The President of Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), Dr. Agnes Kalibata, has called for stronger collaboration among African governments to foster sustainability and resilience, enabling MSMEs to flourish and continue driving economic growth across the continent.
This comes on the back of the 2024 Africa Agriculture Status Report which emphasises the role Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) play in Africa’s agrifood sector, contributing up to 60% of employment in some regions.
Speaking at the Africa Agriculture Forum, Dr. Kalibata reiterated the critical role MSMEs play in transforming Africa’s agrifood systems. She highlighted their position at the forefront of driving meaningful change, particularly through private sector initiatives, which are key to fostering sustainable growth.
“By harnessing the power of the private sector, we can drive meaningful food systems transformation and achieve sustainable growth,” Dr. Kalibata noted.
The 2024 Africa Agriculture Status Report underlines the significance of MSMEs as vital contributors to agricultural productivity and economic development, identifying them as key players in Africa’s agrifood landscape. AGRA’s goal is to demonstrate how these enterprises are essential to Africa’s food security and economic progress, serving as catalysts for innovation and growth.
Despite their importance, MSMEs in Africa’s agrifood sector face numerous challenges that limit their potential. The report outlines several barriers to growth, including inadequate infrastructure, limited access to finance, and cumbersome regulatory frameworks.
Dr. Kalibata specifically pointed to poor road networks, insufficient wholesale markets, and unreliable electricity as major obstacles to the efficiency and productivity of these enterprises.
To address these challenges, Dr. Kalibata called for targeted investments in infrastructure, improvements in financial access, and streamlined regulatory processes.
She urged governments and investors to collaborate on enhancing agro-industrial policies that would improve the business environment for MSMEs, enabling them to thrive and continue driving economic growth across Africa.
