Even though Africa has the capacity to be the food basket of the world, there is alarming food insecurity around the world leaving some 700 million people facing undernourishment.
Speaking at the Africa Food Systems Forum Special Event: Sahel Government–UN Food Systems Transformation Alliance, in Dakar, Senegal, September 2, 2025, the Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) Claver Gatete noted that across the world, food insecurity has reached alarming levels, with almost 700 million people facing undernourishment in 2024, which is among the highest in decades.
Gatete said climate change is no longer a distant threat, noting that, it is already here, disrupting harvests and supply chains.
“And rising debt burdens have further narrowed the fiscal space of many developing countries, limiting their ability to invest in resilience,” he said, adding that against this backdrop, food systems transformation is a global imperative and a cornerstone for peace, stability and sustainable development.
“With the fastest growing population in the world, Africa’s food demand is projected to triple by 2050,” he said.
Ironically, however, he points out that Africa also possesses 60% of the world’s arable land and immense potential in renewable energy, digital innovation and intra-African trade through the African Continental Free Trade Area.
“If these resources are harnessed, Africa can emerge as a breadbasket for the world,” he said.
He explains further that, central to this story is the Sahel which stretches across ten nations, with 300 million citizens and endowed with fertile soils, rich ecosystems and a youth bulge that makes it one of the most dynamic regions on earth.
“Yet, it remains paradoxically dependent on food imports and spends close to $1 billion a year to meet its needs,” he stated.
Gatete asked the question, he called a simple but urgent one: “how can a region so rich in agricultural promise remain so dependent on external supplies? The answer lies in transformation – deliberate, targeted and inclusive transformation,” he said.
He indicated that evidence shows that every dollar invested in Sahel food systems can yield six to seven dollars in social and economic returns.
Few other investments carry such potential to simultaneously create jobs, strengthen resilience, reduce conflict drivers and secure long-term stability, he added.
Gatete argued that if Africa was to seize this opportunity, three priorities must guide the continent’s collective effort.
Firstly, he says “we must invest at scale and with focus.”
Noting that the Sahel cannot afford small and scattered interventions.
“What is needed are bold, transformative investments in priority value chains including rice, millet, sorghum, livestock, aquaculture and digital agriculture that directly reduce the food import bill, strengthen resilience and create jobs,” he said.
Citing the Central Sahel Flagship Programmes already mobilizing $4 billion for land restoration, solar-powered irrigation, competitive processing and youth employment, he said they are ample demonstrations that governments and partners can successfully align behind nationally led visions.
However, these should not remain isolated examples, he added.
“They must become the blueprint for the entire region, scaled and replicated across borders to build a Sahel-wide transformation.
Second, we must place inclusion and resilience at the very heart of this transformation,” he said.
He however cautioned: “We cannot speak of success if women, who are the backbone of agriculture, remain excluded from decision-making and access to finance.
The Sahel Gender Compact provides us with a practical pathway to dedicate at least 15% of programme budgets to gender-specific actions and channel 30% of resources to women-led organizations.”
“If we are to do so, we will not only advance equity but also multiply impact across nutrition, productivity and peace.
At the same time, resilience must underpin every intervention,” he said.
Gatete urged that climate-smart irrigation, soil restoration and renewable energy solutions must become standard practice and ensure that today’s investments are not washed away by tomorrow’s climate shocks.
Thirdly, he urged the unlocking of financing through innovation and partnerships.
“Public budgets alone cannot bear the weight of this transformation we are seeking.
We need blended finance facilities, green and diaspora bonds, regional food security bonds and new insurance instruments that de-risk private investment,” he said.
According to Gatete, the main challenge is not the absence of capital – the challenge is directing it towards bankable, nationally owned and regionally aligned initiatives.
“By turning food systems into investment assets, we can mobilize billions in private financing while ensuring stability and prosperity for millions of people,” he said.
He assured the gathering that the United Nations is committed to walking this journey alongside Sahelian governments.
He said through the UN Integrated Strategy for the Sahel and through its convening power at global, continental and national levels, the UN will continue to co-create solutions, de-risk investments and strengthen national ownership.
“Together with the African Union, the RECs and our partners, we will ensure that food systems in the Sahel become engines of jobs, peace and resilience” he said pointing out that the Sahel does not lack fertile land, entrepreneurial spirit, or youthful energy.
By Emmanuel K Dogbevi
Source: ghanabusinessnews.com
