Unlocking Africa's food potential: Innovation, investment & growth

Africa's food systems are on the brink of a significant transformation, with a burgeoning population and a rising demand for food presenting vast opportunities for innovation, investment, and sustainable growth across the continent. In a recent interview with CNBC Africa, Betty Kibaara from the Rockefeller Foundation discussed the pivotal role of organic fertilizers in enhancing crop productivity in Africa. She highlighted how the African Union's recognition of organic fertilizers as bio-inputs has paved the way for enhanced productivity, with studies showing an eightfold increase in crop yields when compared to purely virgin soil. This recognition has created a compelling case for businesses to invest in organic fertilizers, as the market is primed for growth. Kibaara emphasized that converting waste materials into valuable resources, such as organic fertilizers, presents a notable opportunity for businesses to contribute to sustainable agriculture and economic development in Africa. Moreover, Kibaara underscored the immense potential that school feeding programs hold in bolstering local economies and fostering business growth. With over 418 million children worldwide benefiting from school feeding initiatives, including approximately 65 million in Africa alone, the impact of these programs on child development and education is substantial. Kibaara drew from her personal experience as a beneficiary of a school feeding program in Kenya, highlighting the program's role in keeping children in school, improving their performance, and fostering community engagement. She explained how school feeding programs could also serve as a platform for promoting local sourcing of food, thereby creating opportunities for farmers and businesses to participate in supplying nutritious meals to schools. One key strategy in enhancing the nutritional value of school meals is the development of fortified whole grains, which aim to preserve essential nutrients lost during traditional food processing methods. Businesses in collaboration with organizations like the Rockefeller Foundation are working to produce fortified whole grain products, offering a more nutrient-rich alternative for school feeding programs. By engaging with partners in countries like Rwanda, Burundi, Namba, and Benin, these initiatives are not only promoting healthier eating habits among students but also creating economic opportunities for local enterprises. Additionally, Kibaara highlighted the importance of the Good Food Innovation Fund in supporting private sector partners to develop innovative food products for school feeding programs, such as precooked beans that reduce energy consumption and offer convenience to schools. Furthermore, Kibaara emphasized the growing momentum of the Global School Meals Coalition, with about 40 African countries already committing to investing in school feeding programs. This coalition signifies a collective effort by governments to prioritize nutrition and education for their youth, with a focus on sourcing food locally and engaging private sector actors in the supply chain. The convergence of government support, private sector involvement, and innovative food solutions underscores the significant opportunities for businesses to tap into the burgeoning school feeding market in Africa. As the continent's food systems undergo a period of evolution and expansion, partnerships between businesses, governments, and organizations like the Rockefeller Foundation are poised to drive sustainable growth, nourish communities, and unlock Africa's food potential.