Agri-Business Boom in 1,000 with New Processing Plant in Nairobi

Nairobi, Kenya – African leaders have called for accelerated investment in agriculture, emphasizing the need for African-led solutions that enhance food security, economic growth, and youth engagement. The appeal was made during a high-level roundtable organized by the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York. Participants stressed that a resilient and prosperous Africa depends on transforming agriculture into a driver of sustainable development and inclusive economic opportunity.
H.E. Moses Vilakati, Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Development at the African Union Commission, highlighted the importance of integrating modern technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, the Internet of Things, and digital platforms into traditional farming systems. He argued that making agriculture attractive and profitable for young people is critical to unlocking Africa’s agricultural potential, which includes vast arable land, abundant water resources, and a dynamic youth population. Vilakati emphasized that nutrition, sustainability, and climate-smart practices must be central to Africa’s food systems to ensure long-term impact.
The event also featured remarks from H.E. Prof. Muhammadou M.O. Kah, AATF Board Trustee and Gambia’s ambassador to the UN in Geneva, who urged investors to embrace innovations ranging from precision mechanization to digital farm management. He highlighted that such investments would not only yield strong financial returns but also deliver measurable social benefits by improving efficiency, building resilience to climate change, and enhancing food and nutrition security. The forum underscored that access to capital remains a critical enabler for agricultural innovation, a point echoed by Martin Davies, Global Head of Nuveen Natural Capital.
Looking ahead, leaders called for supportive policy and regulatory frameworks that facilitate investment in agricultural technologies while harmonizing continental regulations. By fostering innovation, strengthening partnerships, and mobilizing both local and international investment, Africa is poised to advance its agricultural transformation. The leaders concluded that such strategic action could position the continent as a global benchmark for sustainable, inclusive, and technologically driven agriculture.