Africa is poised on the cusp of an agricultural revolution. With 60% of the world’s uncultivated arable land, the continent has a unique opportunity to not only spearhead substantial economic growth but also address pressing issues of hunger and starvation. This sector, central to Africa’s economic framework, contributes to 35% of the continent’s GDP and offers employment more than any other sector.
Agriculture stands as the backbone of the African economy, engaging millions in employment across the continent. However, despite its pivotal role, the continent faces a paradoxical challenge with its high dependency on food imports.
Annually, Africa spends about US$78 billion on food imports, a staggering figure that overshadows the foreign currency receipts of nations like Zimbabwe, Guinea, and Sudan. In 2020, over 20% of Africans faced hunger, a rate significantly higher than any other region globally.
With the vast expanses of fertile, yet uncultivated land, there lies an immense potential to revolutionise the agricultural landscape. Approximately 80% of Africa’s food is produced by small-scale farmers practicing subsistence agriculture, which highlights the need for transformation to achieve large-scale production and efficiency.
From 1990 to 2021, despite a decreasing proportion of rural populations, the number of rural residents increased from 374.5 million to 687 million. This demographic shift presents not just a challenge but a significant opportunity to bolster the agricultural sector.
The United Nations’ 2030 Agenda and the African Union’s “Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want” stress the urgent need for investments in rural infrastructure, agricultural research, and sustainable practices. These investments are crucial for turning Africa into a net food exporter.
According to the African Development Bank, Africa’s food and agriculture market could escalate from US$280 billion in 2023 to US$1 trillion by 2030. Realising this potential requires strategic efforts across six key levers that can trigger an agricultural renaissance, promoting shared prosperity and enhancing livelihoods.
Africa holds the keys to its economic and food security future in its agricultural potential. Strategic investments and a shift towards sustainable and large-scale farming practices could significantly reduce the continent’s food import bills, stabilise local markets, and contribute robustly to the global food supply. Harnessing this potential is not just beneficial for Africa but essential for global stability and food security.
