On 24 March 2026, Indaba Agricultural Policy Research Institute (IAPRI), a member centre of the Africa Network of Agricultural Policy Research Institutes (ANAPRI), convened a high-level stakeholder dialogue in Lusaka to examine Zambia’s agricultural trade policy environment at a critical moment for the country’s food system. The convening, held under the theme Zambia’s Agricultural Trade in the AfCFTA Era: A Dialogue on Agricultural Trade Policy Predictability and Market Confidence, brought together policymakers, private sector actors, farmer organisations, and regional partners to reflect on how Zambia can better align domestic market policies with emerging regional trade opportunities.
ANAPRI EXPANDS AS ETHIOPIA’S POLICY STUDIES INSTITUTE JOINS THE NETWORK
The Africa Network of Agricultural Policy Research Institutes (ANAPRI) is pleased to announce that the Policy Studies Institute (PSI) of Ethiopia has officially joined the network. The inclusion of PSI is an important milestone in the continued expansion of ANAPRI and strengthens collaboration among African policy research institutions committed to advancing evidence-informed agricultural policymaking.
AfCFTA IN ACTION: CAN KENYA BALANCE FOOD SECURITY AND REGIONAL TRADE?
Kenya’s agricultural trade policy sits at a critical intersection. At a recent convening held on 17 March 2026 by Tegemeo Institute of Agricultural Policy and Development, a member centre of the Africa Network of Agricultural Policy Research Institutes (ANAPRI), it became clear that the country is navigating a delicate balance between safeguarding domestic food systems and advancing its commitments under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), East African Community (EAC), and Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA).
UGANDA’S AGRICULTURAL TRADE UNDER AfCFTA: WHAT THE EVIDENCE SHOWS
Agriculture remains central to the promise of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). It drives food security, employment, export growth, and industrialisation across the continent. Yet agricultural trade in Africa has become increasingly unpredictable. Export bans, certification requirements, border restrictions, and sudden regulatory shifts have disrupted supply chains and weakened confidence in regional markets. Moving from trade agreements on paper to trade in practice now requires greater policy coherence and stronger evidence.
STRENGTHENING AFRICA–GERMANY AGRICULTURAL TRADE THROUGH STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP
With the right policy alignment, investment in local value addition, and stronger regional integration, African–German agricultural trade can move beyond commodity exchange to become a catalyst for food security, improved nutrition, and sustainable economic growth. The AgriBridge Network’s latest policy note outlines a practical pathway for unlocking these mutual gains and building a more balanced, resilient partnership between Africa and Germany.
ANAPRI’S BOARD LEADERSHIP TRANSITION
The Africa Network of Agricultural Policy Research Institutes has entered a new phase of institutional leadership following the successful transition to a reconstituted Board. Formalised during a Board retreat in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, the transition reflects a deliberate effort to strengthen governance, enhance accountability, and position the network for sustained impact. With a diverse mix of regional, technical, and institutional expertise, the new Board is set to guide ANAPRI in advancing credible, evidence-based agricultural and food systems policy across Africa.
ANAPRI REFLECTION ON 2025 AND LOOKING AHEAD TO 2026
The year 2025 was a year of grounding and recalibration for ANAPRI. It was a year in which we deliberately leaned into substance over spectacle, and relevance over reach. At a time of tightening funding, growing uncertainty, and rising expectations from governments and partners, we made conscious choices about where to focus our collective energy and what kind of network we want ANAPRI to be.
PARTNERSHIPS AND COALITIONS ON FOOD SYSTEMS TRANSFORMATION
Africa’s agricultural transformation will be driven not by isolated efforts, but by co-created, well-aligned alliances that turn evidence into impact and ambition into action. This is a key highlight of the 8th session of the ANAPRI Stakeholders Conference. The session brought together stakeholders to reflect on how collaboration, rather than competition, can accelerate progress. Discussions highlighted complementary strengths across policy analysis, soil health, data systems, farmer-focused initiatives, and investment mobilisation.
APPLYING SYSTEMS THINKING AND FORESIGHT FOR AFRICA’S AGRIFOOD TRANSFORMATION
Discussions on applying systems thinking and strategic foresight at the ANAPRI Stakeholders Conference highlighted how Africa can design more coherent, future-ready agrifood policies in an increasingly complex environment. The session emphasised that while many solutions already exist, fragmentation and siloed decision making continue to limit impact. Speakers and panellists stressed the value of foresight, analytics, and practical policy tools in helping countries anticipate long-term challenges, manage trade-offs, optimise scarce public resources, and align investments with CAADP priorities.
DOMESTICATION AND STATUS OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE AFRICAN FERTILISER AND SOIL HEALTH ACTION PLAN
Progress in domesticating the African Fertiliser and Soil Health Action Plan was the focus of the sixth session of the recent ANAPRI Stakeholders Conference, showcasing how countries, coalitions, and regional bodies are advancing its implementation. Participants highlighted the urgency of expanding agronomic guidance, mobilising sustainable financing, and aligning national strategies with Africa’s long-term soil health vision. With growing political commitment and practical actions underway, the session reinforced the shift from intention to implementation, focusing on delivering measurable improvements for farmers and food systems.