The message came during the Africa Food Systems Forum in Kigali, where agriculture leaders and investors gathered to discuss ways of building stronger and more productive food systems across the continent.
IFAD Vice President Geraldine Mukeshimana said greater access to finance is essential if African farmers are to invest in better production, expand their businesses and take part in growing agricultural markets.
Smallholder farmers remain central to Africa’s food production, but many still struggle to access affordable loans and other financial services. Women and young people often face additional barriers despite their important role in agriculture and food businesses.
Recent financing initiatives in Rwanda show how partnerships between development institutions and financial organisations can help close that gap. IFAD, Bank of Kigali and Aceli Africa recently announced a financing partnership expected to benefit more than 35,000 smallholder farmers, particularly women and young people.
The focus on finance comes as African countries look to agriculture not only as a source of food, but also as a major area for business, employment and investment.
The Africa Food Systems Forum says investment in inclusive and sustainable food systems can help create jobs, improve resilience and support economic growth. Its programmes increasingly focus on women and youth as key participants in Africa’s agricultural transformation.
For Africa, expanding access to finance could allow more farmers and agricultural entrepreneurs to move beyond small-scale production and build businesses that serve both local and international markets.
The challenge now is ensuring that investment reaches the people working at the heart of Africa’s food systems.
