In The Spotlight
The Tanzania Investment and Special Economic Zones Authority has signed a significant Memorandum of Understanding with Al Dahra Group, a global agribusiness firm headquartered in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates.
The agreement sets the stage for exploring large scale agricultural investments in the United Republic of Tanzania, with a strong focus on modern and sustainable farming.
The partnership aims to unlock Tanzania’s vast agricultural potential through commercial farming driven by irrigation. Under the agreement, both parties will collaborate to identify and assess suitable farmland for major projects designed to strengthen the country’s agricultural capacity, stimulate economic growth and enhance national food security.
Al Dahra will bring its international experience in high yield and sustainable crop production. TISEZA will support the process by facilitating land access, providing regulatory guidance and coordinating investment incentives. Together, they intend to build a strong foundation for long term agricultural development.
The initiative also aligns with Al Dahra’s 2030 Vision, which centres on expanding irrigated farming and promoting sustainable crop innovation across its global operations. The company plans to invest up to US$100mn in Tanzania. Initial operations are expected to cover at least 10,000 hectares of farmland, with the possibility of expanding by a further 10,000 hectares as the project grows.
Gilead Teri, Director General of the Tanzania Investment and Special Economic Zones Authority, said, “This MoU underscores Tanzania’s commitment to welcoming investment and providing the necessary enablers for foreign direct investments. This collaboration aligns with Tanzania’s agricultural transformation under the leadership of H.E. Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania, which aims to achieve a 10% GDP growth rate in the crop subsector by 2030. This kind of investment creates assured market for millions of smallholder farmers in Tanzania and the region.”
Arnoud van den Berg, Group CEO at Al Dahra, said, “Tanzania offers exceptional agricultural potential, and together with TISEZA, we aim to introduce advanced, sustainable and resilient farming models that support the development of modern farming infrastructure, acquisition of state of the art agricultural technologies, and implementation of smart agritech systems in Tanzania. Our commitment is to invest responsibly, collaborate closely with national institutions, and contribute to Tanzania’s vision for a modern, diversified agricultural sector.”
Kenya’s response to the deepening drought has moved into urgent action, with the Government expanding food relief efforts while preparing farmers for the coming long rains season.
As dry conditions tighten their grip across several counties, authorities say both immediate survival and future food security are now the priority.
Kithure Kindiki, Deputy President, said, “The government is intensifying distribution of food to millions of Kenyans severely affected by the ongoing drought. I assure the people of Kenya that the government will not spare any resources to make sure we don’t lose human life and mitigate the effects of the drought on livestock and wildlife.”
Speaking after chairing a high level coordination meeting at the Official Residence in Karen, Nairobi, which brought together Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries and agency heads, Kindiki said the focus is on fast and efficient delivery of relief to the most affected communities.
“Many counties are in need of food for the people and livestock feed. We are tirelessly working on effective last mile delivery of food so it does not take long to reach the people. We are also trucking water to the people and livestock,” he said.
Government figures show that at least 3.3 million people have been affected since January 2026, with counties such as Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, Tana River, Marsabit, Turkana, Kwale, Meru North, Samburu and Isiolo facing crisis conditions.
At the same time, the Ministry of Agriculture has launched the 2026 Long Rains National Fertiliser Subsidy Programme. Agriculture Principal Secretary Paul Kiprono Rono confirmed that fertiliser is being delivered to National Cereals and Produce Board depots using the Standard Gauge Railway to ensure timely and affordable access for farmers.
“We need food to reach our schools so that learners are not disrupted by the ongoing drought situation. We have reviewed and resolved to upscale the ongoing interventions. We have also resolved to diversify the provision of food to take care of special members of society, including children, women and vulnerable members of society,” he stated.
Officials say the combined strategy of emergency relief and farm input support is aimed at stabilising families today while safeguarding the next harvest, as Kenya confronts increasingly uncertain climate patterns.
The African Union Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment, Moses Vilakati, has applauded Ethiopia’s rise as a wheat exporter, describing it as a defining achievement not only for the country but for Africa as a whole.
Moses Vilakati, said, “We have realized where Ethiopia started and where they are right now — up to an extent where they are now exporting wheat. That’s a milestone, and we are very, very grateful.”
His remarks highlight how far Ethiopia has come in reshaping its agricultural landscape. Once heavily dependent on wheat imports, the country has invested in expanding domestic production, improving farming practices and embracing modern systems that support higher yields and greater resilience.
Vilakati also praised Ethiopia’s wider development agenda, pointing to its commitment to agricultural modernisation and digital transformation. He noted that the country’s progress shows what can be achieved when innovation aligns with clear policy direction and strong political will. For many African nations facing similar food security challenges, Ethiopia’s example offers a practical and encouraging model.
Vilakati stressed that digital tools are changing the way farming works across the continent. Farmers are gaining better access to timely information, improved climate data and smarter decision making systems that help them respond to changing conditions.
The AU Digital Agriculture Strategy 2024–2030 provides the continental roadmap for expanding such tools across agricultural value chains. Digital advisory platforms, climate information services and online marketplaces are already opening new opportunities, particularly for young people seeking to build careers in agriculture.
Following the inaugural AU Digital Agriculture Conference, the African Union Commission renewed its commitment to embedding digital innovation within Africa’s farming systems. As preparations begin for the 2027 review cycle, Vilakati urged member states to turn strategy into action and follow Ethiopia’s lead in pursuing food self sufficiency.
IFTEX 2026 marks the 13th edition of the International Flower Trade Exhibition and continues to strengthen its reputation as one of the most important business focused floriculture events in the world.
Set to take place in Nairobi, Kenya, the exhibition will be held from June 2 to June 4, 2026, at the Visa Oshwal Centre in Ring Road Parklands. Organised by HPP Worldwide, the event brings together the global flower trade under one roof and places East Africa firmly on the international floriculture map.
Designed exclusively for industry professionals, IFTEX 2026 is a trade only exhibition that welcomes growers, breeders, exporters, logistics providers and international buyers from across the globe. Entry is restricted to qualified visitors aged 18 years and above, ensuring a professional environment where meaningful business discussions and long term partnerships can flourish. The exhibition provides a focused platform for networking, sourcing new products and exploring opportunities within the fast growing global flower market.
The three day programme begins on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, with an official opening ceremony scheduled from 09:00 to 11:00 hrs, followed by exhibition hours running until 18:00 hrs. On Wednesday, June 3, 2026, the exhibition continues from 10:00 to 18:00 hrs and concludes with the official exhibition party from 18:30 to 23:00 hrs, offering a relaxed setting for industry networking. The final day, Thursday, June 4, 2026, runs from 10:00 to 16:00 hrs, allowing visitors to finalise meetings and business deals.
IFTEX has consistently positioned itself as a central global platform for the floriculture industry, attracting international participation and supporting large scale trade connections. While previous editions such as 2025 highlight the event’s growth, the confirmed dates and format underline the importance of IFTEX 2026 as a key calendar event.
For floriculture professionals seeking access to global markets, innovative flower varieties and valuable industry connections, IFTEX 2026 offers a unique opportunity to engage with the heart of the international flower trade.
Rwanda is taking a significant step in modernising its livestock sector with the arrival of the first batch of 10 high-genetic-potential Holstein-Friesian dairy bulls imported from Germany.
This initiative is designed to strengthen breeding programmes and accelerate improvements in both dairy and beef herds. A second shipment of 20 bulls is expected by April 2026, featuring additional dairy breeds including Holstein-Friesian, Jersey, and Brown Swiss, alongside top beef breeds such as Angus and Charolais.
These elite bulls will be central to Rwanda’s national bovine artificial insemination (AI) programme, producing high-quality semen distributed nationwide to enhance cattle genetics. By providing farmers with superior semen rather than requiring the purchase of costly breeding animals, the initiative aims to increase productivity, improve herd health, and raise milk yields significantly above those of many local breeds.
The project forms part of Phase II of the Rwanda Dairy Development Project (RDDP-2), a US $100 million programme funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and running from 2024 to 2029. RDDP-2 aims to modernise Rwanda’s dairy value chain, raise milk quality standards, and boost overall sector productivity.
Rwanda’s efforts to improve livestock genetics trace back to the “One Cow per Poor Family” (Girinka) programme launched in 2006, which introduced improved dairy breeds to rural households. Since then, structured crossbreeding, artificial insemination, and veterinary support initiatives have led to notable gains in national milk and meat production, though authorities emphasise that expansion remains crucial to meet targets outlined in the country’s Strategic Plan for Agricultural Transformation.
By integrating high-genetic bulls and modern AI techniques, Rwanda is laying the foundation for a more productive, resilient, and competitive livestock sector, supporting farmers while contributing to the country’s broader agricultural development goals.
Food loss and waste may be playing a larger role in the spread of antimicrobial resistance than previously recognised, according to experts from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
Specialists at the agency say discarded food can act as a breeding ground for resistant microbes and genes, and should be included in national and global strategies that monitor and manage antimicrobial resistance.
Their findings are outlined in a new scientific review titled “Risk of antimicrobial resistance spreading via food loss and waste,” published in Infectious Diseases of Poverty. The study was led by four FAO experts, including Junxia Song, a senior animal health officer who now serves as Chief of the One Health and Disease Control Branch at FAO.
“Linking food loss and waste to AMR is both timely and strategic, as it creates an opportunity for coordinated action that reduces waste while strengthening global efforts to contain AMR,” said Junxia.
Antimicrobial resistance is already a growing global threat. The agricultural sector plays a significant part, with animal production responsible for nearly three quarters of antibiotic sales worldwide. Traces of drug residues and resistant genes have been detected in food sold at retail level and during consumption, particularly in meat, but also in vegetables such as carrots, lettuce and tomatoes. As resistance grows, medicines become less effective, contributing to millions of deaths each year.
The review highlights that food waste offers ideal conditions for bacteria to thrive. Research on kitchen waste and refuse from schools and hospitals has revealed high levels of genes resistant to a wide range of antibiotics, sometimes including newer treatments. In some cases, food waste has shown even greater concentrations of resistant genes than sewage sludge or swine manure, both long known to drive the environmental spread of resistance.
Animal based food waste appears to pose the greatest concern, especially fish waste. The authors stress the importance of prompt collection and proper control of discarded food. While composting can be beneficial, it may sometimes increase resistant genes unless carefully managed with full cycle processes and high temperatures. Anaerobic digestion, widely used to produce biogas, may help reduce antimicrobial resistance if the right techniques are applied.
Landfills remain a major destination for food waste. These sites can intensify risks, particularly when mixed with industrial, agricultural and medical waste, or when exposed to animals and water sources.
Thanawat Tiensin,FAO Assistant Director General and Chief Veterinarian, said,“Food is everyone’s business, and safeguarding its safety is a shared responsibility. Reducing the spread of AMR through food loss and waste demands coordinated action across every sector.”
The report calls for more research, especially in low and middle income countries where antimicrobial use is rising. It also highlights FAO initiatives such as InFARM and RENOFARM, which support countries in strengthening surveillance and reducing reliance on antimicrobials through a One Health approach.
Global agriculture continues to expand, yet the agricultural machinery market is navigating a period of turbulence.
Economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions and shifting trade policies are reshaping where and how farm equipment is bought and sold. This evolving landscape was outlined during the press conference launching the 47th edition of EIMA International, the world’s leading exhibition for agricultural technologies, set to take place in Bologna from 10 to 14 November.
Mariateresa Maschio, FederUnacoma President, said, “Protectionist policies in some countries, economic sanctions, interference with trade routes, and tariff wars have led to market fragmentation and a sharp slowdown in trade which is weighing on the performance of the agromechanical sector.”
Traditional markets are feeling the strain. The United States recorded a 10 percent fall in tractor sales in 2025, while Germany, France and the United Kingdom also posted double digit declines. In contrast, southern Europe is showing renewed momentum. Italy and Spain both closed the year with strong growth, signalling cautious optimism within the European agricultural machinery industry.
India remains the standout performer. With tractor sales exceeding 1.1 million units, the country continues to dominate the global market. According to Maschio, this growth reflects deeper structural demand rather than a short term spike. “Over the past fifteen years, output in the primary sector has grown significantly,” said Mariateresa Maschio, “but to meet the needs of the world’s population it will have to grow by a further 14% by 2034, especially in India and in those countries of North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, and the Middle East that are experiencing the highest demographic growth.”
A new geography of agricultural production is emerging, driven by mechanisation, digital farming solutions and expanding demand in Asia, Africa and Latin America. Chinese manufacturers are rapidly increasing their presence across these regions and even gaining ground in Europe.
“In the coming years we will have a highly segmented agromechanical sector, with low-cost basic technologies alongside highly advanced technologies for complex operations,” added Mariateresa Maschio, underlining the importance of innovation, policy support and international cooperation as the sector looks ahead.
