An enabling environment is critical for investment in agricultural innovation
[Nairobi, Kenya, September 2025]: African leaders have called for faster growth in agriculture through African-led solutions that deliver measurable returns on investment in the sector, strengthen partnerships, and drive innovation for a more resilient and prosperous continent.
The call was made at an AATF high-level roundtable held on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80), held in September 2025, in New York, USA, where leaders emphasized the urgency of transforming agriculture into a driver of sustainable growth, food security, and economic opportunity across Africa.
While addressing the roundtable, H.E. Moses Vilakati, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Development at the African Union Commission, noted that Africa must make agriculture aspirational for the youth by integrating modern technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and digital platforms into traditional farming systems, while creating value chains that are profitable, sustainable, climate-smart, and most importantly, attractive to young people.
“The future of African agriculture lies in African technology, tailored to our realities and driven by our innovators,” said H.E. Vilakati, adding that Africa possesses unparalleled agricultural potential, from vast arable lands and abundant water resources to a dynamic youth population that is both an asset and the foundation of a transformative agenda.
He pointed out that nutrition, health, and sustainability must be embedded in Africa’s food systems by adopting a holistic approach, addressing productivity, climate adaptation, and the human dimension of agriculture. “Africa is ready to lead its agricultural renaissance, with bold ideas, strategic partnerships, and unwavering commitment. Let us seize this opportunity to shape a future where African agriculture is a global benchmark for innovation, equity, and impact,” said H.E. Vilakati.
The host of the event, H.E. Prof. Muhammadou M. O. Kah, AATF Board Trustee, who is also the ambassadour and permanent representative of The Gambia to the UN Office in Geneva and World Trade Organization, noted that African agricultural landscape and food systems are changing rapidly, both in positive and exciting ways, with investment opportunities to further the continent’s agricultural transformation.
To unlock Africa’s latent productivity while advancing the continent toward food sovereignty, H.E. Prof. Kah called for the rapid adoption of innovations—ranging from precision mechanization to digital farm management—to create diverse avenues for profit and scalable impact, thus making African agriculture one of the most attractive frontiers for investors seeking both strong returns and measurable social benefit.
“Investing in advanced, climate-smart agricultural techniques and technologies offers a high-impact opportunity to drive Africa’s food security and growth. Such investments not only help farmers adapt to a rapidly changing climate but also build resilience against recurring famines. These changes can trigger and create both social and economic returns for investors,” he stated.
Further, H.E. Prof. Kah pointed out that investment in technologies that address the key needs of the community would be the priority, from a food and nutrition point of view. “These are those that address current challenges, including climate change and the related impacts of pests and diseases; food and nutrition security needs; building agriculture as a business; and improving agricultural efficiency,” he said.
The roundtable was held at TIAA’s headquarters, where Martin Davies, Global Head of Nuveen Natural Capital (a TIAA-owned company), emphasized that access to capital is fundamental to advancing agriculture in Africa and remains the key limiting factor.
In order to spur growth in the sector, the leaders noted that this would take policy and regulatory frameworks by putting in place a conducive policy and legislative framework and harmonizing regulatory processes that can allow the development and adoption of agricultural technologies and investment in the sector.
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For further information, please contact: George Achia, Communications Officer, East and Southern Africa, AATF; g.achia@aatf-africa.org, +254 785334163
