SADC, FAO Mobilize US$2.1bn to Transform Southern Africa’s Agriculture

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) are mobilizing US$2.1 billion to boost agriculture in Southern Africa through the FAO Hand-in-Hand Investment Forum held in Rome.

The funds will target irrigation (US$600 million), mechanization (US$300 million), agro-processing (US$400 million), and trade facilitation (US$800 million).

The investment aims to transform agri-food systems by promoting climate-smart irrigation, enhanced mechanization, local value addition, and regional trade integration. The proposed projects are expected to yield an average 20% return, increase per capita income by US$223, and benefit over 50 million people directly and indirectly.

Next steps include investor engagement, technical working groups to refine project details, and regional follow-up sessions to advance implementation.