The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has reinforced its commitment to advancing inclusive, investment-driven transformation of agrifood systems in Southern Africa through the Hand-in-Hand Initiative (HIH). Implemented in collaboration with the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the initiative focuses on unlocking opportunities for sustainable agricultural growth across the region.
During the SADC Industrialization Week held in Madagascar, FAO’s Subregional Coordinator for Southern Africa, Patrice Talla, highlighted the importance of data and partnerships in driving this transformation. The Hand-in-Hand Initiative uses a government-led, data-driven territorial approach to direct investments into high-potential areas. These investments aim to boost job creation, enhance food security, and support rural development. By applying geospatial technologies and real-time data analysis, the initiative helps countries prioritize investments and connect with development partners via dedicated matchmaking platforms.
The collaboration between FAO and SADC plays a crucial role in aligning national strategies with regional frameworks such as the SADC Regional Agricultural Policy and the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan. This alignment promotes coordinated investment and innovation at scale across Southern Africa.
FAO is also engaging with other Regional Economic Communities (RECs), such as the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC), to extend Hand-in-Hand initiatives to island states. These efforts focus on promoting regional integration, shared resource management, and cross-border value chains, showcasing FAO’s support for multi-country development models.
At the 2025 SADC Industrial Week, FAO presented two regional Hand-in-Hand initiatives. The Southern Africa Regional Initiative aims to strengthen value chains through investment in infrastructure, irrigation, agro-processing, mechanization, and climate-resilient technologies. It also encourages inclusive business models and regional market integration. Meanwhile, the African Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Initiative, developed with IOC member countries, promotes the blue economy, climate-smart value chains, and enhanced intra-regional trade.
These initiatives were featured at the FAO exhibition booth and during dedicated sessions, illustrating their potential to complement national investment pipelines and attract blended finance by presenting aggregated regional investment opportunities.
