Ghana has demonstrated strong leadership in advancing agrifood innovation at the Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) regional initiative aimed at transforming food systems in Africa. By actively supporting policies and initiatives that promote sustainable agriculture, digital technologies, and climate-smart practices, Ghana is positioning itself as a key player in reshaping the continent’s agrifood landscape. The country’s proactive engagement highlights its commitment to food security, rural development, and inclusive economic growth.
Championing agricultural transformation across Africa as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations convenes its 14th Regional Management Team (RMT14) meeting in Accra.
The three-day gathering, held under the theme “Partnership. Innovation. Action. Learning,” has brought together over 150 leaders, technical experts, and development partners from across Africa and FAO headquarters. Discussions are centered on forging stronger partnerships, fostering innovation, scaling effective actions, and promoting continuous learning in Africa’s agrifood systems, in alignment with the FAO’s Strategic Framework 2022–2031.
Delivering the keynote address at the opening session, Ghana’s Deputy Minister for Food and Agriculture, John Dumelo, expressed Ghana’s eagerness to lead and collaborate in reshaping the continent’s agricultural future.
“Ghana is honoured to host the FAO Regional Office for Africa here in our vibrant capital, Accra,” Mr. Dumelo said. “This is more than a partnership — it is a shared vision for a resilient, inclusive, and prosperous agricultural future. Ghana stands ready to lead, to learn, and to transform.”
His remarks resonated strongly at a time when Africa faces increasing food insecurity, economic headwinds, and the escalating impacts of climate change. Dumelo emphasized that transforming agriculture is crucial not just for food security, but also for spurring economic development, creating jobs for young people, and ensuring environmental sustainability.
Celebrating Eight Decades of Agricultural Action
The RMT14 meeting coincides with FAO’s 80th anniversary, a milestone underscoring the organization’s longstanding commitment to ending hunger and enhancing agrifood systems worldwide. FAO Deputy Director-General Maurizio Martina reflected on the occasion, describing the event as both a celebration and a call to renewed action.
“Partnership, innovation, action, learning — these ideas are deeply interconnected. As we commemorate 80 years of FAO, we recognize that our mission is more urgent than ever,” Martina said.
Similarly, FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Africa, Abebe Haile-Gabriel, challenged participants to move beyond “business as usual,” advocating for a bold embrace of technological, financial, programmatic, and policy innovations. He pointed to encouraging strides across Africa, including the expanded reach of the FAO’s Hand-in-Hand Initiative, now active in 37 countries.
Shaping Africa’s Agrifood Future
Over the course of the meeting, participants will engage in critical discussions around:
- Tracking progress under FAO’s Strategic Framework;
- Mobilizing resources for sustainable agrifood transformation;
- Scaling up innovations to strengthen food security and climate resilience;
- Aligning efforts with Africa’s Post-Malabo CAADP 2026–2035 Strategy;
- And advancing the empowerment of youth and women in agriculture.
A special exhibition, “FAO at 80: 365 Days of Action in Africa,” is running alongside the conference, highlighting the organization’s achievements and future ambitions across the continent.
With participation from African Union representatives, FAO Subregional Coordinators, technical experts, and development partners, RMT14 serves as a reminder that collaborative action is crucial for delivering a food-secure Africa.
Last Updated on April 29, 2025 by Senel Media
