The Africa Business Diplomacy Forum 2026

Cooperation in Agricultural Economics

I. Context and Rationale

Africa, with its vast arable land and dynamic youth representing over 60% of the total population, lies at the heart of global challenges related to sustainable development, food security, and economic stability. According to the African Union, by 2030, approximately 30 million young Africans will enter the labor market each year, yet only 3 million formal jobs will be created. This imbalance highlights the urgent need to harness the continent’s agricultural potential to drive job creation and inclusive growth.

The agricultural sector already employs more than 60% of the workforce in Sub-Saharan Africa and accounts for around 23% of the continent’s GDP. However, less than 10% of arable land is irrigated, and post-harvest losses can reach 30% to 50% of total production, according to the FAO. By strengthening agricultural value chains and modernizing infrastructure, Africa could increase its production by up to 60% by 2050, meeting growing food demand while generating millions of sustainable jobs.

By 2035, projections from the African Development Bank indicate that Africa’s agribusiness sector could reach a value of $1 trillion, provided that investments in local processing and agricultural infrastructure are significantly scaled up. At the same time, rapid urbanization—with 50% of Africa’s population expected to live in cities by 2040—will drive demand for processed, high-value agricultural products.

Togo, under the leadership of His Excellency Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, demonstrates how proactive agricultural diplomacy can generate positive economic outcomes. The Togo–India collaboration on rural electrification and the World Bank’s recent $300 million investment in strategic agricultural value chains such as soybeans and maize are notable examples.

The Africa Business Diplomacy Forum 2026, supported by the Republic of Togo and the African Union, aims to create a strategic platform bringing together policymakers, experts, investors, business leaders, and young entrepreneurs. It responds to the need to promote innovation, capacity building, and investment in Africa’s youth, in line with the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

The forum will be held biennially to sustain continuous dialogue, assess progress, and adapt strategies to evolving economic and geopolitical realities.

II. Forum Objectives

General Objective:
To promote agricultural economic cooperation as a driver of sustainable development and stability in Africa.

Specific Objectives:

• Support 1,500 young African innovators and entrepreneurs in the agricultural, environmental, and economic sectors;

• Facilitate access to financing to scale their initiatives;

• Strengthen partnerships between governments, investors, and young entrepreneurs;

• Create a platform for dialogue between political and economic decision-makers and Africa’s youth.