Kenya reaffirms commitment to digitalisation and policy support for Africa’s agrifood sector

By:  Nana Appiah Acquaye

Kenya has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening policy and regulatory frameworks, expanding digitalisation, and investing in infrastructure to support resilient agrifood value chains across Africa. This was highlighted by the Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, Hon. William Kabogo Gitau, during a high-level public–private dialogue held in Nairobi.

The two-day meeting, organised by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in collaboration with the Government of Kenya and the Government of Romania, brought together public and private sector stakeholders from across Africa and beyond. The forum focused on mobilising private sector participation to drive sustainable trade and investment in Africa’s agrifood sector.

Speaking at the dialogue, Kabogo underscored the importance of digitalisation, infrastructure development and supportive regulatory frameworks in strengthening food supply chains and building efficient market linkages. He noted that Africa’s agrifood sector holds significant potential to become a major driver of industrialisation, export competitiveness and inclusive job creation on the continent.

The discussions also placed strong emphasis on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which was described as one of the most significant integration instruments of the current generation. Kenya reiterated its support for accelerating AfCFTA implementation to unlock cross-border agrifood value chains linking producers, processors, logistics providers and markets.

Kabogo stressed that stronger public–private collaboration, alongside increased intra-African trade and investment, is critical to building resilient supply chains and competitive agrifood industries capable of meeting Africa’s development goals.