Addis Ababa, Ethiopia — The Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa has marked its 20th anniversary with a high-level convening in Addis Ababa, calling for urgent action to scale practical, farmer-centered solutions aimed at strengthening food systems, boosting rural incomes, and accelerating agricultural transformation across the continent.
The gathering, held alongside AGRA’s Board Retreat in Ethiopia, brought together board members, government officials, development partners, private sector leaders, and research institutions for strategic dialogue on the future of African agriculture. Participants emphasized the need to move beyond pilot initiatives and accelerate interventions that deliver measurable, large-scale impact for smallholder farmers.
Under the theme “When farmers prosper, Africa prospers,” AGRA leadership reflected on two decades of progress while outlining priorities for the next phase of transformation.
AGRA President Alice Ruhweza underscored the urgency of a more focused and disciplined approach:
“Marking twenty years of AGRA is both a moment of reflection and a call to action. We must be honest about where smallholder farmers stand today and what it means for Africa’s economic future. The next phase must prioritize scaling proven solutions through stronger systems, deeper partnerships, and innovations that place farmers at the center of transformation.”
Stakeholders highlighted agriculture as a cornerstone of Africa’s economic resilience and climate response. Discussions stressed the importance of stronger policy frameworks, efficient market systems, improved access to finance, and sustained innovation tailored to the needs of smallholder farmers.
The choice of Addis Ababa as the host city reflects Ethiopia’s growing recognition as a model for agricultural transformation driven by policy reform and institutional investment.
AGRA Board Chair Hailemariam Dessalegn noted that agriculture remains central to the country’s economy, contributing over 30 percent of GDP and employing the majority of the population.
He highlighted tangible results supported through AGRA-backed initiatives, including:
- Extension services reaching more than 645,000 farmers
- Digital input delivery systems benefiting over 900,000 farmers via e-voucher platforms
- Commercialization of more than 159,000 metric tonnes of grain
- Adoption of improved seed varieties by over 240,000 farmers
The anniversary event also marks the start of a week-long series of engagements across Ethiopia. AGRA’s Board of Directors is set to continue sessions in Hawassa, alongside field visits aimed at linking strategic priorities with the realities faced by farmers on the ground.
The program will culminate in the opening of a new AGRA Ethiopia office at the International Livestock Research Institute campus, reinforcing the organization’s long-term commitment to advancing agricultural transformation in the region.
As AGRA enters its next chapter, it reaffirmed its commitment to transitioning African agriculture from subsistence-oriented systems to a more productive, resilient, and commercially viable sector capable of driving inclusive growth across the continent.
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