Ten African countries have pledged nearly US$9 million to the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), increasing their contributions to support rural development, smallholder farmers and stronger food systems across the continent.

Burundi, Chad, Ethiopia, Guinea, Kenya, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan and Zimbabwe announced their commitments to IFAD’s fourteenth replenishment cycle, known as IFAD14, which will cover the 2028–2030 period.

Nigeria was notably absent from the latest group of increased pledges, despite having one of IFAD’s larger portfolios of agricultural development projects.

The commitments were announced during high-level meetings linked to the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, as African countries face increasing pressure from climate change, conflict and economic shocks affecting farmers and food systems.

African Countries Step Up Contributions

Several of the countries more than tripled their previous three-year contributions, with some increases approaching ten times their earlier commitments.

Kenya increased its pledge by 50%, while leaders from Ethiopia, Sierra Leone and Somalia highlighted the importance of agricultural investment to food security, employment, resilience and rural economic development.

IFAD President Alvaro Lario said African leaders increasingly recognise IFAD14 as an important platform for strengthening the continent’s agrifood systems.

Nearly 60% of IFAD’s portfolio is invested in Africa, with the organisation focusing heavily on rural communities and the early stages of food supply chains.

The fund combines member-state contributions with loan repayments, supplementary resources, borrowing and co-financing. According to IFAD, each dollar of core contributions can generate approximately six dollars of investment on the ground.

Nigeria Has a Large IFAD Portfolio

Although Nigeria did not feature among the countries announcing increased pledges, IFAD currently supports 13 projects in the country with a combined value of about US$1.86 billion.

IFAD financing for these programmes is estimated at approximately US$715.29 million.

Among the major initiatives is the Value Chain Programme in Northern Nigeria, valued at about US$158.16 million. The Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones Programme is estimated at US$543.29 million, while the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises Project in the Niger Delta has an estimated value of US$162.01 million.

These programmes cover areas including agricultural value chains, agro-processing, rural livelihoods and economic opportunities for farming communities.

The scale of the existing portfolio highlights the importance of agricultural finance to Nigeria, particularly as the country seeks to improve food production, create rural employment and strengthen agricultural value chains.

Smallholders Remain Central to Rural Transformation

African leaders participating in the replenishment discussions stressed the role of smallholder farmers in achieving food security and economic growth.

Ethiopian President Taye Atske Selassie linked his country’s contribution to the importance of smallholders to food security and the future of young people.

Kenya’s President William Ruto similarly described his country’s increased contribution as an investment in rural communities and young farmers, while Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio emphasised agriculture’s role in food security, livelihoods and employment.

Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud highlighted the need for agricultural investment to help rural communities withstand climate shocks while increasing domestic food production and market participation.

The need for greater agricultural investment comes as African food systems face rising pressures from climate variability, conflict, population growth and economic disruptions.

Financing Can Strengthen Rural Economies

IFAD reported that projects assessed under its latest replenishment cycle increased rural incomes by an average of 34%, agricultural productive capacity by 35% and market access by 34%.

The latest commitments therefore reflect a broader effort to increase investment in the rural economy and improve the ability of farmers to participate in productive and commercial agricultural value chains.

For Africa, strengthening agricultural finance will remain important not only for food security but also for creating rural employment, supporting agro-processing and helping smallholder farmers move from subsistence production into more resilient and market-oriented businesses.