ECA and FAO Strengthen Partnership to Boost Africa’s Agriculture and Trade
The Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) have renewed their strategic partnership to drive sustainable agriculture, trade, and climate resilience in Africa.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on March 18, 2025, in Addis Ababa by ECA Deputy Executive Secretary Antonio Pedro and FAO Assistant Director-General Abebe Haile-Gabriel.
The renewed collaboration aims to enhance regional integration, economic diversification, and food security while addressing climate change’s impact on Africa’s agrifood systems.
The agreement comes at a critical time as the continent implements the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the restructured Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP), set to guide agricultural development from 2026 to 2035.
Mr. Pedro emphasized the urgency of the partnership, stating, “We must seize the opportunity to build resilient and sustainable agricultural systems and tackle the impact of climate change on food security.” He highlighted the need for foresight analysis to help African nations adapt to changing climatic conditions.
Mr. Haile-Gabriel emphasized the MoU’s significance, noting, “This partnership comes at a historic juncture where Africa’s socio-economic landscape is evolving. By working together, we can drive agri-food system transformation and sustainable development.”
The agreement outlines key areas of cooperation, including data and technology-driven agricultural strategies, regional economic diversification, clean energy access, and climate adaptation efforts.
Both organizations committed to joint initiatives supporting these priorities, ensuring Africa’s agricultural sector remains a cornerstone of economic growth and food security.
Picture: Antonio Pedro, Deputy Executive Secretary (Programme Support) of the ECA, and Abebe Haile-Gabriel, Assistant Director-General of FAO.
Source: GBN
