A major milestone in African agricultural development was reached today as Tanzania launched its National Agricultural Mechanization Strategy 2026–2036 at the opening of the Africa Conference on Sustainable Agricultural Mechanization in Dar es Salaam.

The strategy, supported by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and aligned with the FAO-African Union framework for mechanization (F-SAMA), marks a continent-wide push to close long-standing mechanization gaps that have constrained productivity on smallholder farms.

Focusing on sustainability, inclusivity and localized solutions, the plan is designed to empower women and youth farmers by providing access to appropriate machines, service networks and skills training tailored to local conditions. ‘

Delegates at the conference highlighted that increasing mechanization is essential to reducing post-harvest losses, improving timeliness of farm operations, and enhancing competitiveness in domestic and export markets. This push reflects a growing consensus among African governments and development partners that empowering farmers with the right equipment and support systems is foundational to building resilient food systems.