The Alliance for Food Security Action in Africa (AFSAA) has announced a commitment to a $100 million in funding proposals dedicated to addressing food security challenges in Africa.
The announcement was made at a food security investment summit, a side event at the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, focused on urgent strategies to combat food insecurity across the African continent. The summit brought together leaders from various sectors, including state players, global development partners, and civil society organisations, to discuss collective and collaborative efforts aimed at enhancing food security and resilience in Africa.
Speaking at the high-profile event, the Chairman of AFSAA, Dr. Paul Abolo, announced a commitment to a $100 million in funding proposals dedicated to addressing food security challenges in Africa, strategically aligned with the upcoming COP29 climate conference. The proposals aim at mobilising resources that will support sustainable agricultural practices, improve food preservation and distribution systems, as well as enhance local capacities in Africa.
Dr. Paul Abolo added that AFSAA’s commitment comes at a perilous time when millions of people across Africa face acute food shortages due to conflicts, economic instability, and climate-related disasters. The AFSAA Chairman said that the vow follows the increased global funding pledges and promises to address global food security challenges such as the World Bank’s $45 billion global financing for operational engagement to increase food and nutrition security (FNS) which includes $13.20 billion for West and Central Africa.
In his presentation, AFSAA’s Director for Strategic Finance, Paul Stevers, stated: “By facilitating investments and funding in innovative agricultural technologies and practices, AFSAA seeks to empower farmers and local businesses while ensuring that food is accessible and affordable across the African continent.”
The side event featured keynote speeches and goodwill messages from top-notch global financiers and investors as well as development specialists who emphasised the importance of collaboration between developed and developing nations among themselves.
Concept notes for augmented agricultural production and improved food security measures were presented to emerging and established agro-allied professionals and participants underscored how the need to achieve sustainable development goals related to zero hunger requires collective and collaborative action.
All the participants present also demonstrated how shared responsibility among governments, NGOs, private sector, stakeholders, and local communities. AFSAA as a global body, reiterated its commitment to addressing food insecurity in Africa through first-rate and first- class strategies for innovation and investments.
