AFRO WORLD AGRI FOOD INT 2025

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) have renewed their collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on March 18, 2025, in Addis Ababa. This partnership aims to advance sustainable agriculture, enhance regional integration, and build climate resilience while driving innovation and economic diversification across Africa

Today, March 25, 2025, the cocoa industry in West Africa faces mounting challenges from climate change and price volatility. Despite rising global cocoa prices, farmers in Ghana and Ivory Coast, the top producers, have yet to experience significant financial benefits. Studies predict that by 2050, up to 50% of the current cocoa-growing regions in Ivory Coast could become unsuitable due to climate change, while Ghana is also expected to face moderate losses in arable land. Meanwhile, efforts to ensure sustainable practices and reduce deforestation are underway, with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) collaborating with both countries to improve cocoa traceability systems.

India’s trade relationship with East Africa is indeed strong, but there’s still considerable untapped potential. While Indian companies have established a firm foothold in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, textiles, and FMCG goods, several emerging areas remain underutilized.

African agriculture is experiencing notable developments characterized by increased optimism, technological advancements, and concerted efforts to tackle food security and climate change challenges.

Africa’s dried fruit market is witnessing remarkable growth, fueled by rising health consciousness, urbanization, and increasing demand for nutritious and convenient snacks. As local entrepreneurs and agribusinesses drive innovation, dried fruits are no longer limited to exports — they are transforming Africa’s food industry by adding value, generating jobs, and positioning the continent as a global player.

The South African agri-business market is set for continued growth, driven by innovations in agritech, climate-smart agriculture, and expansion into export markets, according to the newly released "Agri-Business Sector in South Africa 2025".

Malaysian palm oil futures opened higher on Monday, buoyed by the stronger performance of rival edible oils in the Dalian and Chicago markets.

The African market for fruits and berries is projected to experience a gradual increase in consumption over the next decade, according to a new report by IndexBox

The African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission have signed a Protocol of Agreement for a grant of $11.78 million aimed at strengthening regional rice production, enhancing food security, and reducing West Africa’s dependence on costly rice imports.

South Africa’s agricultural sector remained a net exporter in the fourth quarter of 2024, contributing nearly 20% of the country’s total exports. However, a rise in imports and a significant drop in exports to BRIC+ nations led to a weaker trade surplus, according to the latest analysis by the Bureau for Food and Agriculture Policy (BFAP).

Soaring cocoa prices are raising interest in turning Nigeria into a more impactful player in the sector, with hopes of challenging top producers Ivory Coast and Ghana, where crops have been ravaged by climate change and disease.

Zimbabwe has set an ambitious target to increase major crop production by 340% for the 2024/25 summer season, a critical move toward achieving national food self-sufficiency. The announcement comes after the country experienced severe food shortages in 2024, leading the government to declare a national state of disaster due to widespread crop failures and famine.