U.S. Chamber of Commerce releases roadmap to empower African farmers

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce released a white paper titled “Enabling Ecosystems: Fostering Environments that Support Agricultural Development for Smallholder Farmers in Africa” that offers practical recommendations to improve the lives of Africa’s smallholder farmers. The report emphasizes the importance of using the private sector to boost the continent’s agricultural yields. It also highlights the need for policy reforms, increased private sector engagement, and improved infrastructure to improve farmers’ access to markets and inputs. 

The paper was released at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce-hosted Forum on Advancing the U.S.-Africa Commercial Partnership for a Prosperous Future, which took place one year after the 2022 U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit. The Forum brought together private sector leaders, U.S. government officials, and members of the African Diplomatic Corps to build on the Summit’s progress and ensure that its commitments and partnerships produce tangible results.

The white paper is expected to inform a December 10 discussion at the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in the United Arab Emirates. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is leading the largest-ever U.S. business delegation to the conference, and the discussion will focus on how the private sector can help Africa adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate change.

Kendra Gaither, president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s U.S.-Africa Business Center, said the time is right for a concerted global effort to realize Africa’s agricultural potential and support the continent’s efforts to become a major source of food security.

“The solutions explored in this white paper—including creative applications of blended financing, higher-quality inputs, mechanization strategies, leveraging digital farming technologies, and supply chain development—can achieve a positive chain reaction of increased employment, rising incomes, and better nutrition throughout all of Africa,”   Gaither said. 

Akinwumi Adesina, president of the African Development Bank, delivered a virtual address to the forum and commented on the white paper, noting that it is in line with the African Development Bank’s “Feed Africa” strategy and directly addresses the priorities raised by African heads of state at the Dakar 2 Summit. According to Adesina, the heads of state called for more blended finance, digital platforms and AI technology, mechanized solutions, streamlined policies, and investment in supply chains, corridors, and infrastructure for the African Continental Free Trade Area. The white paper, he said, can play a role in addressing these needs.

He added, “We at the Bank stand ready to partner with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s U.S.-Africa Business Center and its members to assist countries across the continent to realize their agricultural ambitions.”