By Abbas Nazil
The African Development Bank (AfDB) is spearheading a major transformation in Africa’s agricultural sector through strategic initiatives that enhance food security, boost productivity, and improve value chains.
Under the theme: ‘Making Africa’s Capital Work Better for Africa’s Development,’ the bank’s efforts illustrate how mobilizing resources can drive structural change in agriculture.
Three key programs—the Agricultural Hubs, the Emergency Food Aid Programme, and the Dakar 2 Commitments—are proving instrumental in reshaping Africa’s agricultural landscape.
One of the flagship initiatives, the Agricultural Hubs, is revolutionizing the sector by consolidating production and marketing efforts.
In Côte d’Ivoire, the 2PAI-Bélier project has enhanced agricultural efficiency by establishing two consolidation centers in Tiébissou, benefiting small-scale farmers.
These hubs serve as commercial service platforms for producers, buyers, and consumers, significantly improving market access.
The initiative has expanded to several other African countries, including Guinea, Mali, Madagascar, Senegal, Togo, Ethiopia, and Nigeria.
In Nigeria, the program has been implemented across seven states, focusing on key crops such as cocoa, rice, cassava, and tomatoes.
To further support agro-industrial growth, the Bank launched the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) initiative, investing $1.1 billion with co-financing from partners like the Islamic Development Bank, IFAD, Afreximbank, the EU, and EXIM Bank Korea.
So far, 27 zones have been established in 13 countries, accelerating agricultural industrialization and boosting regional trade.
To address food insecurity following the global disruptions caused by the Russia-Ukraine war in 2022, the AfDB established the African Emergency Food Production Facility.
This $1.5 billion initiative has provided certified seeds, fertilizers, and technical support to millions of farmers across 33 African countries, ensuring continuity in food production.
The program has yielded impressive results, with farmers experiencing significant improvements in productivity.
In Burundi, the Tsindinzara cooperative, covering 200 hectares, received hybrid maize seeds and inputs, leading to a remarkable maize production of 800 tonnes in the 2023-2024 season.
Similar successes have been recorded in Senegal, Guinea, and Djibouti, where small-scale farmers have benefited from increased yields and improved agricultural resilience.
In addition to infrastructure and emergency support, the AfDB has been instrumental in promoting high-impact agricultural technologies.
The Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT) initiative, launched in 2018, has attracted investments from financial institutions and the private sector to modernize African agriculture.
This initiative led to the Dakar 2 “Feed Africa” Summit in January 2023, where 34 African governments pledged to increase budgetary allocations to agriculture in alignment with the Malabo Declaration.
The goal is to allocate at least 10% of public expenditure to agriculture, ensuring sustainable growth and improved food security.
By integrating financial resources, human capital, and technological advancements, the AfDB is driving a long-term transformation in Africa’s agricultural sector.
These initiatives are fostering resilient food systems, enhancing productivity, and strengthening value chains across the continent.
The Bank remains committed to sustaining this progress through its 2024-2033 strategy, ensuring Africa’s agricultural sector continues to thrive and support economic development.