AGP Executive Report

Budget Push for Agro-Industrialisation: Uganda set aside Shs2.26 trillion for agriculture in 2026/27, targeting research, irrigation, extension, inputs, post-harvest handling, agro-processing, certification and market access—but the allocation still falls short of the Maputo 10% benchmark. Climate Shock to Food Systems: El Niño has officially formed and is expected to intensify, raising fears of hotter extremes and wider impacts that could hit farming and food prices across Africa. Food Security Under Pressure: A new study links human-caused warming to rising childhood stunting in Africa, with each 1°C temperature increase tied to higher stunting rates—underscoring how climate stress compounds hunger. Biofuels vs Food Costs: With oil prices climbing, biofuel demand could surge, potentially tightening the food–fuel link as fertilizer constraints and higher input costs squeeze staple production. Trade Access, Not Enough: China’s zero-tariff move for 53 African countries is welcomed, but farmers in places like Zambia still face quality, certification, credit and logistics hurdles that limit export gains. Agri Tech Growth Signals: Market reports point to fast expansion in solar-powered drones and satellite earth observation—tools that could support farming, mapping and climate monitoring if access and skills improve.

Ghana’s 24-hour economy push: Ghana is rolling out its 24H+ programme to run markets and services around the clock, with plans for modern facilities in all 261 districts and targets of 1.7 million productive jobs by 2028, including solar and bioenergy projects. South Africa growth with a farm boost: South Africa’s economy grew 0.5% in Q1 2026, with agriculture up 3.9% QoQ, but analysts warn the next season could face higher fertiliser and diesel costs plus tougher weather. Food security under Gulf shock: A new WFP analysis says the Iran war and Strait of Hormuz disruptions have pushed 45 million more people into “critical” food insecurity, adding to a global hunger crisis already affecting 260 million. Kenya election risks: A peace report flags Kenya’s exposure to Middle East and Horn fallout, warning fuel-price pressure and rising food-security risks could shape election debates. West Africa cocoa volatility: Cocoa prices fell as drier-weather forecasts eased flooding fears, while inventories rose and El Niño-linked weather uncertainty remains a threat. Rwanda dairy gains from fodder: Rwanda’s dairy farmers in Gatsibo are improving milk yields and incomes after adopting improved fodder grasses and training under RDDP II. Namibia salmon investment: Namibia’s African Aquaculture Company secured N$40m from Omankete to expand offshore salmon farming and deepen local ownership. Marine protection gap: Namibia is protecting just 1.69% of marine territory, far below the 30% “30 by 30” target.

Agri-Processing Push: The AfDB has committed $86m to Nigeria’s Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) programme, with a 41% commitment rate and $25m disbursed so far, as officials target higher disbursements by end-2026. Livestock & Tech in the Field: Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is trialling environmental DNA (eDNA) to detect endangered species with less disturbance, while Zipline says it will expand drone services across Africa and add livestock insemination, citing higher piglet and pork output. FMD Fallout in South Africa: Outrage is growing after a leaked Agriculture Department email allegedly mocked farmers’ foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) request; the minister says it was in bad taste and calls for vaccine access for private vets. Trade & Investment Links: Kenya is wooing Slovak investors at a Nairobi forum, and NaFAA’s fisheries chief is in Morocco to deepen cooperation and investment for Liberia’s fisheries and aquaculture. Climate Pressure on Food: WFP warns the Iran war is worsening global hunger via higher fuel and fertilizer costs, hitting vulnerable communities in Africa and Asia. Agri-Business Updates: Dekel Agri-Vision reports a 31.9% jump in crude palm oil output in May, alongside steady cashew processing.

Food Security Policy: A new review maps how climate shocks, conflict and trade disruptions are destabilising staple crops like maize, rice and wheat, and highlights policy and technology options to keep food supplies moving. Animal Health: South Africa’s Foot-and-Mouth Disease response update shows vaccine deliveries and allocations, including 2.5m doses received from Argentina and additional batches from Turkey, with further doses expected. Agricultural Trade & Exports: Italy and South Africa say they’ve “only scratched the surface” on agri trade potential, while South Africa’s economy keeps growing and agriculture remains a key contributor. GMO Debate in Nigeria: Nigerian civil society groups are calling for a pause on new GMO approvals and an independent review of existing ones, pushing agroecology as a food-security path. Mechanisation for Farmers (Ghana–Belarus): President Mahama secures a deal for 1,840 agricultural equipment pieces from Belarus to support Ghana’s mechanisation and farmer service centres. Coffee Deal (Liberia): JR Farms signs a $60m, 20-year coffee partnership with Liberia to expand plantations and create jobs. Cross-Border Roads (Nigeria): Borno traders urge PEBEC to rehabilitate key international routes to revive trade with Niger, Cameroon and Chad. China–Morocco Trade: Morocco’s session of a China-Africa expo is set to boost ties as zero tariffs expand market access. Climate Risk: UN weather updates warn El Niño could raise global temperatures and increase extreme heat and rainfall risks. Agritech & Value Chains: A China-Africa agri-tech forum opens in Kenya to deepen agricultural cooperation and technology transfer.

Humanitarian Food Security: Malawi’s Dzaleka refugee camp families say WFP cash support has shrunk sharply, with one mother warning assistance could stop by end-June—raising urgent concerns for nutrition and maize access. Livestock Health: South Africa’s FMD Response SA urges the agriculture department to release millions of foot-and-mouth disease vaccines directly to private veterinarians, citing low vaccination coverage (about 31%) despite an expected 14 million doses. Agri-Tech Cooperation: A China-Africa agri-tech forum opened in Nairobi to push agricultural modernization through technology transfer, innovation and partnerships. Fertilizer Risk Management: FAO says the Strait of Hormuz crisis could trigger a fertilizer shock and is promoting more efficient fertilizer use, soil mapping, intercropping and alternative inputs. Trade & Inputs Costs: Maersk has doubled peak surcharges on China–East Africa cargo to $2,000 per 40-foot container, with port congestion in Dar es Salaam likely to raise landed costs for agriculture-linked imports. Regional Integration: Zimbabwe, Malawi and Mozambique launched a drive to clear bottlenecks on transport corridors, targeting border delays and fragmented procedures that inflate business costs. Policy & Finance for Agriculture: Nigeria’s agriculture minister says food prices have fallen up to 50% and highlights seed and agro-input support across key value chains. Market Outlook (Agri-Adjacent): Reports project rapid growth in agriculture drones and triazole fungicides markets, pointing to continued investment in precision farming and crop protection.

Tea sector pressure in Kenya: Farmers and tea factory directors in the Mt Kenya region are bracing for lower returns after a tea levy tied to auction value sparked reduced volumes and buyers shifting toward the west of the Rift and neighbouring countries. Trade and market signals in South Africa: AgriSA reports a record Q1 2026 agricultural trade surplus of $1.55bn, driven mainly by cheaper imports while horticulture still powers exports. Climate risk for food systems: Kenya’s Met Office expects mostly dry conditions (with some rain in parts of the Rift and Coast) but warns of high daytime temperatures—while global forecasts flag a likely El Niño that could intensify heat, drought and flood stress on farms. Ghana pushes rice investment: Ghana will require rice importers to prove investment in local production before getting import permits, as part of a wider push to cut import dependence. Jobs and jobs-linked farming finance: Ghana launched a $3.5bn AgriConnect Compact aiming to support food security and create 2.6m+ jobs, with rice at the centre. Regional trade friction: ECOWAS trade officials in Accra urged faster AfCFTA and ECOWAS implementation to tackle persistent non-tariff barriers. Disease watch: African Swine Fever containment measures are expanding after new detections in Thizama (Kohima), with movement bans and pork market closures.

Livestock Health & Trade: A University of Pretoria study with RMIS and Zoetis says offal from fully recovered FMD cattle tested negative, challenging strict slaughter rules and potentially cutting costs for South Africa’s meat sector. Agrochemicals Safety: Kenya’s Mutahi Kagwe urged global harmonisation to keep hazardous pesticides out of markets with weaker controls, arguing African farmers’ health can’t be treated as “less valuable.” Climate Resilience for Farmers: Somalia, with AfDB, WFP and UNOPS, launched an $11.8m, three-year push to strengthen drought-hit farming and pastoral systems through irrigation, resilient crops and early warning. Pest & Disease Watch: Nagaland (India) reported an African Swine Fever outbreak in Thizama Village, triggering containment zones and movement bans. Food Security & Weather: Tanzania’s meteorology authority warned farmers to prepare for a developing El Niño—more rain could boost output, but floods and disease risks rise. Markets & Inputs: Industry reports project rapid growth for biocontrol, potassium sulphate and humic biostimulants, reflecting demand for safer, soil-friendly farm inputs. Agriculture Policy & Learning: Ghana’s eLearning Africa push stressed data sovereignty and locally relevant tech, including for agriculture.

Human-Wildlife Conflict in Kenya: Kenya Wildlife Service translocated five elephants from Meru Rhino Sanctuary and Rapsu after repeated fence breaches and crop destruction, underscoring how protected areas are under pressure from expanding human activity. Climate Risk for Farmers in South Africa: Western Cape and Eastern Cape flooding has exposed low insurance uptake, with Land Bank noting only about a third of commercial farmers buy cover—leaving livelihoods vulnerable as extreme weather intensifies. Gulf Heat Hits Ghana’s Fishers: Rising ocean temperatures and marine heatwaves are pushing fishermen in Ghana to cut trips short and endure dangerous onboard heat, threatening local fish supply and food security. Food Safety in Ghana: Accra’s Metropolitan Assembly marked World Food Safety Day, flagging unsafe handling, water and storage gaps as WHO estimates show a much larger global burden of foodborne illness. Ghana’s AgriConnect Push: Ghana launched an AgriConnect Compact to mobilise investment, create jobs and strengthen food security, aiming to reduce pressure on the food system. Nigeria Security and Agriculture Disruption: Nigeria’s forces rescued 360 hostages from Boko Haram-linked captors in Borno, highlighting how insecurity continues to disrupt rural life and economic activity. South Africa Land Reform for Agriculture: Ramaphosa’s budget message stressed releasing title deeds for land beneficiaries, arguing short-term leases limit borrowing and investment in farming.

Kidnap Rescue in Borno: Nigeria’s military says it has freed 360 people held by Boko Haram in a Mandara mountain hideout in Borno, after an intelligence-led assault; two children reportedly died from exhaustion. Kenya Youth Credit Shift: In Machakos, Sacco-led lending is expanding as banks shun young borrowers; SHOFCO says 339 youth have accessed lower-cost loans and grants to grow small enterprises. Zimbabwe Drone Scrutiny: Zimbabwean authorities face fresh criticism over drone use for surveillance, with concerns raised about “constant drone watch” and misuse beyond traffic and crime control. Farmer-Herder Violence in Chad: A land dispute in Mayo-Kebbi East left 11 dead and dozens of homes burned after livestock damaged crops, reigniting clashes between pastoralists and farmers. Agriculture & Public Health Link: Zimbabwe’s Tongaat Hulett partnered with the health ministry to run town-level cervical cancer screening in Chiredzi, using company reach to boost Pap test uptake. Trade Push for Kenyan Exports: President William Ruto departs for Belgium, Norway and Finland to expand market access under the Kenya–EU EPA, targeting tea, coffee, cut flowers and horticulture. West Africa Rice Financing: ECOWAS and AGRA called for more investment to transform West Africa’s rice sector and cut import dependence. Wildlife Meets Farming in Nigeria: Rangers in Okomu National Park are feeding an orphaned forest elephant found near a palm oil plantation, highlighting conservation pressures around agricultural frontiers.

Mechanisation Push in Zimbabwe: President Mnangagwa handed retired Chief Justice Luke Malaba a mechanisation package—tractor, truck, boom sprayer and planter—framing land productivity as key to post-retirement farming and broader agricultural output. Cold-Chain Efficiency for KZN Citrus: KwaZulu-Natal farmers aim to lift exports by 3%–5% to 215 million cartons, with Toyota Material Handling promoting electric forklifts designed to cut fruit bruising during moves to cold storage. Wool’s Ongoing Role in SA: Economist Wandile Sihlobo says South Africa’s wool industry may be smaller than in the past, but it still ranks among top agricultural exports and is helping integrate communal farmers into export value chains. Trade & Market Access Boosts: Ghana launched an AgriConnect Compact to drive food security, jobs and agri investment, while Zimbabwe is set to benefit from China’s zero-tariff initiative—expected to expand agricultural production and agri-processing. Climate-Health Focus: On World Environment Day, AMMREN urged Ghanaian institutions to strengthen environmental protection, waste management and sanitation—linking healthier ecosystems to public health. Food Security Aid to Nigeria: Thailand donated 12 tonnes of rice via WFP as Nigeria faces severe food insecurity risks in conflict-affected states.

Trade & Investment: Tanzania says it will deepen business ties with Nigeria by taking part in the Food and Beverage West Africa (FAB) 2026 exhibition in Lagos (June 9–11), pitching tea, coffee, wines, cashews, spices and other value-added food products to Nigerian and international buyers. Agri-Finance & Risk Management: Croatia announced a €47m agriculture support package with loan and credit lines that can include principal write-offs of up to 50%, aiming to help farmers and food processors manage market volatility. Coffee & Tea Exports: Kenya launched an origin-based “Kenya Coffee Hub” to connect international buyers directly with farmers, while tea exports rose 6% in Q1 2026 to 144.46m kg, with Pakistan remaining the top market. Climate Action for Food Systems: Stakeholders in Ghana pledged to move from climate talk to practical action, citing droughts, floods and declining farm productivity. Livestock & Fertilizer Innovation: Farmers in Uganda are being trained to turn animal waste into fertilizer to cut input costs. Policy & Market Access: Liberia’s agriculture traceability fight is spilling into a dispute over the EU deforestation rules, with warnings that resistance could shut out key export markets.

University-Industry Gap: A call for African universities to reconnect with society, shifting research and curricula toward practical solutions in health, agriculture, energy and water. Ghana’s Growth Push: President Mahama says Ghana’s recovery is now “structural,” driven by industrialisation, agro-processing, exports and logistics. Co-ops Financing Farmers: South Sudan’s Co-operative Bank is expanding capacity-building for co-operative societies, aiming to improve agribusiness skills and access to affordable credit. Food Reserves for Nutrition: A BRICS-focused argument says strategic food reserves must support nutrition security and resilient food systems, not just calories. Ghana Agriculture Investment: Ghana rolls out a US$3.5bn agricultural transformation plan targeting jobs and value addition. Livestock Health Update: Botswana eases FMD controls after suppressing outbreaks, allowing permitted movement and trade in cloven-hoofed animals and products. Ebola Disrupts Trade Talks: The U.S.-Africa Business Summit 2026 is postponed over Ebola concerns, delaying a major platform for investment and commercial diplomacy. China-Africa Rice Link: China-Guinea hybrid rice cooperation is delivering locally grown harvest gains through practical technical support. EU-Morocco Trade: EU-Morocco goods trade hit a record €62.2bn in 2025, with agricultural and fisheries flows rising alongside industrial exports. Liberia Exports Surge: Liberia’s exports to China jump over 30-fold in early 2026 under zero-tariff access, boosting mining and agricultural prospects.

Trade & Market Access: Kenya and South Africa agreed to remove trade barriers after talks at the Kenya–South Africa Business Forum, with leaders saying the move should boost Kenyan tea exports and support smallholder farmers under AfCFTA. Agri-Finance & Jobs: Ghana released GH¢1.677bn to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (85% of its approved goods/services/capital budget) as it rolls out the AgriConnect Compact, a five-year plan targeting 2.6m jobs and reduced food imports. Farmgate Pressure: Ghana’s sugarcane farmers plan a June 16 protest over the long-idle Komenda Sugar Factory, warning thousands of farmers lack a reliable market. Livestock Health: South Africa introduced a nationwide voluntary Foot-and-Mouth Disease vaccination scheme, a move expected to affect disease control and livestock trade across Southern Africa. Food Security & Climate Capacity: A climate commentary argues the real bottleneck is education and delivery capacity, not technology or money alone. Input Costs & Policy Fallout: Zimbabwe millers and bakers urged repeal of grain import levies, warning higher bread and stockfeed prices. Sector Risks: African cocoa farmers warned that price volatility is threatening sector growth and investment. Community Food Systems: Namibia’s community gardens sold vegetables at Shoprite Market Day, giving small growers retail access and strengthening local food security.

Climate Risk & Insurance: Britam says it paid Sh97.3m in 2025 claims to 402,681 Kenyan, Ugandan and Tanzanian farmers and livestock keepers hit by drought and other weather shocks, with crop payouts taking the biggest share. Food Safety: WHO estimates unsafe food causes 866m illnesses and 1.5m deaths each year, with young children hardest hit, pointing to gaps in water, sanitation, safer handling and healthcare. Health-Smart Farming: Research from Senegal suggests rice-fish coculturing could cut schistosomiasis while easing poverty for rice farmers—health and income from the same field. Agrifood Jobs Push (Ghana): Ghana launched the World Bank-backed AgriConnect Compact to boost productivity and value addition, targeting 2.6m jobs by 2035 and prioritising crops like cocoa, rice, maize and oil palm. Trade & Integration: Kenya and South Africa pledged deeper investment and value-chain links to accelerate AfCFTA implementation, with Swakopmund flagged as a key trade hub. Livestock Biosecurity: A New World screwworm fly infestation was confirmed in south Texas, raising alarm for cattle health and surveillance lessons relevant to Africa’s livestock sectors. Nature-Based Restoration: The Great Green Wall is evolving into a “mosaic” across 11 Sahel nations, aiming to restore 100m hectares by 2030 and protect livelihoods.

ASF Shock: Hungary confirmed the first African swine fever detection in domestic pigs, triggering lockdown, culling of about 3,000 pigs, and strict movement controls to protect the pork sector. Flood Fallout for Citrus: South Africa’s citrus exporters face at least 5% lower export expectations from flood-damaged areas in the Eastern and Western Cape as growers assess orchard damage and delayed fruit losses. West Africa Rice Push: ECOWAS and partners launched a drive toward rice self-sufficiency by 2035, backed by a new regional investment pact, while Ghana’s Eric Opoku said rice import permits will be tied to partnerships with local farmers. China Zero-Tariff Boost: China’s May 1 zero-tariff rollout for all 53 African countries with diplomatic ties is already being credited with a surge in Liberia’s exports to China, alongside new opportunities for African agribusiness. Ethiopia Social Protection Finance: Ethiopia’s House ratified ADB/IDA loans to expand pastoralist food and livelihood support and scale the Productive Safety Net Program’s sixth phase. Ghana Investment Drive: Ghana reaffirmed its push to attract UK investment after the Ghana-UK Investment Summit, with agribusiness and manufacturing highlighted.

Agribusiness Finance: IFC and Standard Chartered launched a $300m risk-sharing facility to expand supply-chain and trade finance across eight African countries, targeting about $1.9bn in transactions over three years and benefiting 500+ suppliers, including agriculture. Climate & Food Security: The UN’s WMO warns El Niño is likely to return (80% chance June–Aug; 90% before November), raising risks of drought, heavier rains and heatwaves that can hit African crops and livestock. Seeds & Regional Trade: Zambia’s SeedCo exported 15,000 seed units to East Africa between June and November 2025, positioning Zambia as a regional seed supplier. Disaster Impacts on Farming: Zimbabwe reported a wider April trade deficit as agriculture’s export share fell sharply, underscoring how shocks and import dependence can strain food systems. Policy & Reform: South Africa’s Ramaphosa said he won’t be distracted by the Phala Phala row as he pushes reforms—an environment that affects agricultural investment and jobs. Community Conservation: In Aklan, local communities are leading biodiversity protection in the Aklan watershed through knowledge-led conservation.