Africa Needs to Harness New Technologies to Transform its Agriculture: Moses Vilakati

Addis Ababa, February 19, 2025 (ENA) — The new African Union Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment, Moses Vilakati emphasized the need for Africans to leverage new agricultural technologies alongside these resources to transform the sector.

At the 38^th African Union summit held in Addis Ababa last week, Moses Vilakati of Eswatini was elected as the Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment.

As the AU Commissioner, Vilakati will spearhead policies and initiatives that align with the African Union's Agenda 2063, the blueprint for Africa's socio-economic transformation.

In an exclusive interview with POA, Vilakati explained that Africa is endowed with natural resources, such as fertile land and abundant water, necessary for agricultural production.

He emphasized the need for Africans to leverage new agricultural technologies alongside these resources to transform the sector.

Vilakati pointed out that Africa currently exports raw agricultural products instead of finished goods, stressing the importance of value addition.

He acknowledged Africa's vast potential for agricultural products but noted that the continent still imports food.

In his role as Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment (ARBE) in the African Union Commission, he vowed to address this paradox.

Vilakati stated that 60-70 percent of Africa's population relies on agriculture for survival. Investments in agriculture will improve living standards, create significant employment opportunities, and substantially boost the economies of African countries.