Bayer convened a high-level dialogue with AGRA, the African Union (AU) and First National Bank (FNB) during last week’s B20 Summit in South Africa. The session brought together policymakers, development partners and industry leaders to discuss the urgent reforms needed to strengthen Africa’s food systems.
With climate pressure intensifying, economic shocks persisting, and global supply chains facing disruption, participants underlined the need for resilience, innovation and sustained investment to unlock Africa’s agricultural potential.
“Partnerships, Not Fragmentation”
Debra Mallowah, Head of Crop Science at Bayer Africa, urged faster, coordinated action across the sector.
“This decade must be defined by partnerships and not fragmentation. Implementation instead of intention is key,” she said, adding that Africa has the land, youth, creativity and resilience to feed itself and contribute to global food security. “What we do not have is time. 2030 is approaching rapidly and the window for decisive action is narrowing.”
Representing AUDA-NEPAD, Dr. Ildephonse Musafiri stressed the importance of joint responsibility between public and private actors.
“Africa’s transformation will not come from isolated efforts. When the public and private sectors align their priorities, we unlock the systems-change that farmers, markets and communities urgently need,” he said.
Investment Gaps Persist
AGRA President Alice Ruhweza noted that although agriculture remains the continent’s largest employer and contributes around 25% of Africa’s GDP, it attracts only 2% of public investment.
“Food is critical, but it does not receive the same level of attention as sectors like manufacturing,” she said, calling for greater investment in agri-food systems across the continent.
Speakers emphasised reforms that prioritise smallholder productivity, improved intra-African food trade, blended finance models, and wider adoption of digital and scientific tools capable of withstanding climate and economic pressures.
There was broad agreement that Africa has the natural resources and human capital needed for food sovereignty, but action must accelerate.
Building on the discussions held throughout the summit, Mildred Nadah Pita, Vice Chair of Sustainable Agricultural Food Systems at Bayer, said the conversations reflect a growing confidence in Africa’s ability to transform its food systems. She noted that both Bayer and G20 partners see this as a pivotal moment for agricultural growth on the continent.
“As a life science company, we believe the time for Africa’s agricultural transformation is now — and the G20 countries share this view,” she said. Mildred added that President Cyril Ramaphosa’s closing remarks, declaring Africa open for business, reinforce this momentum. She emphasised that Bayer will continue focusing on farmer-ready innovations, including locally adapted seed varieties and climate-resilient technologies, developed in collaboration with partners to help farmers manage the pressures that threaten food production.
