The Food and Agriculture Organization has reported significant progress in delivering results across Africa while setting new priorities to accelerate the transformation of agrifood systems through increased investment, innovation, and scalable solutions.
Presenting its 2024–2025 results at the 34th Session of the FAO Regional Conference for Africa, the organization highlighted a shift toward more integrated and country-led approaches. Programmes are increasingly combining emergency response, anticipatory action, and long-term system strengthening, enabling more resilient agricultural systems. Early warning and anticipatory action initiatives have already reached millions, while climate-resilient farming, digital tools, and innovation are being expanded to help farmers and governments manage growing risks.
FAO noted a transition away from fragmented projects toward territorially focused programmes that connect production, value chains, natural resource management, and resilience. This approach has improved efficiency and alignment with national priorities, embedding interventions more firmly within government systems.
Partnerships have also played a key role, with FAO expanding collaboration with governments, regional organizations, financial institutions, and the private sector. These partnerships have helped mobilize funding and translate policy priorities into investment-ready programmes. Initiatives such as South-South and Triangular Cooperation are enabling countries to replicate successful solutions at scale.
Looking ahead, FAO outlined key priorities under its Strategic Framework 2022–2031. These include boosting productivity through climate-smart technologies and mechanization, improving access to affordable and nutritious food, promoting sustainable management of land and water resources, and strengthening early warning and social protection systems.
The organization also emphasized the need to respond to mounting challenges, including climate shocks, economic instability, conflict, and declining development financing. To address these pressures, FAO is focusing on data-driven decision-making, digital innovation, and new financing models such as climate finance and blended investment.
At the same time, opportunities such as regional trade integration, green technologies, and youth-driven innovation are expected to shape the future of agrifood systems in Africa. FAO stressed the importance of scaling proven solutions and positioning itself as a systems integrator that connects policy, investment, data, and innovation.
The conference will continue with the World Food Forum – Africa, which will focus on youth engagement, innovation, and investment in agrifood systems. The event will feature a keynote by Charles Spillane and discussions on empowering young leaders and financing inclusive agricultural development.
The programme will also include the launch of a new report on women in agrifood systems in Sub-Saharan Africa, alongside the regional inauguration of the International Year of the Woman Farmer. Fatmata Binta is expected to deliver a call to action emphasizing gender equality and inclusive growth in agriculture.
As FAO moves from delivering results to scaling impact, stronger partnerships and increased investment will be critical to transforming Africa’s agrifood systems and ensuring sustainable development across the continent.
