The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) played a critical role in the investment discussions, mobilising over $15 billion to support projects worldwide, with a substantial portion directed toward African countries.
This funding is expected to fuel transformation in agrifood systems, addressing critical gaps in infrastructure, technology, and sustainable farming practices across the continent.
This happened at the 2024 World Food Forum (WFF) which significantly focused on investment opportunities for African countries, showcasing the continent’s potential to drive food security, sustainability, and economic growth through strategic partnerships and innovative projects.
Held under the banner of the Hand-in-Hand Investment Forum, the event spotlighted over 115 investment projects, collectively aimed at transforming agrifood systems worldwide.
Africa’s Agrifood Systems in the Spotlight
African nations took centre stage, presenting a range of investment opportunities across diverse sectors, such as poultry farming, irrigation, sustainable agriculture, and agro-processing. These projects align with the Hand-in-Hand Initiative’s goals of fostering resilience and enhancing productivity in food systems, particularly in regions prone to food insecurity. Investors from both public and private sectors were encouraged to explore partnerships that would scale up these critical projects.
Key Areas of Investment Focus
Poultry Farming and Irrigation Initiatives: Several African countries, including Lesotho, highlighted poultry farming and irrigation as priority sectors. These investments aim not only to improve local food production but also to stimulate economic activity by engaging smallholder farmers and rural communities.
Sustainable Agricultural Practices: African nations emphasised the importance of adopting sustainable farming techniques. These include climate-resilient agriculture, agroecology, and the use of digital tools to improve efficiency and productivity in the agricultural value chain.
Infrastructure and Agro-Processing: Investment opportunities in infrastructure, particularly in the development of storage facilities, transportation networks, and agro-processing plants, were also highlighted. These are crucial for reducing post-harvest losses and ensuring that farmers can access markets more efficiently.
Lesotho’s Presentation at the Forum
Lesotho, in particular, outlined its National Investment Plan (NIP), which prioritises poultry and irrigation projects as avenues for boosting food security and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. The country’s presentation emphasised the potential for these investments to uplift smallholder farmers and enhance the country’s agricultural output. By participating in the Hand-in-Hand Forum, Lesotho aims to attract both financial and technical support from international partners to drive these key initiatives.
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