News in brief:
-Â US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken outlined a vision for Africa sustainable development and self-sufficiency in Africa’s food production.
– He praised investments by the AfDB and AfricaRice’s collaborations towards making the continent a net contributor to global food production.
In a speech delivered in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken outlined a vision for African agriculture that prioritises sustainable development and self-sufficiency. He recognised the crucial role of innovative solutions in addressing food security challenges on the continent during the address.
Blinken, along with representatives from the African Development Bank (AfDB) and AfricaRice, applauded the significant strides being made to transform Africa into a global food hub. The emphasis, he noted, is not just on self-sufficiency but also on positioning Africa as a net exporter. A sentiment he pointed out was echoed by US President Joe Biden’s commitment to seeing Africa not only feed itself but also contribute to global food security.
Blinken commended the AfDB’s investments in sustainable production, praising their effectiveness in addressing critical aspects such as financial intermediation, project financing, trade facilitation, and advisory services. He also highlighted the collaboration with AfricaRice, acknowledging the organisation’s longstanding commitment to maximizing crop yields and developing resilient crops capable of withstanding climate change and extreme weather events.
One of the key initiatives highlighted was the Vision for Adapted Soil and Crops (VACS), which he said aims to adapt not only rice but other nutritious traditional crops to be climate-resilient. This adaptation, combined with advanced soil mapping technology, forms a powerful combination to revolutionise productive capacity across Africa.
The US Secretary of State envisioned a future where Africa not only achieves self-sufficiency but becomes a net contributor to global food production. He stressed the numerous societal benefits of this vision, including job creation, economic activity, and the empowerment of women in the agricultural sector.
Recognising the pivotal role women play in this initiative, the Secretary expressed admiration for their contributions and cited the potential $28 trillion boost to the global economy if women achieved equal participation in the workplace.
Blinken concluded by reaffirming the United States’ commitment to partnering with African nations in achieving this transformative vision for agriculture. He acknowledged that feeding a child is a fundamental need that can drive profound societal change.
