Zambia Strengthens Agricultural Ties at Global Forum for Food and Agriculture in Berlin
Zambia has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening international agricultural partnerships following its active participation in the just-concluded Global Forum for Food and Agriculture (GFFA) in Berlin.
Speaking at the forum, Mr. John Mulongoti, Permanent Secretary for Technical Services in Zambia’s Ministry of Agriculture, highlighted the significance of Zambia’s engagement in fostering global collaboration for agricultural productivity, sustainability, and investment.
He noted that discussions at the forum underscored Zambia’s immense agricultural potential, including infrastructure development and the adoption of innovative farming technologies.
A key milestone of Zambia’s participation was a high-level bilateral meeting between Mr. Mulongoti and Germany’s Federal Minister of Food and Agriculture, Hon. Cem Özdemir. The two leaders explored avenues to bolster Zambia-Germany agricultural cooperation, building on Hon. Özdemir’s landmark visit to Zambia in November 2024, which set the stage for deeper strategic collaboration.
Mr. Mulongoti also took part in a high-level panel discussion on “Bioeconomy and the Transformation of Agriculture and Food Systems,” where he showcased Zambia’s strides in promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
Beyond government discussions, the Zambian delegation engaged with key private sector stakeholders, including the German Africa Agribusiness Alliance, Bayer, and Amatheon Agric, to attract investment in value addition, technological innovation, and agribusiness growth. These discussions aimed to position Zambia as a viable destination for agribusiness investment.
The forum culminated in the Berlin Agriculture Ministers’ Conference, where global policymakers adopted a strategic communique focusing on sustainable agriculture and food security.
Reflecting on Zambia’s participation, Mr. Mulongoti expressed optimism that the connections established at the forum would yield concrete investment opportunities, strengthening Zambia’s agricultural sector and economic growth.
Zambia’s delegation to the forum included Zambia’s Ambassador to Germany, Mrs. Winnie Chibesakunda; Ministry of Agriculture Director, Mr. Peter Zulu; Agriculture and Food Security Cluster Project Manager (GIZ Zambia), Ms. Elina Weber; and Mr. Chitonge Mushota, First Secretary for Trade at the Zambian Embassy in Berlin.
The Global Forum for Food and Agriculture is a premier international platform that brings together government officials, industry leaders, academia, and civil society to address critical challenges and opportunities in food security and sustainable agriculture.
