Major clues as Tanzania hosts key food forum

Dodoma. Tanzania is positioning itself as a champion of food security and agricultural advancement on the global stage as it prepares for Africa's Food Systems Forum 2023 Summit (AGRF-2023) in Dar es Salaam.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan will host the event.

In preparation for the summit, Tanzania organised three events to mark an important milestone in the country’s journey towards hosting the summit and showcase the country's dedication to fostering sustainable and resilient food systems in Africa.

The events – held on Thursday, May 11 and Friday, May 12 - were: the inauguration of the Tanzania Agribusiness Deal Room 2023 in Dar es Salaam and the Value4Her Women in Agribusiness Convention where over 152 agripreneurs participated. The Minister of Agriculture, Mr Hussein Bashe also inaugurated the registration process for the AGRF-2023 Summit.

During the past two years, Tanzania has been positioning itself as a premier investment destination in Africa, setting the stage for a successful and transformative gathering that aims to shape the future of food systems on the continent.

Mr Bashe and his Livestock and Fisheries counterpart, Mr Abdallah Ulenga emphasised the government’s commitment to ensuring a sustainable and secure food supply and trade.

Slated for September, the five-day AGRF-2023 Summit will spotlight Africa's crucial role in implementing innovative global food security and safety strategies. The conference seeks to bring together agricultural stakeholders, including experts in food systems, with a strong emphasis on the active engagement of African leaders, youth, and women.

Mr Bashe highlighted the significant role of innovation, sound policies, and increased investments in the agricultural sector. He said the AGRF conference was a prime opportunity to explore innovative approaches that strengthen agriculture, attract more investment, and foster the development of sound policies. The Minister emphasised that Tanzania was fully geared up to leverage its potential as a thriving food hub for Africa and the world, seizing the opportunity to make a substantial impact in ensuring global food security.

Mr Bashe also stressed the importance of engaging youth and women in pursuing food security, recognising their pivotal role as catalysts for innovation and development. He called upon agricultural stakeholders and global experts in food systems to contribute their expertise, ideas, and commitment to AGRF-2023.

"In our endeavours to establish Africa as the global epicentre of food security, we must prioritise the active engagement of youth and women, harnessing their innovative potential and valuable contributions to foster the sustainable production and accessibility of safe and dependable food," he emphasised.

During the meetings, Mr Ulega met with Mr Amath Pathé Sene, the Managing Director for Africa's Food Systems Forum (AGRF) and discussed how the AGRF agricultural forum can promote investment opportunities in Tanzania's livestock and fisheries sectors.