As part of its effort to strengthen food security in Africa, the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group has announced a commitment of $10 billion over the next five years to food security in the continent.

Speaking at the Dakar Africa Food Summit in Diamniadio, Senegal, the bank’s president, Akinwumi Adesina, stated that its commitment was also to boost Africa’s efforts to end hunger and become a key food provider for itself and the rest of the world.

“The African Development Bank will commit 10 billion dollars in the next five years in direct support for the Food and Agriculture Delivery Compacts. And I know that the rest of the global community will also support this effort. Together, with strong partnerships, we will help Africa achieve its goal,” Mr Adesina said.

Further emphasising the need for Africa to feed itself, Mr Adesina charged African leaders to take advantage of the 65 per cent of the arable lands left in the world, which are in Africa.

“Africa can and must feed itself. With 65 per cent of the uncultivated arable land left in the world being in Africa, what Africa does with agriculture will determine the future of food in the world,” he said.

The head of the AfDB encouraged African leaders to work together to realise the agricultural potential of the continent and turn it into a major source of bread for the world.

Also speaking at the summit, President Muhammadu Buhari urged African leaders to provide more support for farmers.

He further urged the governments of African nations to allocate a sizeable portion of their budgets to agriculture and encourage young people and women to start farms.

“Feeding Africa is imperative. We must ensure we feed ourselves today, tomorrow, and well into the future,” Mr Buhari said.