New report maps financing flows to African food systems
A new report, External Development Financial Flows to Food Systems: Deep Dive on Africa’s Food Systems, has been released, offering the first detailed picture of how development financing is shaping African food systems between 2018 and 2023. The findings come at a critical time: while several African countries are stepping up efforts to mobilize domestic resources, the continent still relies heavily on external development financing. Despite recent growth, financing – both internal and external – remains below the scale needed to meet rising challenges and deliver the transformation food systems require.
The report was developed jointly by IFAD, AKADEMIYA2063 and IFPRI, providing comprehensive insights into how development finance supports Africa’s agrifood transformation. It draws on data generated using the Framework to Track Financial Flows to Food Systems (3FS) – a tool created by IFAD and the World Bank, in collaboration with the UN Food Systems Coordination Hub – to help governments and partners better understand the scale and distribution of financing to food systems.
By turning complex data into accessible visuals, 3FS equips national leaders and stakeholders with the financial intelligence needed to identify opportunities, anticipate gaps, and align funding with national priorities. For governments, development partners, and the private sector alike, this report offers a valuable resource to navigate Africa’s fast-changing food finance landscape and support more effective investment decisions.
