Africa Forward Summit Places Agriculture at the Centre of Africa–France Partnership

May 13, 2026

Photo: The Star

Agriculture and food systems emerged as a central pillar of discussions at the Africa Forward Summit held from 11–12 May 2026 in Nairobi, Kenya, where African leaders, investors and development partners called for stronger investments in agricultural value chains, food sovereignty and climate-resilient food systems across the continent.

The Summit, co-hosted by Kenya and France, brought together Heads of State, development institutions, private sector leaders and civil society under a shared agenda focused on sustainable growth, trade and innovation. Agriculture was highlighted as a key driver of jobs, industrialisation and economic transformation in Africa.

French President Emmanuel Macron announced a €23 billion investment package for Africa, aimed at supporting sectors including energy, agriculture, digital technology and maritime development. The package combines €14 billion from French public and private institutions with €9 billion from African investors, and is projected to generate up to 250,000 direct jobs across Africa and France.

Discussions at the Summit emphasized the need to move beyond the export of raw commodities toward value addition, agro-processing and stronger regional agricultural trade. Delegates stressed that African food systems must become engines of economic growth, resilience and nutrition security, particularly in the face of climate change, economic shocks and rising food insecurity.

The Summit’s agriculture agenda strongly aligns with Africa’s broader continental commitments under the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP), which continues to guide agricultural transformation efforts across the continent. Participants also referenced the Kampala Declaration on Building Resilient and Sustainable Agri-Food Systems in Africa, which calls for increased investment, innovation and stronger partnerships to accelerate food systems transformation and improve livelihoods.

Leaders and stakeholders highlighted the importance of increasing public and private sector investment in climate-smart agriculture, agricultural research, digital advisory services, irrigation, mechanisation and inclusive financing for farmers and agribusinesses. There was also growing recognition that regional trade integration and stronger local processing industries will be critical for reducing Africa’s dependence on food imports and improving resilience.

Horticulture, dairy, coffee, tea and other strategic value chains featured prominently in discussions around expanding market access, increasing competitiveness and supporting smallholder farmers through innovation and technology-driven solutions.

The Summit also underscored the importance of partnerships between governments, research institutions, development agencies and the private sector in advancing sustainable agricultural development and resilient food systems. As leaders concluded discussions in Nairobi, the message was clear: Africa’s agricultural transformation will depend not only on financial commitments, but on practical investments that empower farmers, strengthen regional markets, expand local value addition and build resilient food systems capable of feeding a growing continent.