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In the wake of the historic G20 South Africa 2025 Summit, where Africa’s priorities were placed firmly at the centre of the global governance agenda, the world once again turned its attention to Africa, this time in Cape Town, at the African Agri Investment Indaba (AAII).
Under the theme “The New World Order: A Self-Sufficient Africa,” the Indaba brought together more than 800 high-level delegates from governments, development banks, investment funds, agribusinesses, innovators and regional institutions.
Their collective mission:
to chart a pathway toward a food-secure Africa capable of feeding itself, and contributing meaningfully to feeding the world.
The conversations in Cape Town were a natural continuation of the momentum ignited at the G20. The Working Group on Agriculture had called for accelerated investment in sustainable agriculture, climate resilience, and regional trade, pillars that are rapidly becoming non-negotiable for Africa’s survival and growth.
At AAII 2025, this urgency was unmistakable.
Across presentations, panels, and private discussions, one message echoed consistently:
Africa cannot continue to depend on external food systems. The continent must become self-sufficient, and sooner than expected.
From bustling local markets to large commercial farms, across fintech-enabled value chains to cross-border trading corridors, Africa is shifting from aspiration to action. Reducing import dependence, strengthening local production, and building resilience against climate shocks and global disruptions are no longer long-term ambitions, they are immediate imperatives.
Among the most influential voices at the Indaba were:
H.E. Olusegun Obasanjo, Former President of Nigeria
Hon. Thoko Didiza, Speaker of the Parliament of South Africa
Both leaders underscored the strategic importance of food sovereignty and intra-African trade. They urged African countries to:
trade more with one another,
reduce food waste and post-harvest losses,
unlock youth participation in agriculture,
and treat food security as a cornerstone of peace, stability, and prosperity.
Their reflections reminded participants that food security is not just an economic issue, it is a geopolitical imperative.
Carrying the Flag for Women in Agriculture
Leading Women of Africa (LWA) and its media platform Beyond Boundaries were honoured to be invited as official media partners for this landmark event. We extend our sincere appreciation to the organisers for recognising the importance of women’s voices in agriculture, investment, and Africa’s food security agenda.
For LWA, the Indaba served not only as a platform for engagement but also as a moment of profound significance.
Legacy, Leadership, and a Humbling Exchange
Among the highlights of the Indaba was an exclusive meeting between:
H.E. Olusegun Obasanjo,
Hon. Thoko Didiza, and
Ms. Madelein Mkunu, President of Leading Women of Africa.
During this quiet exchange, H.E. Obasanjo paused to reflect on the legacy of Dr Kenneth Kaunda, the late First President of Zambia and the inaugural Patron of LWA.
With humility, he turned to Ms. Mkunu and said softly:
“I would be honoured to fill his shoes.”
It was a deeply moving moment, a symbolic passing of moral responsibility, a reaffirmation of commitment to Africa’s development, and a reminder that leadership is a lifelong calling.
Africa’s youth, especially Gen Z, are stepping forward with clarity, courage, and creativity. What they need now is guidance, mentorship, and access.
H.E. Obasanjo remains a living example of leadership beyond age. From promoting democracy to mediating conflicts, from supporting agricultural reform to championing continental initiatives like NEPAD, he continues to serve Africa with vision and conviction.
LWA calls on former Heads of State, diplomats, parliamentarians, and political leaders to follow this example, to commit to leaving a lasting legacy by empowering the next generation.
Africa needs seasoned leaders who are willing to share their wisdom, open doors, and pass the baton with purpose.
The future of Africa’s food security, governance, diplomacy, and economic transformation will not be shaped by governments alone.
It will be shaped by collaboration, vision, and leadership across generations.
LWA invites all stakeholders, policymakers, investors, agripreneurs, youth leaders, and influencers, to join us as we amplify women’s voices and strengthen Africa’s place in global affairs.
Together, Africa can feed itself. And together, Africa can feed the world.
Following the success of the G20 Conversation Series, the December edition launches the Women in Geopolitics Debate, a flagship initiative of Leading Women of Africa (LWA).
The Women in Geopolitics Debate is a high-level, Pan-African think-tank platform that convenes both women and men committed to reshaping Africa’s global role. The programme applies a gender-responsive, Pan-African lens to geopolitical analysis and policy influence.
JOIN EPISODE 2 - Friday, 12 December 2025
Theme: The AU’s Influence in Peace, Security & Global Diplomacy: From Conflict Mediation to the G20 Table
