Building Strong Societies in Africa Through Agricultural Development

World leaders recently endorsed the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement on climate change. These were crucial steps for the planet and its people, and particularly for Africa, where millions of people still suffer from extreme poverty and hunger, conflict and instability, and growing inequality and environmental destruction.

No doubt, governments have a crucial role in implementing the commitments made, but it is not their responsibility alone. It requires cooperation between every sector of society. And business must be at the heart of this endeavor. They must look beyond short-term economic growth and create value and sustainable solutions for society.

Building Stronger Societies

While in today’s interconnected world all SDGs are important, I see three areas where action is particularly urgently needed to build peaceful and prosperous societies in Africa.

First, I believe that we have to transform African agriculture and food systems. In Sub-Saharan Africa, one in four people are still chronically short of food; and millions more lack the right nutrition for proper health and development. To unlock Africa’s agricultural potential, we need to increase investment in agriculture and implement appropriate policies that will enable smallholder farmers to turn their subsistence farms into profitable businesses. African agriculture must become nutrition-smart, too. Nutrition is not just a health issue; it is crucial for economic growth as better nourished populations are more productive.

Second, we have to promote environmental protection and good stewardship of scarce resources. A healthy environment is a prerequisite for eradicating poverty and driving equitable growth and social progress. Governments and businesses alike have to take action. From responsible resource water management to the use of renewable energy sources – by shifting to a green growth approach we will not only avert climate catastrophe, but also create new opportunities for investment, growth and employment.

Third, we have to improve and protect social and economic opportunities for all Africans. The imbalance of wealth and income is not just morally repugnant; it is a serious impediment to future growth and it sows the seeds of disillusion and conflict. I urge political and business leaders alike to promote the values of democratic governance, transparency and accountability, and invest in Africa’s youth and women.

Mobilising Political Will

This is an ambitious agenda! Sustained and bold leadership from every sector is required. It is this leadership that I aim to mobilise through my Foundation. Let us all – business, the public sector and civil society – live up to this responsibility. Together we can turn aspiration into action and build a peaceful and prosperous Africa.