2 September 2010, 06:00 p.m.

Accra, Ghana – International leaders today expressed their commitment to transforming agriculture in Africa during the opening of the African Green Revolution Forum (AGRF) in Accra, Ghana.

The AGRF, chaired by former UN Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, is being held for the first time in Africa. With more than 800 delegates, it is one of the continent’s major gatherings of both public and private players focusing solely on agricultural development.

 

Mr Annan opened the event, stating that it was time to “scale up progress to achieve a uniquely African Green Revolution.”

 

He told delegates that African agriculture needs massive investment. Although 19 countries already have plans in place to accelerate their annual agricultural growth by six percent a year, experts estimate that Africa will need US$32 to US$39 billion annually to achieve the full economic potential of its farm sector.

 

“Funds must come from a combination of sources: African governments, overseas development assistance, foreign direct investment, philanthropic contributions from within and outside Africa, and Africa’s private sector,” Mr. Annan said.

 

The AGRF promotes investments and policy initiatives that will drive income growth for African farmers in an environmentally sustainable way. The AGRF will also show progress in unlocking Africa’s agricultural potential and facilitating sustainable economic growth thanks to new investment and public-private partnerships, helping to meet the UN Millennium Development Goal of halving hunger by 2015.

 

Jørgen Ole Haslestad, Chief Executive, Yara International ASA, who opened the first session with Mr Annan, said he was optimistic that the forum would cement the alliance of public- private partnerships and strengthen the resolve to drive sustainable farming in Africa.

 

“If there is any one goal of this week, it is that we take the issues that inspire our talk – and convert words into action – real, concrete initiatives that are a testament to the power of our discussions, decisions and recommendations,” he said.

 

Dr Ibrahim Assane Mayaki, Chief Executive Officer of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) noted that in order for Africa to achieve its agricultural potential, there had to be willingness on all sides.

 

“The success of 21st century Africa will be defined by such efforts that are drawn up around agriculture and infrastructure – in order to move crops and agricultural products from the land to existing and new markets,” he said. “Cooperation must stretch from the highest levels of government and business to the farmers who toil our fields.”

 

AGRF was originally inspired by an appeal by Mr. Annan in 2004 to transform agriculture in Africa. The forum brings together African heads of state, ministers, farmers, private agribusiness firms, financial institutions, NGOs, civil society and scientists to an African-led forum, that focuses on promoting investments and policy support for driving agriculturalnproductivity and income growth for African farmers in an environmentally sustainable way.

 

The meeting in Accra, Ghana continues through Saturday.