Africa’s agrifood challenge is often framed as a production problem: raise yields, expand cultivated area and produce more food. Is this always the case?
CROWDING IN OR CROWDING OUT? RETHINKING FERTILISER SUBSIDIES FOR AGRICULTURAL TRANSFORMATION
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?
LEVERAGING AFRICA’S TRADE CORRIDORS FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH, FOOD SECURITY AND JOBS
Africa farmers, traders and consumers care less about continental ambitions, and instead, care more about whether the road is passable, the rules enable the food to move, the standards are clear, and a buyer is waiting at the other end of the border.
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.
UGANDA CAN FEED REGIONAL MARKETS; BUT IT MUST FIRST FIX THE COST OF TRADING
Uganda’s agricultural trade story begins with a major advantage: the country already produces many of the commodities that regional and global markets want.
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.
MALAWI’S MAIZE TRADE POLICY IS TRYING TO PROTECT FOOD SECURITY; IT MAY BE WEAKENING IT
Malawi’s agricultural trade story is a story of promise trapped by uncertainty. The country has fertile soils, water resources, a large farming population and a strategic location in Southern Africa. Agriculture remains the backbone of the economy, employing most of the workforce, contributing significantly to GDP and generating the bulk of foreign exchange earnings. On paper, Malawi should be better positioned to supply regional markets, diversify exports and strengthen agro-processing.
BREAKING THE CYCLE OF TRADE BANS IN MALAWI’S AGRICULTURE
Malawi’s agricultural trade system continues to be shaped by frequent and often abrupt policy decisions that ripple across markets, livelihoods, and the wider economy. This reality was at the centre of a policy dialogue convened on 21 April 2026 by MwAPATA Institute and the Centre for Agricultural Research and Development, both member centres of the Africa Network of Agricultural Policy Research Institutes.
ALIGNING TRADE POLICY WITH TANZANIA’S AGRICULTURAL POTENTIAL
Stakeholders from government, the private sector, and research institutions convened in Dar es Salaam on 23 April 2026 for a policy dialogue on agricultural trade restrictions in Tanzania. Organised by Sokoine University of Agriculture with support from the Africa Network of Agricultural Policy Research Institutes, the meeting provided a timely opportunity to reflect on how current trade policies are shaping the country’s agricultural competitiveness and its role within regional markets.
RETHINKING AGRICULTURAL TRADE AND CROSS-BORDER GOVERNANCE IN GHANA
The Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER), University of Ghana convened a national dialogue on agricultural commodities trade, cross-border governance, and financing on Wednesday, 15 April 2026. The dialogue forms part of a broader effort led by the Africa Network of Agricultural Policy Research Institutes to strengthen agricultural trade systems across the continent, bringing together policymakers, researchers, private sector actors, and development partners.