Deeper Markets, Resilient Systems: The AfCFTA and Africa’s Food and Agricultural Trade Future

Veranstaltungsart
Expert Panel

Ort / Datum
Berlin, 14.01.2027

Veranstalter

German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS), AKADEMIYA2063, OECD Sahel and West Africa Club, University of Bonn, Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research (CGIAR)

Reliable, diverse and rule-based trade is key to preventing supply shortages in import-dependent regions. Many African countries rely heavily on food imports from outside the continent, leaving them exposed to international shocks such as export restrictions and disrupted supply chains. Official statistics suggest that intra-African food trade is low, yet informal cross-border trade already links surplus and deficit areas, stabilising food supply and increasing diversification. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is the continent’s largest effort to diversify Africa’s trade structure and can reduce reliance on global markets. It promises deeper regional markets that buffer shocks, diversify supply sources and create new value-chain opportunities, complementing a strengthened multilateral trading system under the WTO. The session asks how far regional trade already stabilises food markets in Africa, where the bottlenecks to deeper integration lie, and what the AfCFTA must deliver for producers and consumers. As Germany realigns its trade and development partnerships in a more volatile geopolitical environment, supporting rule-based, diversified African regional markets under the AfCFTA strengthens food security in partner countries and reduces crisis-driven demand for humanitarian aid, while opening new value-chain opportunities for European and African businesses.

Programme

Welcome and framing remarks

Keynote: Intra-African trade — diversifying African food markets

  • Prof. Dr. Thomas Heckelei (Keynote)
    University of Bonn (FoodDiverse)

Panel discussion: How can the AfCFTA promote diversified and resilient food systems for producers and consumers?

  • Dr. Debisi Araba (Moderator)
    Managing Director, AKADEMIYA2063Prof.
  • Prof. Dr. Thomas Heckelei
    University of Bonn (FoodDiverse)
  • Philipp Heinrigs
    Head of Division Food, Urbanisation and Cities, OECD Sahel and West Africa Club
  • Elizabeth Nsimadala (tbc)
    President, Eastern Africa Farmers Federation (EAFF)

Q&A with the audience

Wrap-up and closing remarks

  • Dr. Sandra Milach
    Chief Scientist, CGIAR

 

Hinweis

Während unserer Veranstaltungen werden z.T. Foto- und/oder Filmaufnahmen gemacht, die für Zwecke der Veranstaltungsberichterstattung und allgemeinen Öffentlichkeitsarbeit in verschiedenen Medien veröffentlicht werden. Sie haben jederzeit das Recht, die Foto- oder Videograf*innen darauf hinzuweisen, dass Sie nicht aufgenommen werden möchten. / During our events photos and/or videos may be taken which may be published in various media for the purposes of documentation and PR activities. You have the right at any time to point out to the photographer or videographer that you do not want to be photographed or filmed.