Africa is among the leading regions adversely affected by food insecurity, where one in five Africans go to sleep without a meal. More broadly, global food security is under threat owing to several major drivers- a fractured global political landscape, extreme weather patterns because of climate change, conflicts and economic shocks that have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. While some of these dimensions have been present in Africa for a long time, the Ukraine war highlighted the acute food vulnerability of many African countries because of their reliance for vital grains or fertiliser on one or two countries.
Recognising the importance of a holistic and coordinated approach to these challenges, the AU appointed a special envoy for food systems in early 2023 that is intended to help address the challenges of the whole food chain, rather than one aspect, and ensure that Africa is in a better position to manage a crisis in the future. However, the rising geo-economic and geopolitical tensions make this task essential and more complex at the same time, notwithstanding that Africa has 60% of the world’s arable land. Added to this is the role of commodity markets in increasing food prices.
SAIIA and The Policy Institute King’s College London will host a joint virtual conference on 12 March 2024 entitled Geopolitics, Geoeconomics and Food Insecurity in Africa. This conference will unpack the drivers of food insecurity in Africa and the emerging geo-economic and geopolitical factors shaping it. The discussions will share some key learnings on food insecurity in conflict areas. Furthermore, Africa’s plan in response to prevailing geopolitical and geoeconomic challenges affecting food security, as well as the Africa Common Position on Food Systems and the opportunities for partnerships across geopolitical divides, will also be discussed.
Speakers
- Sir. Oliver Letwin, Chair, The Policy Institute
- Prof. Tandeka Nkiwane, former Special Advisor, AUDA-NEPAD
- Dr. Ibrahim Mayaki, Envoy on Food Security, African Union
- Prof. Chuanhong Zhang, Professor, China Agricultural University
- Ms. Ruchita Beri, MP-IDSA
- Mr. Jules Kagwahabi Amoti, Head of Regional Delegation, International Committee of the Red Cross
- Dr. PK Anand, Visiting Fellow, Research and Information System for Developing Countries
Moderator
- Ms. Elizabeth Sidiropoulos, Chief Executive, SAIIA
We look forward to your attendance and participation.