FAO Showcases Hand-in-Hand Initiative at TICAD9 to Transform Africa’s Agrifood Systems

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has highlighted the transformative potential of its Hand-in-Hand Initiative at the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9), underscoring how stronger Africa–Japan partnerships can accelerate progress in tackling hunger, poverty, and inequality.

The special session brought together African government representatives, Japanese private sector leaders, international organizations, and FAO experts to explore how data-driven, country-led approaches are shaping investment-ready strategies to modernize agrifood systems.

Urgency for Agrifood Transformation

Opening the session, Alue Dohong, FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Asia and the Pacific, emphasized the urgency of acting now:

“Ending hunger and ending poverty requires nothing less than a transformation of agrifood systems, and financing and investment play a key role.”

Since its launch in 2019, the Hand-in-Hand Initiative has expanded to nearly 80 countries worldwide, half of which are in Africa. It targets the poorest regions where hunger is most severe, building tailored investment frameworks to unlock agricultural potential.

How the Initiative Works

FAO’s Chief Economist Maximo Torero explained that the Initiative employs advanced geospatial mapping and territorial approaches to pinpoint areas within countries that hold the highest potential to reduce poverty and hunger. FAO then works with governments to design evidence-based, investment-ready plans that attract both public and private financing.

Torero presented examples from Africa, Asia, and Latin America, where the Initiative has already yielded results by linking data, investment, and innovation. He encouraged more African governments to seize the opportunity to join.

Country Perspectives: Angola and Kenya

African countries showcased how the Initiative is driving real change:

• Angola’s Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, H.E. Isaac Francisco Maria dos Anjos, spotlighted Angola’s investment priorities along the Lobito Economic Corridor. He emphasized that Angola is harnessing data and partnerships to attract agrifood investment.

  “Our message to investors and partners here today is straightforward: Angola is ready. Africa is ready. We have the land, the water, the people, and a clear, data-driven investment plan.”

• Evelyn Heyi, representing Kenya’s State Department for Agriculture, detailed Kenya’s successes in leveraging technology and partnerships through the Hand-in-Hand framework.

  “Through the Initiative, Kenya has been able to strengthen our livestock value chain. By lowering the cost of animal feeds and attracting investment in technology and innovation, we are creating opportunities for farmers while securing food for our country.”

Role of the Private Sector

The session highlighted how the private sector remains central to Africa’s agrifood transformation.

• Akiko Shinoda, Executive Officer of ITOCHU Corporation, underlined the potential for Japanese companies to tap into Africa’s agribusiness markets. ITOCHU, which has operated in Africa for over six decades, is engaged in sesame, cocoa, and coffee trading, as well as processing and community development projects.

  “Africa produces many outstanding quality products that are not yet widely known in Japan. We want to promote these products and build partnerships that benefit producers, consumers, and society as a whole.”

• Teruo Yoshii of Yanmar, a leading Japanese agricultural machinery company, highlighted the transformative role of mechanization.

  “Mechanisation can transform African agriculture. With our machines, farmers have raised yields from three tonnes to more than four tonnes per hectare, increasing income and improving livelihoods. Our goal is not just to sell equipment, but to help farmers build a sustainable future.”

Beyond the Hand-in-Hand Session

FAO’s engagement at TICAD9 extends beyond the Initiative. The organization is co-organizing two additional events:

• On 21 August, FAO will join the Forestry Agency of Japan, ITTO, and partners to showcase innovative solutions for halting deforestation and forest degradation, with links to sustainable agriculture, biodiversity, and climate resilience.

• On the final day, FAO will collaborate on a session exploring how nuclear science and technology enhance health and food security in Africa, with Dongxin Feng, Director of the Joint FAO/IAEA Centre, presenting the Atoms4Food initiative.

Strengthening Africa–Japan Partnerships

TICAD9, co-hosted by Japan, the United Nations, UNDP, the World Bank, and the African Union Commission, provides a vital platform for reinforcing cooperation between Africa and Japan. For FAO, it represents an opportunity to showcase solutions that merge data, innovation, and investment to unlock Africa’s agricultural potential while building sustainable and inclusive food systems.

The Hand-in-Hand Initiative stands at the heart of this agenda, demonstrating how collective action by governments, private investors, and development partners can move Africa closer to the goals of zero hunger and poverty eradication.