Johannesburg – Agriculture is emerging as one of Africa’s most promising sectors for sustainable development, with positive impacts on food security, job creation, and economic growth. In 2024, the continent has seen significant advances in agricultural innovation, investments, and public policy aimed at transforming the sector and making it a solid foundation for Africa’s development.
Agriculture currently accounts for about 23% of Africa’s GDP and employs over 60% of the economically active population. With a rapidly growing youth population and an estimated need for 275 million new jobs by 2030, the agricultural sector stands as a vital solution to meet this demand. According to the African Development Bank (AfDB), annual investments of up to $50 billion are needed to unlock agriculture’s full potential and drive economic development across the continent.
In 2024, several African countries have ramped up investments and policies focused on agriculture. Nigeria, for instance, announced a $1.5 billion smallholder support program aimed at modernizing equipment, training, and providing access to agricultural technologies. Kenya has launched a sustainable farming initiative, investing in irrigation systems and regenerative agriculture, with the goal of increasing agricultural production by 40% by 2026.
Transforming Africa’s agricultural sector offers numerous advantages:
- Food Security: Boosting local production reduces reliance on food imports, strengthening food security across the continent. In 2024, it’s estimated that Africa spends around $40 billion on food imports, a sum that could be redirected to local economies with increased domestic production.
- Job Creation: With a youthful population seeking opportunities, agriculture provides a vast field for job creation. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reports that Africa’s agricultural sector could create approximately 30 million jobs by 2030, especially in food processing, logistics, and distribution.
- Infrastructure Development: Investing in agriculture spurs the development of transportation and storage infrastructure. Inadequate infrastructure still causes up to 40% post-harvest losses in some regions. Programs like the AfDB’s agricultural infrastructure initiative, which envisions $7 billion in investments by 2025, aim to reduce these losses and ensure agricultural products reach markets more efficiently.
- Training and Technology: Countries like Morocco and Rwanda are investing in farmer training focused on technologies like drones, climate monitoring, and digitalized irrigation management. Technological advancements not only boost productivity but also enhance sustainability by optimizing water use and reducing soil degradation.
Compared to other regions, Africa still faces challenges in maximizing its agricultural productivity. However, while the European Union and the United States heavily subsidize agriculture, Africa is moving toward sustainability and innovation. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) provides a unique opportunity to strengthen intra-African trade, allowing agricultural products to circulate more easily across borders and creating robust regional markets.
Although Africa has vast arable land, only about 10% is irrigated, in contrast to 37% in Asia. This infrastructure gap remains a significant hurdle, along with the need for accessible credit and financing for small farmers.
The outlook for Africa’s agricultural sector is promising. With government commitments and support from international organizations, Africa is on the path toward a significant transformation in agricultural production. In 2024, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and AfDB launched a joint $15 billion program focused on supporting small farmers, strengthening value chains, and encouraging youth participation in the sector.
Agriculture has the potential not only to meet Africa’s domestic food needs but also to position the continent as a major exporter of agricultural products. By investing in agricultural development, Africa is building a solid foundation for growth, promoting not only economic development but also resilience and environmental sustainability.
