AGRA Launches Africa Food Prize 2025, Calls for Nominations

AGRA has officially launched the Africa Food Prize 2025, urging governments, private sector players, civil society organizations, and individuals to nominate outstanding change-makers shaping the future of Africa’s agriculture.

The Africa Food Prize is the premier award recognizing an exceptional individual or institution leading the transformation of farming in Africa—from a struggle for survival to a thriving business.

A Call to Transform Africa’s Food Systems

Speaking at the launch, Jakaya Kikwete, Chair of the Africa Food Prize Committee and former Tanzanian President, emphasized the significance of the award in shaping Africa’s food systems.

“The Africa Food Prize serves as a testament to Africa’s potential to shape its own food systems,” he stated.

Kikwete acknowledged the pressing challenges facing the continent, including climate change, geopolitical disruptions, and supply chain vulnerabilities.

“These obstacles disrupt agricultural markets and put immense pressure on farmers and food systems. In the face of these challenges, we must ask ourselves: How do we build food systems that ensure no African goes to bed hungry? How do we create agricultural markets that are inclusive, resilient, and profitable?” he posed.

He further stressed the importance of leveraging science and technology to develop sustainable practices that will propel Africa toward a future where it not only feeds itself but contributes to global food security.

Rewarding Innovation and Leadership

The $100,000 prize recognizes Africans who are taking charge of the continent’s agricultural agenda. It highlights bold initiatives and technical innovations that can be replicated across Africa to boost productivity, sustainability, and food security.

Previous winners of the Africa Food Prize have demonstrated outstanding contributions to the sector:

• 2024: Tinotenda Mhiko, CEO of the Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA) of Zimbabwe.
• 2023: Pan-Africa Bean Research Alliance (PABRA), for its leadership in developing improved bean varieties.
• 2022: Prof. Eric Yirenkyi Danquah, founding director of the West Africa Center for Crop Improvement (WACCI), University of Ghana.
• 2020: Dr. André Bationo (Burkina Faso) and Dr. Catherine Nakalembe (Uganda), for their contributions to food security in Africa.

At the launch of the 2025 award, Dr. Nakalembe expressed how winning the prize had motivated her to reach even greater heights in her work.

A Transparent Selection Process

Boaz Blackie Keizire, Head of Policy, Advocacy & Africa Food Prize Secretariat at AGRA, assured that the selection process would be transparent and guided by the Africa Food Prize charter under the supervision of the AGRA board.

“We assure that the criteria will focus on the impact of the work an individual or organization is doing in terms of ensuring food and nutrition security and also the scalability of the model,” he stated.

The Africa Food Prize was originally established in 2005 by Norway-based Yara International ASA as the Yara Prize to recognize achievements in African agriculture. In 2016, it was renamed the Africa Food Prize to reflect its distinct African identity and ownership.

Nominations for the 2025 award are now open, offering an opportunity to honor those making remarkable strides in revolutionizing Africa’s agricultural sector.