The United Kingdom (UK) has hinted of its plans to, in partnership with Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), spend £5 million as part of its funding support for Africa’s agricultural trade and ensure food security in the continent.
UK Minister for Africa, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), Lord Collins of Highbury, made this disclosure during his address on Monday at the ongoing Africa Food Systems Forum (#AFSForum2025) in Dakar, Senegal.
According to him, the partnership between the UK and AGRA aims to support the Kampala Declaration and explore the vast potential of Africa’s agribusiness sector, which currently employs over half of the continent’s workforce and contributes nearly 20 per cent to its Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
The minister said: “It gives me huge pleasure today to announce a new £5 million UK partnership with AGRA, including working with the African Union. This funding will help deliver the Kampala declaration supporting efforts to grow agricultural trade and strengthen key food corridors across Africa.
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“We know that Agriculture remains underinvested despite it employing over half of Africa’s workforce and making up nearly 20 per cent of its GDP. With the global food market worth $7 trillion, this represents the opportunity for Africa’s agribusinesses”, Lord Collins added.
He explained that the British Government was inspired by Africa’s response to the climate crisis and its efforts to improve food systems, adding that the forum is organized at a critical time of real challenges, climate shocks, economic uncertainty and declining aid are affecting lives across the continent.
He noted that what Africa’s response, decisive leadership, homegrown solutions, and a renewed commitment to transforming agriculture remained outstanding in the face of the challenges
The minister maintained that the Kampala Declaration and the 10-year strategy were exactly the kind of bold African-led frameworks that can drive lasting change and enable Africa in its current drive towards shaping its own future.
Lord Collins further explained: “The United Kingdom is proud to be a partner in these efforts. We are committed to a new approach to working with Africa. An approach built on long-term partnerships, mutual respect, and shared interests. Across all of our consultations, we’ve heard a clear message.
“Countries want to diversify economies, get more value from natural resources, and build resilience to global shocks. We’ve also heard the desire to make sure people feel the benefit, especially through good jobs, productive sectors like manufacturing and agri-businesses”, he added.
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