By Tatenda Chitagu in Dakar, Senegal
The United Kingdom (UK) has donated GBP 5 million to help boost Africa’s food systems.
The donation has been announced by British Deputy Leader of the House of Lords, Lord Collins of Highbury, the Minister for Africa, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) at the official opening of the Africa Food Systems Forum (AFSF) today in Dakar, Senegal.
The money will be channelled through AGRA (formerly the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa), a non-governmental organisation focused on improving agriculture.
“We know that agriculture remains under-invested despite employing over half of Africa’s workforce and making up to 20 percent of its GDP. We want to help Africa meet growing global demand for food. For example, British investment has put close to GBP32 million in Cashel processing in Côte d’Ivoire helping 230 000 farmers and creating 3 500 jobs. This is cutting down on imports creating opportunities,” said Lord Collins.
Lord Collins of Highbury (picture sourced online)
He added: “But I know we must go further. That is why I am pleased to announce a new GBP5million UK partnership with AGRA, including working with the African Union and AUDA-NEPAD. The funding will help deliver the Kampala declaration, supporting efforts to grow agricultural trade and strengthen key food corridors across Africa.”
The Kampala declaration is the outcome of the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Extraordinary Summit in Uganda, which established a ten-year development plan (2026-2035) to transform Africa’s agri-food systems, increase food production and cut on post-harvest losses. Adopted in January 2025, the declaration succeeds the Malabo Declaration and focuses on building resilient and sustainable agri-food systems.
Lord Collins said the United Kingdom was inspired by Africa’s response to the climate crisis and attempts to improve its food systems.
“We meet at a critical time of real challenges-climate shocks, economic uncertainty and declining aid are affecting lives across the continent. But what stands out is Africa’s response: decisive leadership, home-grown solutions and renewed commitments to transforming agriculture. The Kamapala Declaration is exactly the kind of bold African framework that can drive change.
“Africa is signalling its intent to shape its own future. The UK is proud to be a partner in these efforts. We are committed to a new approach to working with Africa, an approach built on long term partnerships, mutual respect and shared interests,” said Lord Collins.
He said the UK welcomes these African ambitions and is ready to support them.
“With the global food market worth US$7 trillion, this donation presents a big opportunity for Africa’s agribusiness. It will not just boost development but also strengthen our shared food security and resilience. So let us continue working together to raise more money, promote African ownership and champion trade. Together, we must harness the energy and potential of Africa’s youths to build a brighter future for the continent,” he said.
Despite having the biggest chunk of arable land worldwide-60 percent-and vast water bodies, Africa still faces food shortages and faced an annual food import bill of $115 billion last year. Economists warn the figure is projected to rise if no major interventions occur to boost food production and reduce dependence on imports.
Originated in 2006 as the African Green Revolution Conference, the AFSF has since evolved into a pivotal platform for public and private sector collaboration to advance food system development across Africa. It is convened on different themes and in different African regions, gathering Heads of State, ministers, business leaders, development partners, farmers, youth, women and more to work together to identify measures for action and policies for advancing the continental agenda on food system development.
This year, the AFSF is going under the theme; Africa’s Youth: Leading Collaboration, Innovation, and the Implementation of Agri-Food Systems Transformation.
Among the dignitaries in attendance are host president, Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye; Rwandese president Paul Kagame; Hailemariam Dessalegn, Former Prime Minister of Ethiopia and Chair of AGRA and TradeMark Africa and senior government ministers and several leaders of International Non-Governmental Organizations (INGOs).