Driving Investments to Combat Africa's Food Insecurity and Achieve Zero Hunger by 2030

Cape Town - Africa faces a severe food insecurity crisis despite its vast agricultural potential. According to FAO reports, 282 million people are undernourished, and over a billion cannot afford a healthy diet. The situation is worsened by climate change, conflict, and economic challenges, leading to widespread malnutrition, with 30% of children under five affected.

The crisis has escalated since the COVID-19 pandemic, with hunger levels rising by 57 million. Climate extremes, high food costs, and inadequate food systems further hamper efforts to meet SDG2 goals of zero hunger by 2030.

Urgent action is needed to address Africa's unmet nutritional needs and transform its agrifood systems. Climate resilience, improved access to healthy diets, and significant investment ina griculture are essential to reversing the trend. Africa remains off-track to meet global hunger and nutrition targets, making sustainable agriculture and food security a critical priority.

The African Agri Investment Indaba, organised by the African Agri Council, is a key platform in the fight against food insecurity, advancing the mission of achieving Zero Hunger by 2030. The event highlights Africa’s food crisis and promotes actionable solutions to address these challenges. By connecting investors with project owners across the continent, the Indaba facilitates impactful partnerships that drive much-needed investment into agriculture. These investments are crucial for increasing productivity, enhancing food security, creating jobs, and promoting sustainable practices, all of which contribute to combating hunger across Africa.

Investment into Africa’s agriculture sector can play a transformative role in reducing hunger across thecontinent by improving food production, creating sustainable livelihoods, and addressing systemic inefficiencies. With better access to modern farming tools, technologies, and high-quality inputs, farmers can increase crop yields and enhance food availability. Investments in infrastructure, such as roads and storage facilities, also help reduce post-harvest losses and ensure food reaches markets efficiently, making nutritious food more affordable.

“The Indaba is a networking powerhouse, bringing together governments, financiers, agribusinesses, and development agencies. It encourages partnerships that are focused on sustainability by promoting investment in technologies, regenerative agriculture, and food systems that are resilient to climate change” commented Ben Leyka, CEO of the African Agri Council.

Additionally, by promoting sustainable agricultural practices and building climate resilience, investment protects food production from extreme weather events. Job creation in farming and agribusiness further boosts rural economies, while improved market access and financial support for smallholders drive economic growth. Together, these efforts enhance food security and help Africa move closer to eradicating hunger by 2030.

ABOUT THE AFRICAN AGRI INVESTMENT INDABA (AAII)

The 7th African Agri Investment Indaba (AAII) is the global meeting place for agrifood investment in Africa. Bringing together over 800 key stakeholders – from governments, banks, financiers, investors, project owners, project developers, commercial farmers and the agro and food processing industry – to discuss trends that will likely influence food and agribusiness economics over the next decade in Africa. The Agri Indaba delivers a unique mix of decision makers from across the food and agriculture value chain making it the most effective place to conduct business in the sector.

ABOUT BEN LEYKA

Ben Leyka is the Chief Executive Officer and a Board Member of the African Agri Council (AAC). The African Agri Council is a Pan-African organization that promotes the development of Africana griculture by facilitating investment into bankable projects across the value chain.

Over the years, Ben has worked with global stakeholders within the public and private sector across different industries. Working for the Pan African Parliament, African Leadership Academy and now the African Agri Council, combined with his experience working in the private sector (DRC Invest, Nexus of Agri, Capital Surge and Equitics Holding) has allowed him to add his voice to the development of Africa. His love and passion towards the development of the African continent is the driver behind his work at the African Agri Council and commitment to achieving Zero Hunger by 2030.

For more information contact: eventhost@agricouncil.org

References:

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (2023) Alarm bells ignored as Africa continues to face deepening food crisis. Available at: https://www.fao.org/newsroom/detail/alarm-bells-ignored-as-africa-continues-to-face-deepening-food-crisis/en (Accessed: 4 September 2024).