GABI Signs $250,000 Partnership Deal To Enhance Africa’s Food Systems

The Global Africa Business Initiative (GABI) has signed a $250,000 partnership with PepsiCo to mobilise the private sector in Africa to transform food systems.

This, it said, was part of its key initiatives for 2025, adding that the partnership will coincide with key milestones, including a GABI Bridge at the UN Global Compact Annual Local Network Forum in South Africa in 2025 and the Food Systems Summit.

This was one of the outcomes of the GABI flagship event wrapped up on September 26, 2024, in New York, in a two-day summit held alongside the UN General Assembly. Themed ‘Unstoppable Africa: Shaping Global Ambitions for Agenda 2063,’ the event attracted over 2,000 leaders, CEOs, investors, policymakers, and innovators, all focused on positioning Africa as a global leader.

Stating that a planned partnership with the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) will focus on transforming Africa’s education systems, he stressed that the collaboration will build on the outcomes of the 2022 Transforming Education Summit and begin with a side event hosted by GPE during Convene in 2025.

The summit emphasised inclusive participation and solution-driven solutions, culminating in a final roundtable where stakeholders committed to tackling pressing challenges. Key topics included unlocking inclusive trade growth, Africa’s role in clean energy, digital advancements, and the global impact of African creativity and sports.

The 2024 GABI event concluded with optimism and a shared commitment to harness Africa’s potential for global leadership. With concrete plans and partnerships now established, the initiative is poised to continue its momentum toward a future where Africa leads on the global stage.

UN assistant secretary-general, Sanda Ojiambo commended the Africa Business Leaders Coalition for its leadership, noting a nearly 25 per cent reduction in carbon footprints among participating businesses since launching a climate statement at COP27.

Deputy secretary general Amina Mohammed stressed the critical role of Africa’s private sector in driving impactful change, emphasising that with the right investments and partnerships, Africa is poised for transformative growth.

The discussion on the digital economy at the conference included insights from leaders like Rwanda’s ICT Minister, Paula Ingabire, and Safaricom’s CEO, Peter Ndegwa, who emphasised the necessity for strategic financing and inclusive policies.

Additionally, a session on the African fashion sector showcased the industry’s growth potential, with a focus on female designers dedicated to establishing a competitive presence in the global market.