Africa is home to one of the largest livestock populations in the world, yet the sector remains fragmented and underfunded. (Image credit: AU-IBAR)

“Africa’s livestock sector already contributes over USD 210 billion annually, yet we continue to import products we could produce ourselves. The question is whether we will seize the billion-dollar opportunity before us.” This message from Huyam Salih, Director of AU-IBAR, framed the urgency of transforming Africa’s livestock systems during the panel discussion on “Resilience in the Animal Industry” at the ICC Kenya Business Summit 2026 in Nairobi.

Her remarks brought into focus a striking reality. Africa is home to one of the largest livestock populations in the world, yet the sector remains fragmented and underfunded. Much of its potential is untapped, and many systems are not fully connected to competitive regional and global markets. While livestock already plays a significant economic role, it has not yet reached the level of organisation and investment needed to drive broader transformation.

The livestock discussion formed part of a wider summit programme that examined what Africa must do to reshape its economic future. Conversations covered sustainable agriculture, precision farming, digital trade, sustainable finance and green infrastructure. Across these themes, one message stood out. Production alone is not enough. Africa must build integrated systems that connect farmers to markets, finance, technology and infrastructure.

Speakers stressed the need to strengthen agricultural value chains, improve access to finance and attract greater private sector participation. Digital tools were identified as essential in simplifying trade processes, increasing transparency and widening market access. At the same time, sustainable finance was seen as critical in unlocking long term investment through stronger collaboration between governments, financial institutions and investors.

Within this broader context, Salih emphasised that livestock must move beyond subsistence activity and be recognised as a structured and investable sector. She called for stronger animal health systems, better feed and genetics, improved processing capacity and deeper integration of production, processing and trade.

Through its continental mandate, the African Union InterAfrican Bureau for Animal Resources supports Member States in modernising livestock systems. This includes strengthening veterinary services, improving disease control and facilitating safe regional trade. Such efforts protect livelihoods while opening doors to larger markets and increased private investment.

Salih also highlighted the importance of climate smart livestock systems that boost productivity while reducing environmental pressure. With rising demand for animal protein and vast livestock resources, Africa holds a strong foundation for growth.

The summit made it clear that livestock can be a powerful driver of food security, employment and trade competitiveness. The opportunity is evident. Turning that opportunity into tangible results will depend on coordinated action, sustained investment and a shared commitment to building resilient and competitive systems across the continent.

Minister Steenhuisen Pushes for Immediate Action to Prevent Sugar Industry Shutdown.

South Africa’s sugar industry is facing a critical moment, and the Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, has called for urgent action to prevent serious disruption ahead of the April crushing season.

The crisis follows the liquidation of Tongaat Hulett, which has created uncertainty around the continued operation of several major sugar mills.

The Department of Agriculture has been in discussions with industry stakeholders and has been informed that unless the current funding deadlock is resolved without delay, growers will not be able to deliver their cane for processing. Should the mills fail to open, production would grind to a halt, placing thousands of livelihoods at risk.

Around 15 500 growers depend directly on these mills to process their harvest. Beyond the farms, between 35 000 and 40 000 jobs are tied to the wider supply chain connected to the sugar industry. For many rural communities, the mills are not just processing facilities but economic lifelines that support families, small businesses and local services.

Steenhuisen said, “This is not a theoretical risk, it is an immediate economic threat to rural communities. If the mills do not open, farmers cannot harvest, workers cannot earn an income, and entire local economies will stall. The longer uncertainty persists, the greater the damage becomes.”

The Minister stressed that agriculture operates according to natural cycles that cannot be postponed. Sugar cane must be harvested and processed within strict timeframes. Any delay caused by financial or legal disputes could result in heavy losses that ripple across the sector.

“Government’s concern is simple: the crop cannot wait. Agricultural production works on biological timelines, not legal or financial ones. An intervention that unlocks funding and restores operational certainty is urgently required to protect both production and jobs.”

The Department of Agriculture is working closely with other government departments and financial stakeholders to find a practical solution. The aim is to preserve production capacity, protect growers and workers, and avoid lasting damage to the industry.

Steenhuisen also highlighted the broader importance of the sugar sector. It plays a significant role in rural economies and contributes to national food value chains. Allowing production to collapse would not only harm farmers and mill workers but also have wider economic and social consequences.

“Our objective is not to intervene in commercial negotiations, but to ensure that a viable path forward exists so that growers can deliver cane, mills can operate, and workers can earn an income. The immediate priority must be keeping the season alive" added Steenhuisen.

The Ministry has committed to closely monitoring the situation and remains ready to support continued engagement to secure stability and protect the future of the sugar industry.

AfCFTA Secretariat and AGRA collaborated to drive agricultural trade.

The African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat and AGRA have strengthened their collaboration in a renewed effort to boost trade within Africa, placing agriculture at the heart of economic growth and food security.

The announcement was made on 14 February during a high level gathering held alongside the 39th African Union Summit, signalling a clear intent to move from policy ambition to practical delivery.

H.E. Wamkele Mene, Secretary General of the African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat, and Alice Ruhweza, President of AGRA, formalised the partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding. This agreement ushers in a new chapter of cooperation focused on ensuring that the AfCFTA framework translates into real improvements for agricultural markets across the continent.

With 50 countries now having ratified the AfCFTA Agreement, the focus is turning firmly towards implementation. Agriculture has emerged as a priority sector, given its central role in livelihoods, employment and food systems. Leaders see enormous potential for the sector to shift Africa’s position in global trade by encouraging value addition and strengthening regional supply chains.

H.E. Wamkele Mene, said, “The AfCFTA offers Africa a historic opportunity to shift from exporting raw commodities to building regional value chains that create jobs, raise farmer incomes and strengthen food security. Our partnership with AGRA is about moving from ambition to execution, ensuring that agricultural trade delivers tangible benefits for producers, processors and consumers across the continent.”

At the core of this renewed partnership is the AfCFTA Agri Trade Action Plan. The plan outlines practical measures aimed at reducing non tariff barriers, improving trade facilitation, encouraging value addition and attracting investment into regional agricultural value chains. These efforts are expected to create a more enabling environment for farmers and agribusinesses to trade more efficiently across borders.

Alice Ruhweza, said, “Trade will not transform Africa’s food systems unless farmers and agri enterprises are able to produce competitively, meet international quality standards, and connect to reliable markets.This partnership is about making intra African food trade work in practice—linking policy to delivery so that agriculture becomes a driver of inclusive growth, resilience and shared prosperity.”

By combining policy leadership with practical agricultural expertise, the AfCFTA Secretariat and AGRA aim to ensure that farmers, processors and consumers all benefit from a more integrated African market. Their shared vision is simple yet powerful: to enable agriculture to unlock opportunity, strengthen resilience and create shared prosperity throughout the continent.

The launch marks a significant step in improving access to modern farm equipment for growers across the coastal region and nearby counties. (Image credit: Capital Business)

CFAO Kenya has expanded its presence in the country’s agricultural sector with the opening of a new Case IH machinery showroom at Mnazi Mmoja in Mombasa.

The launch marks a significant step in improving access to modern farm equipment for growers across the coastal region and nearby counties.

The facility was officially opened during a ceremony attended by senior representatives from CNH Industrial, CFAO Kenya and officials from Mombasa County. The investment reflects growing confidence in Kenya’s farming potential and the rising demand for reliable mechanisation.

Vincent DeLassange, Vice President of CNH Middle East and Africa, said, “We are keen to build partnerships with Kenyan farmers and support the country’s agricultural transformation. We do this through world-class technology, and continuous technical support,” he said.

CFAO Group Chairman and Country Delegate Ambassador Dennis Awori said,“CFAO Group’s investment in this world-class facility demonstrates our long-term commitment to supporting Kenya’s farmers with the technology and services they need to compete globally. We believe that agricultural mechanisation is fundamental to achieving food security, creating employment, and driving rural prosperity across this nation.”

Mombasa Deputy Governor Francis Thoya welcomed the development, noting its potential to create employment and strengthen food production in the county. “This is a testament of our unwavering resolve to ensure that key partnerships prioritise our local farmers. The county’s commitment to backing private investments that boost farm productivity and create jobs in adequate food security, as well as yield improvement is on the rise. We thank CFAO Kenya for their solid investment in the sector,” he said.

The new showroom offers a broad selection of Case IH tractors ranging from 55 to 700 horsepower. Smaller scale farmers can access the compact JXT series designed for orchards, greenhouses and modest plots. Row crop growers are catered for through the FARMALL JXM and JX Straddle models, which feature improved transmission and hydraulic performance.

Larger commercial operations are supported by the Maxxum and Puma ranges, built for demanding field work and heavier lifting requirements. All models are fitted with fuel efficient engines, safety features and backed by trained technicians. Fuel tank capacity varies by model, ranging from 60 to 395 litres.

Beyond tractors, the outlet also supplies ploughs, disc harrows, boom sprayers and planters compatible with Case IH equipment. The new centre is expected to make it easier for farmers in the coastal belt to access machinery, spare parts and maintenance services, strengthening agricultural productivity in the region.