Zambia backs ambitious IFAD14 push to boost agriculture, rural growth

The Zambian government has reaffirmed its strong support for the Fourteenth Replenishment of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD14), calling for increased investment in agriculture, climate resilience, rural transformation and food systems development across Africa.

Speaking during IFAD14 discussions held on the sidelines of the 2026 Annual Meetings of the African Development Bank Group in Brazzaville on Wednesday, Ministry of Finance and National Planning Permanent Secretary for Economic Management and Investment, Mulele Maketo Mulele, said agriculture remained critical to employment creation, poverty reduction and long-term economic growth on the continent.

Mulele said Zambia welcomed the forward-looking IFAD14 framework, particularly its focus on strengthening markets, creating rural jobs and building resilience among vulnerable communities.

He noted that smallholder farmers, women and youths in rural areas continued to face major challenges, including limited access to finance, technology, infrastructure and reliable markets.

“Support towards the ‘first mile’ of agricultural production is critical if Africa is to unlock the full potential of rural communities and achieve sustainable food security,” Mulele said.

He highlighted Zambia’s recently approved Financial Inclusion for Resilience and Innovation Project (FIRIP), valued at approximately US$50 million, as a major milestone in promoting rural financial inclusion, agricultural productivity and climate resilience.

Mulele said projects such as FIRIP demonstrated IFAD’s catalytic role in helping countries transition rural communities from subsistence farming to more productive and market-oriented livelihoods.

He further called for stronger collaboration between IFAD, multilateral development banks, cooperating partners and the private sector in mobilising blended financing solutions aimed at narrowing Africa’s agricultural financing gap.

Meanwhile, IFAD Vice President, Geraldine Mukeshimana, said IFAD14 reflected the importance of investing in rural populations as a driver of sustainable economic growth.

“Rural investment strengthens food security, creates jobs, reduces poverty, builds resilience and unlocks long-term growth, particularly for Africa’s youth and smallholder farmers,” Mukeshimana said.

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