The initiative demonstrates AGRA’s commitment to policy reforms that promote youth employment in agriculture.

The Government of Malawi has unveiled a major initiative designed to create jobs for young people and accelerate agricultural transformation

Through the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the country has launched the Strengthening Policy Implementation and Institutional Capacity for Youth Employment Creation and Agri-Food Systems Transformation (SPICE) project, a K720mn programme funded by the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA).

The project was officially launched at Chikho Hotel in Mponela, Dowa, and aims to link youth employment with Malawi’s agriculture-led development agenda. With a US$400,000mn from AGRA, the Ministry will collaborate with other government departments to reform agricultural policies, strengthen institutions, and create more opportunities for youth within the agri-food value chain.

Dina Gumulira, Director of Technical Services in the Ministry of Youth and Sports, said, “This project is meant to strengthen the policy environment for youth empowerment and respond to issues affecting our agri-food systems,” she said. “Malawi's population is predominantly young, yet many lack opportunities. SPICE seeks to bridge that gap by promoting inclusivity and employment through agriculture.”

Gumulira emphasised that agriculture remains Malawi’s economic backbone, with huge potential for youth participation in key value chains such as soybeans, groundnuts, and maize, which are vital for food security and income generation.

“By involving youth in these value chains, we are empowering them economically and contributing to national development,” she added. “The project aligns with Malawi 2063 and the National Youth Policy, promoting youth participation, market access, and value addition.”

The launch brought together government representatives, youth leaders, civil society, and development partners to map out an implementation strategy. Among the expected outcomes are the creation of evidence-based policies, the development of a National Youth Service Strategy and Act, and the establishment of a coordination framework to link ministries involved in agricultural industrialisation and commercialisation.

Eluphy Nyirenda, AGRA Malawi Country Director, said ,“This grant supports the Ministry of Youth and other collaborating ministries to implement reforms that will create jobs for young Malawians,” she said. “It falls under a Mastercard-funded programme that identified policy gaps affecting youth engagement.”

Nyirenda highlighted that unclear legal definitions and overlapping frameworks have slowed youth development. “For example, there's no law that clearly defines who a 'young person' is in Malawi,” she explained. “This lack of clarity across legal frameworks hampers effective youth programming. SPICE will align all youth-related policies and laws to the Malawi 2063 vision.”

The project will also form a Reference Group to provide technical oversight and ensure effective coordination.

As youth unemployment continues to rise, SPICE is viewed as a timely effort to transform Malawi’s agricultural sector into a source of innovation and opportunity. “This is more than just a project,” Gumulira stressed. “It is a renewed commitment  by government and AGRA  to ensure that no young Malawian is left behind in the country's journey toward inclusive and sustainable growth.”

Bühler is set to showcase its smart silo and grain-storage technology.(Image credit: Bühler)

As Africa’s agriculture continues to grow and modernise, one of the biggest challenges remains the same — how to keep the hard-earned harvest safe and profitable

Recognising this, Bühler is set to showcase its smart silo and grain-storage technology at the upcoming African Agri Investment Indaba (AAII), happening from November 24–26, 2025, at the Cape Town Convention Centre.

The prestigious event will bring together more than 800 participants, including investors, project developers, and government leaders. Their mission: to explore the future of Africa’s agri-food systems and address the economic and environmental forces shaping the continent’s food security.

Bühler’s involvement at AAII is a clear signal of how vital advanced grain storage has become for African farmers. Marco Sutter, Bühler Southern Africa’s Managing Director, said,“As Africa grapples with the dual challenges of feeding a growing population whilst minimising post-harvest losses, smart silo technology represents a critical solution. We are excited to share how these innovations can transform grain storage across the continent.”

For many farmers, post-harvest losses are as painful as poor rainfall. After months of hard work, pests, moisture, and contamination can quickly destroy what was meant to feed families and earn livelihoods. Bühler’s smart silos tackle this challenge head-on. These modern structures come equipped with sensors, monitoring systems, and automated controls that maintain the perfect storage environment. Using Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and machine learning, the system can predict and prevent spoilage helping farmers keep more of what they grow.

Why does this matter so much? Africa loses around 37% of locally produced food every year due to transport delays, poor infrastructure, and storage inefficiencies. Add to that the growing threat of land degradation and climate change, which could cut agricultural production by 18%, even as the demand for food may triple by 2050 — and the importance of safe grain storage becomes impossible to ignore.

Bühler’s innovation promises real change. The smart silos provide real-time grain monitoring, automatic climate control, and predictive maintenance that stops spoilage before it happens. As Sutter, said,“The African Agri Investment Indaba connects the full agricultural value chain, from production to processing to distribution … This comprehensive approach is exactly what is needed to unlock Africa’s agricultural potential. Bühler’s smart silo technology fits seamlessly into this vision by ensuring that the grain farmers work so hard to produce is protected and preserved throughout the storage phase.”

Beyond showcasing technology, Bühler sees this event as a platform for collaboration. As Sutter adds, “We view the Indaba not just as a speaking opportunity, but as a chance to forge meaningful partnerships that can drive real change. Africa’s food security challenges require collaborative solutions, and we are committed to working alongside governments, investors, and agricultural producers to deploy technology that makes a tangible difference.”

For farmers across the continent, this innovation could mean less waste, more income, and greater resilience. Bühler’s smart silo technology stands as a beacon of how technology and agriculture can work together to feed Africa’s future — one grain at a time.

The project is a direct response to Kenya’s heavy dependence on imported fertiliser.

Kenya has taken a major leap toward transforming its agricultural future with the launch of a groundbreaking green fertiliser project at Olkaria in Naivasha, Nakuru County

William Ruto, President led the ceremony marking the start of construction for the US$800mn green ammonia fertiliser plant - a partnership between China’s Kaishan Group and the Kenya Electricity Generating Company Limited (KenGen).

For years, farmers across the country have struggled with the high cost and unpredictable supply of fertiliser challenges that have often left them at the mercy of fluctuating global markets. Once complete, this new factory will produce 480,000 tonnes of fertiliser annually that’s more than 9 million 50kg bags providing local farmers with a more stable and affordable supply.

Ruto said,“these challenges have inflated food costs, reduced yields, and strained household incomes.”

The project is a direct response to Kenya’s heavy dependence on imported fertiliser. In 2023 alone, the country imported more than 600,000 metric tonnes, and by mid-2025, that figure had already reached 443,000 tonnes, costing nearly US$60bn. Ruto said, “Each shipment represents a cost to our Treasury and a lost opportunity for our people. Today's event marks a decisive step toward self-sufficiency and resilience in fertiliser production.”

What makes this plant particularly remarkable is its clean-energy foundation. It will draw 165 megawatts of geothermal power from Olkaria’s abundant underground heat to synthesise green ammonia and convert it into fertiliser the first project of its kind in Africa.

This innovation isn’t just about farming; it’s about sustainability. Ruto highlighted that the plant will prevent over 600,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions every year, the same as taking 130,000 petrol cars off the road. Beyond its environmental benefits, the construction phase alone will create over 2,000 jobs, with a strong emphasis on hiring from local communities.

Ruto reaffirmed that the investment is both green and economically viable, projecting US$13mn in annual profits for KenGen. It’s also expected to open new doors in carbon credit trading, giving Kenya a stronger foothold in international climate finance markets.

“Green fertiliser will give Kenyan exports a competitive edge, open new markets for our agri-business, and strengthen our position in global value chains,” he said.

More broadly, the project sends a strong message to global investors. “It demonstrates investor confidence in Kenya and gives us an indication of what investors are looking for,” the President said.

He called on Kenyans to support the proposed National Infrastructure Fund and Sovereign Wealth Fund, which aim to raise US$4.5 trillion for vital road, dam, and energy projects.

Ruto concluded, “Together, we are called upon to dream boldly, act decisively, and deliver a future of shared prosperity.”

South Africa’s macadamia growers can secure a stronger, more sustainable future.

The year 2025 marks a defining period for South Africa’s macadamia industry, as the sector faces major shifts that will influence its future growth and profitability

Three significant developments are shaping the direction of the industry: declining inshell prices, widening price gaps between different kernel grades, and the increasing importance of strong partnerships between growers and processors. These changes reflect how the market is evolving and why farmers need to adapt their production and marketing strategies to remain competitive.

Macadamia nuts sold in their shells have encountered tough market conditions, largely due to the industry’s dependence on export markets such as China. As China strengthens its own cracking and processing capacity, its need for imported South African inshell nuts has decreased, placing continued pressure on prices. This growing self-sufficiency highlights the risk of exporting unprocessed produce instead of investing in local value addition. Farmers are now encouraged to explore domestic cracking and processing opportunities, which can help them secure better returns and reduce exposure to global market fluctuations.

At the same time, the market is experiencing a noticeable difference in prices between whole and broken kernels. Although international demand for macadamia kernels remains strong, whole kernels are commanding much higher premiums than halves or pieces. Farmers who focus on varieties and post-harvest practices that maximise whole-kernel yield stand to benefit most. Traditional inshell varieties, such as Beaumont, tend to produce a higher percentage of halves when cracked, leading to reduced margins. This trend demonstrates how careful variety selection and quality-focused handling can directly influence on-farm profitability.

The strength of relationships between growers and processors is also becoming more critical. While farmers have little control over international price movements, they can improve their earnings by partnering with processors who prioritise efficiency and product care. As one expert noted: “Even the best crop can lose value if the processor lacks the right equipment or does not pay attention to detail.” Every small improvement in handling, from minimising drop heights to maintaining equipment, can make a real difference in kernel recovery and value.

By investing in quality production, building reliable partnerships, and focusing on value-added processing, South Africa’s macadamia growers can secure a stronger, more sustainable future.