USAID Africa Trade and Investment Activity’s Post

🟥 The deadline is March 22! 🟩 The Africa Adaptation Initiative Food Security Accelerator (FSA)—an initiative designed in collaboration with the U.S. State Department—was launched to invest in climate-adaptive food systems solutions, specifically nature-positive and gender-sensitive adaptation-focused businesses. 🟨 UNCDF is searching for high-potential businesses (especially micro, small, and medium enterprises (#MSMEs) that the FSA can support in implementing and scaling up nature-positive adaptation solutions for Africa’s food systems. 🟧 More: https://uncdf.live/FSA-RFP

Explore how an updated software framework is helping USAID collect quality data on food security and resilience through population-based surveys in Ethiopia, Kenya, and beyond. The framework was developed by USAID’s Surveys for Monitoring in Resilience and Food Security (SMRFS) project, which is led by ICF. https://bit.ly/3YPYl5g

The past month has been a period of intense focus on addressing critical national challenges at the intersection of security and supply chain management. My work centered on developing strategies to enhance Nigeria's resilience and economic prosperity. A key priority has been optimizing the food supply chain. To this end, I conducted a comprehensive market survey at Wuse Market to identify bottlenecks and uncover opportunities for improvement. This research directly aligns with the goals of the Nigeria Food Security Project, providing valuable insights into the challenges faced by consumers and traders. The "Beyond Agriculture" initiative has been instrumental in fostering collaboration and raising awareness about the multifaceted nature of food security. A successful event at the University of Abuja showcased the potential of innovative approaches to addressing these challenges. We are expanding this initiative to cultivate a new generation of food security champions. Concurrently, I engaged in strategic discussions with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) to explore synergies between supply chain optimization and national security. By leveraging technology and intelligence, we can disrupt criminal networks, safeguard vulnerable populations, and empower businesses to make informed risk management decisions. A holistic approach that considers the interconnectedness of security, economy, and food systems is essential to building a more resilient and prosperous Nigeria. I am committed to working collaboratively to achieve this vision. To this end, I invite stakeholders from government, private sector, and civil society to join us in building a food-secure and prosperous Nigeria.

Explore how an updated software framework is helping USAID collect quality data on food security and resilience through population-based surveys in Ethiopia, Kenya, and beyond. The framework was developed by USAID’s Surveys for Monitoring in Resilience and Food Security (SMRFS) project, which is led by ICF. https://bit.ly/4dLebm9

Excited to share that I will be speaking as a panelist during the Africa's Brain Bank Food Security Symposium in Lagos, Nigeria! The discussion will center around a topic I’m deeply passionate about: The role of local communities in shaping food systems in Africa. As we navigate pressing food security challenges, it’s essential to recognize the transformative power of community-driven solutions. From leveraging indigenous knowledge to fostering sustainable practices and enhancing resilience, local communities are at the heart of creating food systems that are inclusive, adaptive and impactful. #Foodsecurity#AfricaFoodSystems#LocalCommunities#Sustainability#AfricaBrainBank.

Collaborative Efforts: Tackling Hunger and Food Insecurity in Nigeria (II) – Our Security, Our Peace By Prof. O.E Bassey “It is imperative that efforts to address food insecurity are guided by principles of equity, sustainability, and inclusivity, ensuring that the most vulnerable populations are prioritized and empowered to access nutritious food and build resilience against future shocks. Only through collective action and collaborative partnerships can Nigeria overcome the complex challenges of food insecurity and create a future where all citizens have access to an adequate and sustainable food supply.” https://lnkd.in/d6w69bew

In this evaluation, we assessed the performance of WFP's portfolio of activities in Mali, identifying key lessons and recommendations to inform the design of the next Country Strategic Plan. During the evaluated period, Mali witnessed widespread insecurity and mounting armed violence, perpetrated in large part by actors affiliated with al-Qaeda and the Islamic State. Its people experienced recurring droughts and skyrocketing food prices. WFP assistance under the strategic plan ranged from unconditional resource transfers to school feeding programmes and resilience building activities. For details, findings, and conclusions, please see our evaluation report (link in post below). Our full report is only available in French, but an executive summary is available in English and Arabic. The state of emergency is ongoing. Crises in the Central Sahel (Mali, Niger, Chad and Burkina Faso) are severe but woefully underreported. The Norwegian Refugee Council's analysis concluded that the situation in Burkina Faso - where an estimated 1 million people are currently held under siege by armed groups - represented the world's most neglected crisis for a second year in a row. These people are cut off from aid and basic services. Please visit WFP's page on the crisis: https://lnkd.in/gu2yM_6E.

Regional representation of our sector is key.

I am excited to join the CEO Breakfast Meeting today, the 16th of October at the 30th Nigerian Economic Summit, in Transcorp Hilton Abuja, where we’ll unpack the theme: ‘Transitioning from Scarcity to Security', in partnership with Sterling Bank Scarcity, whether it’s in food, healthcare access, or economic opportunities—creates vulnerabilities that limit growth and stability. However, the transition to security goes beyond simply managing shortages; it requires bold, forward-thinking strategies that foster innovation, ensure resource optimization, and promote sustainability. Security means having systems in place that guarantee reliable access to critical needs like health services, food production, and financial opportunities, ultimately enabling people, businesses, and nations to thrive. This topic strikes at the core of the challenges we face—not just in agriculture but across health, finance, and economic systems. It’s about shifting from merely surviving with limited resources to building a sustainable future where security—whether in food, health, or livelihoods—is assured for all. For me, this conversation is critical because true economic security is impossible without food security. We’ll explore actionable strategies for creating long-term security in food production leading to economic sustainability. I look forward to contributing insights on how public-private collaboration can unlock solutions, ensuring Nigeria moves from managing scarcity to building sustainable security across every sphere. Join the Conversation!!

Gain insights from experts on the AATB Food Security Program's interventions and collaborate on #solutions to address #foosecurity challenges across the #Arab and #African regions. Join us at the AATB Plenary Session on “Bridging Food Security Gap: Collaborative Strategies for Arab and African Nations” during the Tunisia-Africa Business Meetings in #Tunis, Tunisia. #FoodSecurity #AATBMeeting #Tunisia #TradeDevelopment #EconomicGrowth #RegionalIntegration