15 countries invest heavily in food security and economic growth

Africa’s agricultural renaissance
In 2024, African nations are placing agriculture at the heart of their development strategies, with billions of dollars being invested into infrastructure, irrigation systems, rural development, and agricultural innovation. From boosting exports to achieving food self-sufficiency, these 15 countries are leading the charge in transforming agriculture into a sustainable pillar for economic growth.

1. Ethiopia: Large-scale transformation with ATA

• Investment: $5.5 billion in the Agricultural Transformation Agency (ATA) in 2024.
• Programs: Expanding irrigation to cover 4 million hectares by 2025.
• Production: Ethiopia remains the largest African coffee exporter and a major wheat and maize producer.
• Impact: 1.2 million jobs created in rural areas in the past 12 months.

2. Ghana: “Planting for food and jobs” expands production

• Investment: $1.3 billion allocated to agriculture in 2024.
• Programs: Planting for Food and Jobs promotes maize, rice, and cocoa cultivation.
• Impact: The program created 1.5 million jobs and increased rice production by 50%.
• Goal: Reduce food imports by 30% by 2026.

3. Nigeria: Anchor borrowers scheme drives local food production

• Investment: $1.5 billion in agricultural loans and infrastructure.
• Production: Nigeria remains the world’s largest cassava producer and aims to cut rice imports by 60% by 2025.
• Impact: Over 2 million jobs generated in 2023-24 through rice and palm oil production.

4. Angola: Agriculture as a key to diversification

• Investment: $3 billion through the FADA and the PNIA in 2024.
• Programs: National initiatives focusing on maize, cassava, and beans production.
• Impact: 8% growth in agricultural output and a 20% drop in food imports in the last year.
• Goal: Halve food import dependency by 2027.

5. Kenya: Enhancing exports and irrigation infrastructure

• Investment: $800 million in irrigation and agricultural infrastructure in 2024.
• Production: Leading exporter of tea, flowers, and coffee in Africa.
• Impact: Agriculture accounts for 30% of Kenya’s export revenue.

6. Côte d’Ivoire: Cocoa and beyond

• Investment: $2 billion in expanding cocoa production and diversifying agriculture.
• Production: The world’s largest cocoa exporter, now increasing rice and banana output.
• Impact: Agricultural exports contribute 45% to the national GDP.

7. Morocco: Sustainable irrigation and export expansion

• Investment: Over $10 billion via the Plan Maroc Vert.
• Production: Focus on fruit, vegetable, and olive oil exports.
• Impact: A 40% increase in agricultural output since 2020.

8. Egypt: Agriculture blooms in the desert

• Investment: $6 billion in agricultural expansion across desert areas.
• Production: Wheat, rice, and cotton are major crops.
• Goal: Achieve 75% self-sufficiency in wheat by 2030.

9. Rwanda: Green growth and coffee exports

• Investment: 10% of the national budget directed to agriculture.
• Programs: Strategic Plan for Agriculture Transformation (PSTA) focuses on coffee and tea exports.
• Impact: A 6% annual increase in agricultural output since 2020.

10. Zambia: Focus on maize and export growth

• Investment: $500 million in modernization and export development.
• Production: Focused on maize, soy, and cotton.
• Impact: 20% increase in agricultural exports since 2022.

11. Mozambique: Family farming and food security

• Investment: $400 million in irrigation projects and rural development.
• Production: Cassava, maize, and rice dominate the sector.
• Impact: 15% reduction in food insecurity since 2022.

12. Uganda: Agricultural innovation and export expansion

• Investment: $1 billion focused on technology and smallholder farmers.
• Production: Coffee and tropical fruits lead Uganda’s agricultural exports.
• Impact: Agricultural exports account for 70% of Uganda’s total export revenues.

13. Senegal: Irrigation and self-sufficiency goals

• Investment: $800 million in irrigation and infrastructure.
• Production: Rice, peanuts, and livestock are key sectors.
• Impact: A 60% increase in rice production over the past five years.

14. Tanzania: Agriculture first with kilimo kwanza

• Investment: $700 million through the Kilimo Kwanza initiative.
• Production: Maize, cotton, and coffee are leading products.
• Goal: Increase agricultural output by 25% by 2025.

15. South Africa: Mechanized farming and wine exports

• Investment: $1.5 billion in mechanization and agricultural exports.
• Production: Fruits, wine, and maize are major exports.
• Impact: Agricultural exports contribute 20% to South Africa’s non-oil GDP.

The investments in agriculture across Africa in 2024 reflect a growing commitment to economic diversification, job creation, and food security. These nations are adopting advanced farming technologies, expanding irrigation, and promoting exports, which not only strengthens their economies but also reduces reliance on food imports. With bold strategies in place, these 15 countries are paving the way for sustainable growth and solidifying agriculture as a critical engine for prosperity.

As Africa’s agricultural sector continues to develop, the continent stands on the brink of becoming a global leader in food production and innovation, ensuring long-term resilience and economic independence.