"Food insecurity is unfortunately a structural challenge in Africa, affecting 20% of the continent's population compared to the global rate of 9.8%. In this context, three imperatives are evident: increasing agricultural and cereal productivity, mobilizing more domestic resources, and expediting the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (AfCFTA), which serves as our cornerstone for poverty reduction and the acceleration of structural transformation," said Ngone Diop.
"In North Africa, it is estimated that water scarcity could affect up to 71% of GDP and 61% of the population, compared to 22% and 36% for the rest of the world. However, alternatives remain: by relying on renewable resources, we can not only address these challenges but also accelerate sustainable economic development and social development in the region, along with poverty reduction, job creation, and social equity," said Zuzana Brixiova.