Africa calls for greater investments

Harare- African leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders have renewed the call for greater investment and the adoption of agricultural technologies to boost food security across the African continent.

A series of discussions mapped investment opportunities on Financing AgTech Solutions: Aligning Capital, Risk, and Innovation.

The African Conference on Agricultural Technology (ACAT) 2025 in Rwanda saw a convergence of high-level discussions from African leaders aimed at empowering farmers and driving inclusive innovation in agriculture.

Nigerian former President Goodluck Jonathan called for strengthened biosafety regulations, rural infrastructure investment, and agricultural budget alignment to reassure investors and drive sustainable growth.

"Africa must make progress and move forward. It’s time for governments, the private sector, civil society, and farmers to work hand-in-hand,” Jonathan said.

However, the delegates also highlighted the need for private sector involvement, youth inclusion, and risk-sharing mechanisms to support innovation.

Speaking at the official opening ceremony, Rwanda’s Prime Minister, Édouard Ngirente, revealed the importance of building supportive ecosystems that include enabling policies, improved infrastructure, and better access to finance.

“The voices and agency of farmers themselves must shape the solutions we develop and promote.

"Let's use the platform to forge partnerships that translate ideas into tangible impacts for smallholder farmers," Ngirente said.