Tanzania is shaping Africa's food security

Tanzania is quickly becoming a standout example of how African nations can transform their agricultural systems to achieve long-term food security and economic resilience

Speaking at the 2024 World Food Prize Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue in Iowa, President Samia Suluhu Hassan proudly announced that Tanzania has reached an exceptional 128 percent level of food self-sufficiency. This means the country now produces more than enough food to feed its population and is in a position to export the surplus to neighbouring nations.

The achievement has drawn praise from leading figures in global development. Dr Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank, credited Tanzania for igniting momentum across the continent toward a new era of agricultural transformation. He pointed to key events like the 2023 Dakar 2 Food Summit, which attracted more than US$72bn in investments, as a catalyst for Africa’s food revolution.

Tanzania’s success isn’t just about producing more—it’s also about diversifying agriculture and building inclusive rural economies. One notable example is the rise of cashew nut processing and exports, a sector that had been largely controlled by Asian markets. Tanzania is now asserting itself as a major player in this industry.

Crucial to this transformation has been rural infrastructure development, particularly bringing electricity to nearly all village communities. This access to power has enabled farmers to adopt modern tools and techniques, boosting productivity across the board.

A major driver of Tanzania’s agricultural evolution is the “Creating Jobs for Youth and Women” initiative, supported by the African Development Bank. This programme equips young people with training and access to land, encouraging them to pursue careers in agriculture. So far, more than 11,000 individuals have benefited, and the model is gaining attention from other countries looking to tap into their youthful populations.

The broader vision, highlighted during the Borlaug Dialogue, is for Africa to shift from food insecurity to becoming a net food exporter. With its vast arable land and growing number of young innovators, the continent has the potential to help feed the world—provided there’s sustained investment in technology, infrastructure, and capacity building.

Tanzania’s journey illustrates what’s possible when political will, strategic investment, and local empowerment come together in agriculture. Its progress sets a powerful example for other nations seeking not just to survive, but to lead in the global food economy.