How can the Global Alliance Against Hunger & Poverty work for Africa?

Africa is at a pivotal moment in history as it leverages key platforms such as the G20 presidency and the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty to advance its development outcomes. The continent's emergence onto the global stage is marked by South Africa's assumption of the G20 presidency, a milestone achieved after years of lobbying for full membership. This move signifies Africa's growing influence in shaping discussions around economic growth, food security, and artificial intelligence. Ibrahim Mayaki, the African Union Special Envoy for Food Systems, sheds light on how Africa can harness the power of the G20 and the Global Alliance to drive its development agenda forward. The continent's participation in the G20 is crucial as it ensures Africa has a voice in global economic cooperation and decision-making processes. In a world where multilateralism is waning and protectionism is on the rise, Africa must assert its interests on the global stage. The Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, championed by President Lula da Silva of Brazil, underscores the need to address the root causes of food insecurity and poverty. The alliance emphasizes that these issues stem from political decisions rather than a lack of resources, highlighting the need for coordinated efforts to combat these challenges. Mayaki stresses the importance of South-South cooperation in addressing food insecurity and poverty, calling for a united front in tackling these urgent issues. He emphasizes the need for synergies between global and continental initiatives to promote food security, such as the Zero Hunger Coalition and the post-Malabo strategy. Africa's agricultural potential is highlighted as a key solution to global food insecurity, with the continent possessing the largest proportion of arable land and a burgeoning youth population. Mayaki underscores the importance of investing in agro-industrialization and strengthening food systems for resilience to ensure sustainable development. However, challenges remain, particularly in securing funding for agro-industrialization and enhancing integration among African countries. Mayaki calls for increased domestic resource mobilization and the development of investable projects to attract private investors. The path to Africa's sustainable development lies in transformative leadership, integration, and economic diversification through agro-industrialization. As the continent navigates a rapidly changing global landscape, strategic investments in food security and economic growth will be paramount to securing a prosperous future for Africa and its people.