For millions of African farmers, the value of a fertiliser subsidy is ultimately determined by practical questions: does the fertiliser arrive on time, does it reach the farmer who needs it, does it improve productivity, and does the system make it easier or harder for farmers to eventually access inputs through functioning markets?
ZAMBIA HAS THE MAIZE AND SOYBEAN; WHAT IT NEEDS NOW IS TRADE PREDICTABILITY
Zambia has long been described as a country with the potential to become a regional food basket. It has land, water, farmers, processors, and a strategic location near major food-deficit markets. In good seasons, the country can produce sizable maize surpluses. Its soybean sector is also increasingly important, not only for grain exports, but also for feed, edible oil, livestock value chains and agro-processing.
TANZANIA’S AGRICULTURAL TRADE PROBLEM IS NOT PRODUCTION; IT IS POLICY UNCERTAINTY
Tanzania has the ingredients of a strong agricultural trading nation. It has land, diverse agro-ecological zones, a large farming population, access to regional markets, and strategic links to the East African Community, SADC, COMESA and AfCFTA. Agriculture contributes significantly to the economy and employs a large share of the population. Its exports include cashew nuts, coffee, cotton, tobacco, tea, cloves, horticulture and sesame, while staples such as maize and rice remain critical for regional food markets.
AGRICULTURAL TRADE DISRUPTIONS IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA: RAPID SYNTHESIS AND FEEDBACK FROM COUNTRY DIALOGUES
The webinar held on 13th May on Agricultural Trade Disruptions in sub-Saharan Africa: Rapid Synthesis and Feedback from Country Dialogues, organised by the Africa Network of Agricultural Policy Research Institutes in partnership with AGRA, convened policymakers, researchers, regional institutions, and development partners to examine the growing scale and implications of agricultural trade disruptions across Africa. Drawing on evidence from Ghana, …
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.
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.
FROM SPATIAL DATA TO ACTIONABLE POLICY
The African Agriculture Adaptation Atlas is transforming climate data into practical guidance for policy and investment across the continent, as highlighted during the fifth session of the Africa Network of Agricultural Policy Research Institutes Stakeholders Conference. The discussion and live demonstration showcased how the tool harmonises fragmented datasets, simplifies complex analytics, supports gender-responsive planning, and aligns local priorities with national strategies and climate finance opportunities. Country experiences highlighted its growing impact, from shaping climate finance proposals to informing seasonal bulletins, guiding adaptation planning, and enabling inclusive, resilient decision-making. The session concluded with a shared recognition that the Atlas is becoming a cornerstone for evidence-led, climate-smart agricultural transformation in Africa.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE 12TH ANAPRI CONFERENCE
The opening ceremony of the 12th ANAPRI Stakeholders Conference delivered a powerful call to advance Africa’s food systems through evidence, investment, and collaboration. Moderated by Eugene Anagwe, the session combined vibrant cultural performances by the Inganzo Ngari traditional dancers with strategic insights from government, partners, and ANAPRI leadership. The event was graced by Rwanda’s Minister of State for Agriculture and Animal Resources, Dr Telesphore Ndabamenye, alongside other distinguished guests.