Agricultural development in Africa is hampered by mistrust on the part of foreign partners and the indecisiveness of the African private sector. This was stated on Wednesday by Chairman of the African Union (AU) Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat, speaking at the International Conference Center in Diamniadio at the second Dakar summit on food sovereignty. The theme of the event was "Feeding Africa: Food Sovereignty and Sustainability," Agence de Presse Senegalaise reported.
"Africa's agricultural potential is enormous. But using it is hampered by the distrust of foreign partners and the indecisiveness of the African private sector and financial institutions," Mahamat stressed.
"Food sovereignty must be at the core of the fight against poverty. How can we consider ourselves free people when our lives depend on others?" the chairman of the AU Commission wondered as he addressed the summit.
The summit in Diamniadio is organized by the African Development Bank, the government of Senegal and the African Union Commission. Nearly 20 African heads of state and government, representatives of international organizations and nongovernmental organizations, scientists and entrepreneurs are attending the summit.
The main topics of the event are finding ways to solve the problem of food security in Africa, ensuring effective use of the continent's agricultural potential and stable food supply, strengthening resilience to climate change, and increasing agricultural productivity through advanced technologies.
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Based on materials from TASS