AGRF tags TZ as champion of food security

TANZANIA is positioning itself as a champion of food security and agricultural advancement on the global stage as it fervently prepares for the eagerly awaited Africa’s Food Systems Forum 2023 Summit (AGRF-2023) in Dar es Salaam.

In preparation for the Africa’s Food Systems Forum 2023 Summit (AGRF-2023), to be hosted by President Samia Suluhu Hassan and the AGRF Partner’s Group, the country organised three notable events.

These included the inauguration of the Tanzania Agribusiness Deal Room, which fosters partnerships and investments along the food systems value chain, and the Value4Her Women in Agribusiness Convention, empowering women entrepreneurs and encouraging their active participation.

Tanzania also commenced the registration process for the AGRF-2023 Summit, highlighting its commitment to attracting investments and driving transformative change in the agricultural sector.

With its sights set on becoming a global food security hub, the leading food powerhouse in East Africa seeks to attract substantial investments in the agricultural sector at the Summit. Tanzania aims to showcase its success stories, highlight its immense potential, and captivate the attention of local and global investors seeking promising agricultural ventures.

The Minister for Agriculture, Hussein Bashe, said the summit is expected to bring together over 3,000 leaders from across the African continent to discuss transforming food systems and ensuring food security for all.

Under the visionary leadership of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Tanzania is positioning itself as a premier investment destination in Africa. This sets the stage for a successful and transformative gathering that aims to shape the future of food systems on the continent.

The Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries have emphasised that food security is a top priority for the country’s sixth phase government, emphasising its commitment to ensuring a sustainable and secure food supply and trade.

Actively engaged in event preparations, the two ministries aim to unlock the vast potential and full capacity of the agricultural sector, driving sustainable economic growth to unprecedented heights with a particular emphasis on agriculture and livestock investments.

Last week, minister Bashe inaugurated the registration process for AGRF-2023 in Dodoma. He invited agricultural stakeholders worldwide to register and participate in this momentous event.

The Summit will take place in Dar es Salaam equally from September 4–8, this year and will spotlight Africa’s crucial role in implementing innovative global food security and safety strategies.

The conference seeks to bring together agricultural stakeholders, including experts in food systems, with a strong emphasis on the active engagement of African leaders, youths, and women.

Projected data indicates a deteriorating food situation worldwide, with an estimated 50 per cent increase in food demand. “This presents a golden opportunity for Tanzania,” emphasised minister Bashe.

Minister Bashe further highlighted the significant role of innovation, sound policies, and increased investments in the agricultural sector.

He underscored the AGRF conference as a prime opportunity to explore innovative approaches that strengthen agriculture, attract more investment, and foster the development of sound policies.

The minister emphasised that Tanzania is fully geared up to leverage its potential as a thriving food hub for Africa and the world, seizing the opportunity to make a substantial impact on ensuring global food security.

Minister Bashe also stressed the importance of engaging youths and women in pursuing food security, recognising their pivotal role as catalysts for innovation and development. He called upon agricultural stakeholders and global experts in food systems to contribute their expertise, ideas, and commitment to AGRF-2023.

“In our endeavours to establish Africa as the global epicentre of food security, we must prioritise the active engagement of youths and women, harnessing their innovative potential and valuable contributions to foster the sustainable production and accessibility of safe and dependable food,” emphasised Hon. Hussein Bashe, Minister for Agriculture.

The Minister for Livestock and Fisheries, Abdallah Ulega, met with Mr Amath Pathé Sene, the Managing Director for Africa’s Food Systems Forum (AGRF), to discuss how the AGRF agricultural forum can promote investment opportunities in Tanzania’s livestock and fisheries sectors.

“At the AGRF conference, attendees will have the valuable opportunity to witness Tanzanian farmers’ impressive achievements and activities, gaining valuable insights into successful practices within the agricultural sector,” noted Mr Sene.

He emphasised the critical role of innovation, sound policies, and strategic investments in building resilient food systems.

In addition, on May 11, 2023, Permanent Secretary in Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, Prof Riziki Shemdoe, officially inaugurated the Tanzania Agribusiness Deal Room in Dar es Salaam. This milestone contributes to the AGRF’s food systems agenda by nurturing agricultural entrepreneurship and providing a conducive environment for young farmers and agripreneurs to access resources, training, and networking opportunities.

“The Agribusiness Dealroom provides a highly interactive space for various actors to engage and extend discussions in bilateral and multilateral partnerships. This, in turn, facilitates pipelines of investments along the food systems value chain,” noted Prof Shemdoe.