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Former Tanzanian President, Dr. Jakaya Kikwete, has called on President Hakainde Hichilema and other African leaders to invest in research, financial support, and technical resources for climate change initiatives.
Kikwete, who chairs the Nominating Committee for the African Food Prize (AFP), emphasized the duty of African leaders to address the escalating impacts of climate change.
In a statement issued in Lusaka on Monday, he also underscored the importance of creating an enabling environment for young people to thrive through supportive policies.
Speaking ahead of the Africa Food Systems (AFS) Forum in Kigali, Kikwete noted that new food system champions would be recognised, with the nominating committee currently reviewing exceptional applications for this year’s awards.
“We are witnessing solutions to multiple complex problems. These solutions, if addressed through collaboration among stakeholders, including academia and the private sector, could greatly benefit Africa’s food systems transformation,” Kikwete stated.
He highlighted that this year’s forum would focus on climate change and digital innovations, particularly emphasising youth leadership in Africa.
Kikwete noted that the initiative was timely as African nations navigate the challenges posed by climate change.
“I have been honored to interact with some of the most brilliant minds in Africa, people and organizations working to derive solutions for the continent’s most complex food system challenges,” he said.
He cited the Pan-African Bean Research Alliance (PABRA), the 2023 AFP winner, for its leadership in developing over 650 bean varieties that have boosted productivity and profitability for more than 37 million smallholder farmers and improved nutrition, health and food security for at least 300 million people.
Kikwete also recognised the work of former laureates such as Dr. Emma Naluyima, a Ugandan farmer who transformed her one-acre farm into a successful integrated farming enterprise generating over US$100,000 annually, Professor Ruth Oniang’o, an expert in nutrition, Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank, and Dr. Agnes Kalibata, President of AGRA.
He stated that beyond institutional benefits, the Africa Food Prize had played a crucial role in highlighting key innovations that address emerging challenges and bridge gaps in access to finance and markets.
“These are critical requirements for food systems transformation. The recognition of innovators across diverse industries has also inspired many young people to develop solutions for complex challenges,” Kikwete said.
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