials, diplomats, development partners, and private sector leaders.
“We gather at a pivotal moment in international development, where the support ecosystem we’ve relied on for decades is rapidly evolving,” Ruhweza said.
“This demands greater efficiency, innovation, and collaboration from organizations like AGRA and underscores the urgency of our mission.”
Despite these challenges, AGRA remains unwavering in its commitment to delivering large-scale impact.
Over the past two decades, AGRA has partnered with smallholder farmers, civil society, governments, and private sector actors, reaching more than 26 million farmers across 11 African countries.
These efforts have enhanced access to improved seeds, affordable fertilizers, and dynamic markets.
Ruhweza highlighted agriculture’s pivotal role in Africa’s socio-economic transformation, noting that the sector employs around 65% of the continent’s workforce and contributes up to 35% of GDP in many countries.
“Agricultural growth is up to three times more effective at reducing poverty than growth in other sectors,” she said.AGRA’s achievements include training over 500 African agricultural scientists, supporting 54 seed companies, and creating thousands of rural jobs.
Its promotion of sustainable soil management practices has boosted cereal yields by 61% across 1.8 million hectares.
The organization focuses on five strategic pillars: policy and state capacity, seed systems, inclusive markets, women and youth empowerment, and private sector engagement.
Notably, in Tanzania, AGRA supported the launch of an agro-industrialization flagship expected to create 1 million jobs. In Malawi and Uganda, targeted programs for women have increased agricultural productivity by up to 30%.
In light of climate change and shifting global priorities, Ruhweza called for bold, homegrown solutions and highlighted the transformative potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).“In a world turning inward, Africa must turn outward with confidence,” she said.
“Hunger knows no borders—neither does opportunity.
”With a market of 1.3 billion people and a combined GDP of \$3.4 trillion, AfCFTA is expected to boost intra-African agricultural trade by over 50% by 2025 and up to 574% by 2030.
“This is a game-changer for African farmers and agribusinesses,” Ruhweza added.She also underscored the importance of leveraging Africa’s demographic dividend and advancing gender inclusion.
With 11 million young people entering the labor market annually, she said agriculture must be reimagined as a viable and attractive career.“Women make up 70% of Africa’s agricultural workforce.
Empowering them with land rights, extension services, and market access can increase productivity by as much as 30%,” she noted, referencing successful initiatives in Malawi and Uganda.
As global development resources dwindle, AGRA is calling on African governments, philanthropies, impact investors, and the private sector to step up.“AGRA cannot do this alone,” Ruhweza concluded.
“To all who believe in Africa’s potential—invest in our farmers, back our innovations, and join us in making agriculture a source of hope and prosperity.”
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