East Africa plans agricultural future

Leaders and stakeholders from across East Africa have gathered in Dar es Salaam for a major meeting aimed at shaping the future of agriculture in the region

Organised by the East African Community in partnership with AGRA, the three day session focuses on reviewing and validating the Draft Regional Agri Food Systems Investment Plan for 2026 to 2035.

The meeting, held in Dar es Salaam from April 21 to 23, has brought together policymakers, private sector players, researchers, farmers, youth groups and development partners. Their shared aim is to refine a long term plan that will guide agricultural growth and food systems across the region over the next decade.

Agriculture remains central to East Africa’s economy, contributing over 30 percent of gross domestic product and supporting more than 70 percent of the population. Despite this, the sector continues to face serious challenges, including low productivity, poor access to finance and markets, and post harvest losses that can reach up to 30 percent due to weak storage and distribution systems.

The new plan builds on lessons from the previous Regional Agriculture Investment Plan, which ran from 2017 to 2025. While it helped strengthen regional cooperation, it also faced setbacks such as limited funding and delays in turning commitments into action.

Speaking at the opening, the EAC Deputy Secretary General, Andrea Aguer Ariik Malueth, stressed the importance of this moment for the region’s future.

“As we conclude the implementation of the previous investment plan, we have a unique opportunity to reflect, learn, and chart a bold new course. RASIP must go beyond policy—it must be an actionable roadmap that drives real transformation across our agrifood systems,” he said.

He highlighted that agriculture has the potential to tackle unemployment, poverty and food insecurity, but only if countries work together more effectively and invest wisely.

AGRA Tanzania Country Director Vianey Rweyendela also emphasised the need to empower young people.

“As a strategic partner in this process, AGRA is committed to ensuring that RASIP places young people at the centre of agrifood systems transformation. This is about unlocking opportunities across the entire value chain from production to markets creating jobs, driving innovation, and building a new generation of agripreneurs,” he said.

Once finalised, the plan is expected to guide agricultural development, improve food systems and create opportunities across East Africa.