Tanzania is emerging as a beacon of hope for Africa’s food security. President Samia Suluhu Hassan proudly announced the nation’s achievement of 128% food self-sufficiency. This remarkable feat has eradicated hunger within its borders and positioned Tanzania as a significant exporter of surplus food to neighbouring countries.
Speaking at the World Food Prize Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue in Iowa, President Hassan emphasized the nation’s commitment to quality, accessibility, and affordability of food, as well as minimizing post-harvest losses.
A Continental Shift
African Development Bank Group President Dr Akinwumi Adesina lauded Tanzania’s leadership under President Hassan, highlighting the growing momentum across the continent towards food security and agricultural transformation. The 2023 Dakar 2 Food Summit, co-hosted by Senegal and the African Union, ignited a continental movement, mobilizing over $72 billion in investments.
Tanzania’s success story is multifaceted. It has achieved food self-sufficiency and become a major processor and exporter of cashew nuts, a sector traditionally dominated by Asian countries. The nation’s commitment to rural electrification, with nearly 100% of its villages now connected to the grid, has further empowered its agricultural sector.
Youth Powering the Future
Tanzania’s “Creating Jobs for Youth and Women” program, backed by the African Development Bank, is empowering the nation’s youth. By providing training and land, the program has already benefited over 11,000 young people, turning them into agricultural entrepreneurs.
Sierra Leone’s Food Security Drive
Sierra Leone, under the leadership of President Julius Maada Bio, is also making significant strides in its food security journey. The “Feed Salone” program has led to a 20 million-ton reduction in rice imports and a surge in agricultural productivity. President Bio emphasized the importance of agriculture as the foundation of development and invited global investors to participate in Sierra Leone’s growth story.
Africa’s Agricultural Renaissance
The Norman E. Borlaug Dialogue provided a platform to showcase Africa’s potential as a global food basket. With vast arable land and a growing population of innovative young people, the continent is poised to revolutionize its agricultural sector. By investing in technology, infrastructure, and human capital, African nations can not only feed their people but also contribute to global food security.
