Addis Ababa, August 3, 2025 (FMC) — Africa is home to a rising private sector that is driving transformation across key industries including energy, agriculture, digital technology, and job creation, according to Sanda Ojiambo, CEO and Executive Director of the United Nations Global Compact.
Ojiambo noted that Africa holds vast untapped potential in food production, land use, and capital investment, buoyed by a youthful population and accelerating innovation. She emphasized the need to shift rapidly from commitments to real investments—particularly in food systems, infrastructure, and skills development.
During her recent visit to Mojo, Ethiopia, Ojiambo observed the benefits of cluster farming, a model that brings together smallholder farmers to enhance access to quality seeds, market data, and agricultural support. She noted that the approach has produced tangible results in wheat and banana value chains, demonstrating how collaboration can yield measurable progress.
She highlighted a new compendium compiled by the UN Global Compact, the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, and the Food and Agriculture Organization. The collection features over 10 case studies of successful public-private partnerships in food systems, underscoring the potential for scaling up impactful investment models.
Ojiambo emphasized the pivotal role of Africa’s private sector in job creation and income generation. “We have a lot of homegrown innovation. We’re seeing a surge in agri-tech and fintech solutions that not only advance food systems but also help de-risk economies by creating jobs and incomes,” she said.
She also stressed the importance of private sector support in realizing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), noting that Africa must first ensure food security to enable trade within and across countries.
“Supporting local businesses to operate efficiently and across borders is essential to unlocking intra-African trade potential,” she said.
Ojiambo further called for increased investment in climate-resilient agriculture—including improved seeds, technologies, and infrastructure—to safeguard food systems against climate-related shocks.
She also spoke about the Global Africa Business Initiative, known as *Unstoppable Africa*, which seeks to position the continent as a key global growth engine and investment destination. According to her, Africa already has the fundamentals for growth—labor, markets, and renewable energy—but needs sustained investment, stronger political leadership, and inclusive partnerships that center African voices.
Finally, she congratulated the Government of Ethiopia for successfully hosting the UN Food Systems Summit, which convened global leaders and stakeholders from government, civil society, and business to renew their commitment to transforming food systems, as reported by ENA.