African Nations Boost IFAD Funding; Nigeria Absent

During the High-level Meetings of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, ten African countries—Burundi, Chad, Ethiopia, Guinea, Kenya, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, and Zimbabwe—collectively pledged nearly US$9 million to the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) for its fourteenth replenishment cycle (IFAD14) for 2028–2030. This announcement comes amid concerns regarding climate change, conflict, and economic shocks affecting farmers and food systems.

Notably, Nigeria, despite being the most populous African country and having 13 ongoing IFAD-supported projects worth US$ 1,861.91 million, did not participate in the increased pledges. IFAD President Alvaro Lario emphasized the importance of these contributions for strengthening agrifood systems in Africa.

Countries like Kenya and Ethiopia highlighted their commitments as essential for the future of smallholder farmers and rural communities, with Kenya increasing its pledge by 50% to support young farmers.