The upcoming Russia-Africa Summit 2023 will place a strong emphasis on Africa's food sovereignty and security, as confirmed by Oleg Ozerov, ambassador at large of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation. The discussions during the summit will revolve around strategies to harness the continent's agricultural potential and explore how Russia can contribute to the development of Africa's agricultural infrastructure. A key topic on the agenda will be ways to establish Russian production capabilities within Africa.
While food security is a critical issue, it will be discussed not only during the political summit but also within the framework of the Economic and Humanitarian forum. Russia is a major supplier of products that ensure food security, including grains, fertilizers, and their components. The importance of addressing this issue is becoming increasingly urgent.
During the summit, both parties will explore the possibilities of establishing agricultural production in Africa. African countries are eager to receive agricultural technology and equipment from Russia to enhance their agricultural capabilities.
Africa is considered one of the most vulnerable regions globally concerning food security, despite agriculture employing over 60 percent of its labor force and contributing about one-third of the continent's GDP. A new study supported by the World Food Programme (WFP) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) indicates that over 50 million people in Eastern Africa will face acute food insecurity this year. Another report by WFP and FAO estimates that 281.6 million people on the continent, representing more than one-fifth of the population, faced hunger in 2020, with 46.3 million more than in 2019.
Experts believe that approximately 60 percent of Africa's fertile land remains underutilized. To tackle this issue effectively, achieving food sovereignty is essential. The continent possesses immense agricultural potential, and realizing this potential is seen as a realistic possibility.
As part of the business program at the Second Russia-Africa Summit and Economic and Humanitarian Forum, a panel session on food sovereignty will be held under the Integrated Security and Sovereign Development block. Titled "Russia and Africa: Partnership for Food Sovereignty," the session is scheduled to begin on July 27 at 9.00 a.m.
The Second Russia-Africa Summit and Russia-Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum, taking place from July 27 to 28, is organized by the Roscongress Foundation. The summit provides a significant platform for engaging in discussions and fostering partnerships to address critical issues like food security in Africa.
