AGRA and GGGI Forge Historic Partnership to Boost Sustainable Agriculture in Africa and Middle East

Dubai, UAE, December 10, 2023 – A landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been signed between the AGRA(Sustainably Growing Africa’s Food Systems) and the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) today, marking a significant step forward in the promotion of sustainable agriculture and food systems across Africa and the Middle East.

This collaboration was formalized by AGRA President Dr. Agnes Kalibata and GGGI’s Regional Director for the Middle East & North Africa, Mr. Mahamadou Tounkara, on the sidelines of the recently concluded COP28 event in Dubai. Dr. Kalibata, who also served on the COP28 President’s advisory committee, highlighted the MOU as a pivotal achievement of the conference.

The MOU aims to foster cooperation in the development and implementation of research and development programs, focusing on the enhancement of farmers’ well-being in Africa. Initially, the collaboration will involve at least four countries, with plans to expand to 15 targeted countries across the continent.

Dr. Kalibata expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, emphasizing its potential to drive transformation and improve the lives of African farmers. “This cooperation will catalyze rapid improvements in food systems and further entrench sustainable agriculture on the continent,” she stated.

Key aspects of the MOU include joint efforts in mobilizing funding for technical assistance to member and partner states, aiding them in transforming their food security plans into green bankable solutions to attract investors. Additionally, the two institutions will develop innovative finance instruments like green bonds and green sukuk to reduce investment risks and support countries in their journey towards climate resilience and low emissions. The MOU also aims to promote climate-smart agricultural technology solutions and encourage green farming practices in the selected countries.

Mr. Tounkara highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts to address the urgent issues of food security, climate crisis, and rural livelihood vulnerability. “Supporting farmers with climate-smart technology solutions and transitioning them towards green farming is critical in increasing agricultural productivity, enhancing food security, and reducing harmful emissions,” he said.

Under this agreement, GGGI will provide technical assistance for the design and structuring of projects supporting food security and food systems transformation. It will also mobilize public and private investments from the Middle East. In turn, AGRA will support the implementation of activities and commit resources to support the technical assistance in rolling out the plans.

About GGGI: Founded as a treaty-based international, inter-governmental organization in 2012 at the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, the Global Green Growth Institute supports its Member States in transitioning to a green growth model. This model aims for poverty reduction, social inclusion, environmental sustainability, and economic growth. With 48 Member States and over 22 Partner countries, GGGI delivers programs in over 40 countries, contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals and the Nationally Determined Contributions to the Paris Agreement. GGGI also facilitates the Africa and Middle East SAFE Initiative, a USD 10 billion public-private partnership launched at COP28, coordinating stakeholders for climate-resilient agriculture and sustainable food systems in the regions.

About AGRA: AGRA is an African-led alliance founded in 2006, focusing on transforming agriculture from a solitary struggle to a thriving business for smallholder farmers. AGRA’s mission is to catalyze and sustain an agricultural transformation in Africa through innovation-driven productivity increases and access to markets and finance. As the secretariat of the Africa’s Food Systems Forum (AFS Forum), AGRA plays a pivotal role in steering the continent’s agricultural development.