The Africa Food Systems Forum 2023 ended with calls to scale up existing solutions to accelerate food systems transformation.
The 13th Annual Forum provided a platform to reflect on the coordinated large-scale action by the continent’s leading thinkers, policymakers, and innovators to explore the latest breakthroughs and best practices in agriculture and food systems transformation. Speakers at the Forum called for bold thought leadership to accelerate action toward translating food systems pathways and commitments into actionable strategies, particularly to address climate. During the four-day Forum, various institutions committed to accelerating investments in youth and women and building a better tomorrow.
Hussein Mohamed Bashe, the Minister for Agriculture in Tanzania stated that his government was committed to putting youth and women at the centre of the Food Systems transformation. He acknowledged the role of the private sector and called for equitable investments.
“Smallholder farmers in Africa do not need your help, they need their right equitable share of investment in the global funding”. he said.
Mr. Amath Pathe, the Managing Director of the Africa Food Systems Forum thanked H.E Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania for the remarkable hospitality by her government. “This is the highest number of delegates the Africa Food Systems Forum has hosted so far,” he said. He highlighted the pivotal role of country-level actions in rejuvenating food systems.
Over 5400 delegates, 5 Heads of State, and 30 Ministers from 90 countries participated in the Africa Food Systems Forum 2023
The organizers say that the discussions held at the forum illustrated that collaboration remains the beacon of progress. They reinforced that partnerships among governments, businesses, civil society, farmers’ organizations, and research institutions will shape a future where sustainable and prosperous food systems shape Africa’s progress.
