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The African Agri Investment Indaba, taking place in Cape Town from 18-20 Nov, aims to transform food systems.
Africa is grappling with a severe food insecurity crisis, with over 282 million people undernourished and more than a billion unable to afford a healthy diet. Despite its vast agricultural potential, systemic challenges such as corruption, water scarcity, outdated farming practices, and inadequate infrastructure continue to undermine the continent’s ability to feed its people.
In South Africa, some of the most pressing issues include land reform, which creates ongoing uncertainty about ownership rights and is holding back investment in the agricultural sector.
Poor infrastructure, including inadequate transportation, water and energy supply, is further affecting productivity and market access. Experts believe as much as 10 million tonnes of food is lost or wasted each year, accounting for about 30-34% of the total food produced annually, due to inadequate infrastructure, poor farming practices, lack of knowledge about proper handling techniques, and inefficiencies in the supply chain.
Another massive impact is the lack of access to finance for emerging farmers, which hampers their ability to invest in the much needed resources.
Ben Leyka, CEO of the African Agri Council, underscores the urgency of addressing these systemic challenges. “The African Agri Investment Indaba brings together leaders in agriculture who can effect real change. It’s about understanding the barriers, identifying where investment is most needed, and building the infrastructure required to create lasting food security,” says Leyka.
In wider Africa, the agricultural landscape is beset by even more pronounced political, infrastructure and financing challenges.
Political instability and conflict compound the crisis, as wars displace farming communities, disrupt agricultural activities, and destroy critical infrastructure. Peacebuilding efforts must work hand in hand with agricultural investments to restore stability and rebuild farming systems across conflict-affected regions. Additionally, unclear land ownership and tenure issues prevent smallholder farmers from making long-term investments in sustainable practices. Establishing secure land tenure systems would encourage farmers to adopt modern methods and boost productivity.
Outdated equipment and limited access to modern agricultural technologies also stifle productivity. African farmers often rely on inefficient tools, restricting their capacity to maximise crop yields. Investing in precision farming techniques and post-harvest storage systems could significantly enhance productivity and reduce food waste. Moreover, poor infrastructure, such as inadequate roads and lack of cold storage, prevents farmers from efficiently delivering produce to markets, leading to post-harvest losses and higher food prices for consumers.
Corruption remains a significant obstacle, syphoning off resources that could be used to improve food systems and support agricultural projects. The mismanagement of funds limits farmers’ access to essential inputs and services, directly impacting food production and distribution. Additionally, water scarcity and unreliable irrigation systems hinder agricultural progress. In many regions, farms are left reliant on inconsistent rainfall, with droughts exacerbating the situation. Experts emphasise the need for investment in irrigation infrastructure and water conservation technologies to ensure stable food production, particularly in arid areas.
The African Agri Investment Indaba, set to take place in Cape Town this November, offers a platform to address these pressing challenges. Organised by the African Agri Council, the event connects investors, policymakers, and agricultural stakeholders to discuss solutions aimed at transforming Africa’s food systems. It focuses on critical areas such as funding for modern equipment, sustainable farming practices, and irrigation infrastructure, with the goal of achieving Zero Hunger by 2030.
“Addressing Africa’s food crisis requires more than just financial investment – it demands tackling systemic issues like corruption, water scarcity, and outdated farming tools,” adds Leyka. “The Indaba is about connecting the right partners to drive sustainable solutions that will lead to food security across the continent.”
By promoting collaboration and investment, the African Agri Investment Indaba seeks to unlock Africa’s agricultural potential, create resilient food systems, and contribute to long-term solutions to the continent’s food insecurity crisis.
About the African Agri Investment Indaba
The 7th African Agri Investment Indaba (AAII) is the global meeting place for agrifood investment in Africa. Bringing together over 800 key stakeholders – from governments, banks, financiers, investors, project owners, project developers, commercial farmers and the agro and food processing industry – to discuss trends that will likely influence food and agribusiness economics over the next decade in Africa. The Agri Indaba delivers a unique mix of decision makers from across the food and agriculture value chain making it the most effective place to conduct business in the sector.
About Ben Leyka
Ben Leyka is the CEO and a board member of the African Agri Council (AAC). The AAC is a Pan-African organisation that promotes the development of African agriculture by facilitating investment into bankable projects across the value chain. Over the years, Ben has worked with global stakeholders within the public and private sector across different industries.
Working for the Pan African Parliament, African Leadership Academy and now the AAC, combined with his experience working in the private sector has allowed him to add his voice to the development of Africa. His love, passion and commitment towards the development of the African continent is the driver behind his work at the AAC.
Ben sits on various Advisory Board Committees and is also involved with the Africa 1st Initiative as Co-founder and MD, En Action as VP: External Affairs, and DRC Invest as CEO – all focusing on the creation and development of entrepreneurs and conducive business environments in Africa.