Countries and institutions from Africa and the Middle East have joined hands to launch the groundbreaking “Africa and Middle East SAFE Initiative.” Facilitated by the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), this USD 10 billion public-private partnership aims to scale up agriculture and food systems for economic development in the regions.
The initiative addresses critical issues such as food security, climate change, and vulnerability of rural livelihoods, showcasing a dedicated commitment to sustainable development and resilience.
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Regional Support for a Comprehensive Approach
During the launch event, government and institutional representatives expressed strong support for the initiative, highlighting its significance in addressing critical regional challenges. H.E. Khaled Mahdi, Secretary General of the Supreme Council for Planning and Development, State of Kuwait, emphasised the need for a comprehensive approach to food security, praising the SAFE initiative for bringing economic development through collaboration between the public and private sectors.
H.E. Hala Helmy el-Said, Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Arab Republic of Egypt, stressed the urgency to ease access for developing countries to climate finance and technology, considering the current levels of internal and external debt in African countries.
Unlocking Green Investments and Promoting Climate-Smart Agriculture
By leveraging Africa’s agricultural potential and the Middle East’s investment capacity, the initiative aims to unlock green investments, promote climate-smart agriculture for rural farmers, and create green jobs.
Comprising the Technical Assistance Fund (TAF) and Investment Platform (IP), the Initiative sets ambitious goals, including irrigating 2 million hectares of African farmland, enhancing climate resilience for 10 million smallholder farmers (with a focus on women and young people), and effectively addressing food security challenges. Côte d’Ivoire State Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development and Food Production, Mr. Kobenan Kouassi Adjoumani, emphasized the support the initiative will provide to youth and women, highlighting its significance for the economic sector.
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GGGI’s Commitment to Facilitating Impactful Progress
The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) is committed to facilitating ongoing dialogues and shaping the potential of the initiative. Dr. Frank Rijsberman, GGGI’s Director General, expressed confidence in the initiative’s substantial impact by addressing immediate challenges and contributing to the long-term well-being of Africa and the Middle East.
GGGI is dedicated to coordinating diverse stakeholder voices to ensure the successful progression of the Africa and Middle East SAFE Initiative toward climate-resilient agriculture and sustainable food systems.