AFRO WORLD AGRI FOOD INT 2025

Nairobi: The Kenyan government is distributing over 180,000 bags of subsidized fertilizer daily to farmers in high-production counties as the long rainy season approaches, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe announced.

When crop scientist Michael Frei grew up in Germany in the 1980s, television screens were filled with heartbreaking images of poverty, drought, and famine across Africa. The devastating Ethiopian famine of 1984 inspired him to engage in campaigns and fundraising, eventually leading him to pursue a career in agronomy, specializing in sustainable plant production and global food security.

Morocco exported a record 56,700 tonnes of avocados worth US$179 million during the 2023/24 season, marking a 25% increase from the previous year, according to EastFruit.

March 28, 2025 – The African soft drink market is on track for consistent growth over the next decade, driven by rising consumer demand and population growth. According to recent market data, the market is expected to register a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of +3.4% from 2024 to 2035, with market volume projected to reach 156 billion litres by 2035. In value terms, the market is anticipated to expand at the same CAGR of +3.4%, reaching $105.5 billion by the end of the forecast period.

With its focus on strengthening agricultural investment and trade across Africa, the BRICS+ summit is set to create significant opportunities for growth, collaboration, and empowerment of smallholder farmers on the continent.

Faced with the worst drought in over 40 years, Zimbabwe’s small-scale farmers are turning to traditional, drought-resistant crops such as pearl millet, finger millet, and sorghum. As the Zimbabwean government shifts policy to promote these resilient grains, experts see a growing market and increased consumer interest—although changing preferences still pose a challenge.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) have renewed their collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on March 18, 2025, in Addis Ababa. This partnership aims to advance sustainable agriculture, enhance regional integration, and build climate resilience while driving innovation and economic diversification across Africa

Today, March 25, 2025, the cocoa industry in West Africa faces mounting challenges from climate change and price volatility. Despite rising global cocoa prices, farmers in Ghana and Ivory Coast, the top producers, have yet to experience significant financial benefits. Studies predict that by 2050, up to 50% of the current cocoa-growing regions in Ivory Coast could become unsuitable due to climate change, while Ghana is also expected to face moderate losses in arable land. Meanwhile, efforts to ensure sustainable practices and reduce deforestation are underway, with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) collaborating with both countries to improve cocoa traceability systems.

India’s trade relationship with East Africa is indeed strong, but there’s still considerable untapped potential. While Indian companies have established a firm foothold in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, textiles, and FMCG goods, several emerging areas remain underutilized.

African agriculture is experiencing notable developments characterized by increased optimism, technological advancements, and concerted efforts to tackle food security and climate change challenges.

Africa’s dried fruit market is witnessing remarkable growth, fueled by rising health consciousness, urbanization, and increasing demand for nutritious and convenient snacks. As local entrepreneurs and agribusinesses drive innovation, dried fruits are no longer limited to exports — they are transforming Africa’s food industry by adding value, generating jobs, and positioning the continent as a global player.

The South African agri-business market is set for continued growth, driven by innovations in agritech, climate-smart agriculture, and expansion into export markets, according to the newly released "Agri-Business Sector in South Africa 2025".