How African women are reshaping the future of farming

Across sub-Saharan Africa, women are not waiting on the sidelines of the farming revolution. They are in the thick of it, tilling the soil, leading cooperatives, and building agribusinesses that feed families and fortify economies.

Women make up nearly half of the continent's agrifood workforce, with more than three quarters of employed women working within these systems in some capacity. Yet despite doing so much of the heavy lifting, structural obstacles continue to block their path to finance, land, markets, and the tools they need to truly thrive.

To mark International Women's Day 2026, AGRA brought this conversation front and centre. Through its VALUE4HER initiative, the organisation convened women agripreneurs, policymakers, and development partners at the Joaquim Chissano International Centre in Maputo, Mozambique. The event served a dual purpose: honouring the women quietly transforming African agriculture, and officially opening applications for the 2026 VALUE4HER Women Agripreneurs of the Year Awards, known as WAYA.

The gathering was anchored by the theme "Give Agency to Gain Growth," a rallying call that spoke directly to what many women working in agrifood know all too well. The numbers make a compelling case for change. According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation, if women farmers had the same access to productive resources as men, their yields could increase by 20 to 30 per cent, potentially cutting global hunger by up to 17 per cent.

Alice Ruhweza,AGRA's President, said, "Women are not just participants in Africa's agrifood systems — they are innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders driving transformation across the value chain. Investing in women's agency, leadership, and access to opportunities unlocks growth not only for women-led businesses, but for Africa's food systems and economies."

Maria Benvinda Levy, Mozambique's Prime Minister, said, "The National Program for the Eradication of Poverty places the improvement of people's living conditions at the centre of our national agenda. It prioritises support for the most vulnerable, reduces social inequalities, and advances inclusive development across Mozambique. Women agripreneurs are central to this transformation, driving productivity, strengthening food systems, and expanding opportunity in our communities."

The WAYA Awards, launched in 2021, have grown into one of Africa's most respected platforms for recognising excellence in women-led agribusiness. Winners receive grants of up to USD 300,000 to scale their work. This year's awards will be presented in September at the Africa Food Systems Forum in Kigali, Rwanda. Applications close 8th May 2026, and are open to women-led agribusinesses across the continent.

Last year drew nearly 2,000 applicants from countries including Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Uganda, Tanzania, and beyond. Their stories told of innovation in ag-tech, value addition, sustainable farming, and grassroots community leadership. This year promises to be no different.