Tanzania is establishing new standards for food self-sufficiency in Africa, inspiring hope that the continent’s fight against hunger and malnutrition can succeed. This message was highlighted by President Samia Suluhu Hassan on October 31 during a high-profile session at the World Food Prize Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue in Iowa. The session, titled “Bold Measures to Feed Africa,” was moderated by Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, president of the African Development Bank Group, and included Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio.
President Hassan addressed a full auditorium, sharing that after achieving food sufficiency, Tanzania’s focus has shifted to improving food quality, accessibility, affordability, and minimizing post-harvest losses.
Dr. Adesina commended President Hassan’s leadership and commitment, attributing Tanzania’s agricultural success to strong political will. He noted a growing trend of commitment across African nations, signaling the continent’s readiness for significant investments in agriculture and food production. Dr. Adesina also reflected on the impact of the African Development Bank’s 2023 Dakar 2 Food Summit, where 34 African Heads of State and Government gathered, resulting in over $72 billion in mobilized funds and country-specific food and agriculture agreements.
Following the Dakar 2 summit, Tanzania returned with a signed compact to boost agricultural productivity and pledged strong support for farmers through institutional and policy reforms. “We realized that not investing in agriculture is far more costly than prioritizing it,” President Hassan remarked.
Cashew Processing and Job Creation
In another milestone, Tanzania has emerged as a processor and net exporter of cashew nuts, a sector traditionally reliant on Asian processors for most African nations. Additionally, nearly all of Tanzania’s 12,300 villages are now electrified, thanks to robust rural electrification initiatives.
Backed by the African Development Bank, Tanzania’s “Creating Jobs for Youth and Women” program is aimed at the country’s predominantly young population, offering training in agriculture, livestock, and crop production. As part of the program, each young participant is granted 10 acres of land and ongoing support, with 11,000 youths benefiting so far, and this year’s harvest already underway. “We thank the African Development Bank for their support,” President Hassan added.
Progress in Sierra Leone
Joining the stage, President Bio of Sierra Leone spoke about his country’s Feed Salone program, which has cut rice imports by 20 million tons and boosted agricultural output. Reflecting on his country’s previous focus on education, he underscored the importance of agriculture as the foundation for development. “Feed Salone is helping us not only feed our nation but also position ourselves as an exporter,” he said, emphasizing his vision for Sierra Leone as an attractive destination for agricultural investors.
Dr. Adesina emphasized the African Development Bank’s commitment to reshaping global perspectives on Africa and fostering investment in key sectors like agriculture. The African Dialogue, hosted in Iowa by the Bank, is designed to break down stereotypes and highlight Africa’s potential as a global food supplier, home to 65% of the world’s arable land and advanced agricultural technology.
The 2024 Norman E. Borlaug Dialogue, themed “Seeds of Opportunity, Bridging Generations and Cultivating Diplomacy,” brings together global experts to spark innovative solutions to hunger, promoting collaboration and hope in the quest for food security.
