Africa Needs 100 Billion USD to Transform its Food Systems by 2035

Addis Ababa, May 5, 2025 (ENA) -- AUDA-NEPAD stressed the need for Africa to unlock climate-smart, inclusive financing that supports smallholder farmers and reduces investment risks in order to truly transform its food systems.

At the United Nations Food Systems Summit +4 Preparatory Meeting in Nairobi, AUDA-NEPAD’s Director of Agriculture, Food Systems and Environmental Sustainability, Estherine Lisinge-Fotabong, delivered a crucial message.

 

She said Africa needs 100 billion USD in public and private investments by 2035 to truly transform its food systems.

To get there, she emphasized the need to unlock climate-smart, inclusive financing that supports smallholder farmers and reduces investment risks, strengthen regional value chains by investing in agro-industrial corridors, post-harvest infrastructure, and trade facilitation in line with the AfCFTA.

 

She also mentioned about the importance of harnessing innovative financing like diaspora bonds, green finance, and blended models to boost agrifood SMEs.

It’s time to invest boldly, think innovatively, and act inclusively to feed Africa’s future, the director urged.