By Brandon Moss

Africa’s agricultural sector could play a much larger role in driving the continent’s economic growth, but achieving that potential will require a stronger focus on the profitability of farmers.

The issue was a key theme at the Africa Food Systems Forum 2026 in Kigali, Rwanda, where discussions highlighted the need to move beyond simply increasing food production and instead build agricultural systems that generate sustainable incomes for farmers.

Agriculture and agri-food activities support around two-thirds of African livelihoods and contribute roughly a third of the continent’s GDP. However, farmers in Africa generate considerably less value per worker than the global average, highlighting the productivity and income gap that continues to affect the sector.

Improving profitability could help address several of these challenges at the same time. Farmers earning stronger returns would have greater capacity to invest in irrigation, improved seeds, soil health and other productivity-enhancing technologies. Higher and more reliable incomes could also make agriculture more attractive to younger generations.

A more profitable agricultural sector would have benefits beyond the farm itself. Greater agricultural output can support investment in processing, logistics, trading and other activities across the value chain, creating additional opportunities for employment and industrial development.

Processing remains a particularly important area of opportunity. According to figures cited by AGRA, only about 12% to 15% of Africa’s agricultural GDP currently comes from processing, compared with more than 60% in developed regions. Increasing local processing could therefore allow African economies to capture more value from commodities produced on the continent.

Agriculture could also become a foundation for emerging industries, including biofuels and other forms of agricultural value addition. At the same time, stronger farm incomes can improve climate resilience by giving producers the financial capacity to prepare for difficult seasons and invest in adaptation measures.

Africa’s farmers continue to face significant pressures, including climate shocks and changing markets. Increasing production remains important as the continent’s population grows, but production alone will not necessarily create a resilient food system.

The focus on profitability therefore represents a broader approach to agricultural development. By improving the returns generated at farm level, African countries could strengthen food security while creating stronger links between agriculture, manufacturing, trade and investment.

For investors and businesses, the development of more mature agri-food systems could also open new opportunities across the continent, particularly in processing, agricultural inputs, logistics, technology and related services.

The experience of African agriculture may also provide lessons for other regions facing similar challenges. Developing practical approaches to climate resilience, productivity and value addition could create solutions that are relevant well beyond the continent.

Ultimately, Africa’s agricultural transformation will depend not only on how much food farmers produce, but also on whether farming can become a more profitable and sustainable business.