In a move to strengthen Africa’s food systems against climate change, the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote sustainable agriculture and economic resilience across the continent.

The agreement, signed in Addis Ababa by ECA’s Deputy Executive Secretary Antonio Pedro and FAO’s Assistant Director-General for Africa, Abebe Haile-Gabriel, seeks to enhance climate adaptation, foster innovation, and integrate regional agricultural strategies.

With Africa’s food production increasingly threatened by shifting weather patterns, the collaboration prioritizes foresight analysis on climate and food security. “Agri-ecological zones that were once food baskets are becoming more arid due to climate change. This partnership will provide the necessary insights to help countries adapt and strengthen resilience,” Pedro emphasized.

The MoU builds on a previous agreement that spanned from 2017 to 2022, expanding areas of cooperation to include economic diversification and the transformation of agrifood systems. The renewed collaboration aligns with key continental initiatives such as the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Haile-Gabriel highlighted the significance of the agreement, stating, “This MoU comes at a historic juncture where the socio-economic landscape is changing dramatically. It gives us the opportunity to rethink how we can best support member states by optimally utilizing our assets, collaborating efficiently, and ensuring agri-food system transformation and sustainable development.”

With implementation of the redesigned CAADP set for 2026–2035, ECA and FAO are positioning themselves to help African nations invest in climate-smart agriculture, enhance food security, and drive inclusive economic growth.