The United Kingdom (UK) has announced a £5 million partnership with the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) to promote agricultural trade and strengthen food systems in Nigeria and other African countries.
The announcement was made by Lord Collins of Highbury, UK Minister for Africa at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), during the ongoing Africa Food Systems Forum (AFSForum2025) in Dakar, Senegal, on Monday.
According to Lord Collins, the collaboration aims to support the Kampala Declaration and unlock Africa’s vast agribusiness potential, which employs over half of the continent’s workforce and contributes nearly 20% to its Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
“It gives me huge pleasure today to announce a new £5 million UK partnership with AGRA, including working with the African Union”.
“This funding will help deliver the Kampala declaration supporting efforts to grow agricultural trade and strengthen key food corridors across Africa,” he stated.
He further highlighted agriculture’s underinvestment despite its vital contribution to Africa’s economy.
“We know that agriculture remains underinvested despite it employing over half of Africa’s workforce and making up nearly 20 per cent of its GDP. With the global food market worth $7 trillion, this represents the opportunity for Africa’s agribusinesses.”
Lord Collins also praised Africa’s resilience and proactive leadership in addressing the climate crisis and driving food system reforms.
“We meet at a critical time of real challenges. Climate shocks, economic uncertainty and declining aid are affecting lives across the continent. But what stands out is Africa’s response, decisive leadership, homegrown solutions, and a renewed commitment to transforming agriculture.”
He stressed that the Kampala Declaration and its 10-year strategy are bold frameworks capable of driving long-term change, noting Africa’s intent to shape its future.
“The United Kingdom is proud to be a partner in these efforts. We are committed to a new approach to working with Africa, one built on long-term partnerships, mutual respect, and shared interests”.
“Countries want to diversify economies, gain more value from natural resources, and build resilience to global shocks.”
The UK’s commitment also extends to strengthening Africa’s role in the global food market.
“We also want to help Africa meet growing global demand for food. For example, British International Investment has invested close to £32 million in cashew processing in Côte d’Ivoire”.
“Our work with ECOWAS and COMESA is helping establish platforms that connect governments and businesses in rice production and open new opportunities in horticulture. This is reducing imports and creating new opportunities across Africa.”
Source: This Day
Image Credit: Premium Times
