Partners in Food Solutions incoming CEO on strengthening Africa’s food security systems

Partners in Food Solutions is gearing up to tackle one of Africa's most pressing challenges - food security. With an annual food import bill of US$60 billion, the continent is heavily reliant on imported food, putting it at risk of supply chain disruptions and exchange rate fluctuations. Mandla Nkomo, the incoming CEO of Partners in Food Solutions, shares his vision for transforming Africa's food systems to be self-reliant, resilient, and affordable. Nkomo emphasizes the importance of targeting African food companies, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, to build capacity in agro-processing. By empowering these local companies to add value and produce processed food locally, Africa can reduce its dependency on imports and create a more sustainable food system. In terms of investment, Nkomo acknowledges that the transformation will require significant resources. Partners in Food Solutions has already spent 15 years working with over 2,000 companies and supporting 1.7 million smallholders. The investment needed includes funding for equipment, processes, and human capital to enable these companies to adopt best practices and meet consumer demands. Nkomo also highlights the importance of supportive policies to strengthen the food industry. He references successful examples from Southeast Asia, where infant industry policies have incentivized investments in food processing companies. By providing tax breaks, duty exemptions, and other incentives, governments can spur private sector investment and drive growth in the food industry. Overall, Nkomo's vision for transforming Africa's food systems is comprehensive and ambitious. By mobilizing resources, targeting local companies, and leveraging supportive policies, Partners in Food Solutions aims to enhance food security, create jobs, and promote economic growth across the continent.