Reported by: Samuel Ernest.
Date: 30th January 2025.
Berlin, Germany
The just-concluded Global Forum for Food and Agriculture (GFFA) in Berlin has been hailed as a progressive platform for advancing international collaboration in agriculture, according to Mr. John Mulongoti, Permanent Secretary for Technical Services in Zambia’s Ministry of Agriculture.
Mr. Mulongoti emphasized that Zambia’s active participation underscored the country’s commitment to leveraging global partnerships to enhance agricultural productivity, sustainability and investment.
He noted that the discussions reinforced Zambia’s vast agricultural potential, ranging from infrastructure development to the adoption of innovative farming technologies.
A key highlight of Zambia’s engagement at the forum was a bilateral meeting with Germany’s Federal Minister of Food and Agriculture, Hon. Cem Özdemir, where both parties explored avenues to strengthen Zambia-Germany agricultural cooperation.
This engagement builds on Hon. Özdemir’s landmark visit to Zambia in November 2024, which laid the foundation for deeper strategic collaboration.
Mr. Mulongoti also contributed to a high-level panel discussion on “Bioeconomy and the Transformation of Agriculture and Food Systems,” where he showcased Zambia’s efforts in promoting sustainable agriculture.
Beyond government-to-government talks, the Zambian delegation engaged with key private sector stakeholders, including the German Africa Agribusiness Alliance, Bayer, and Amatheon Agric, to explore investment opportunities in Zambia’s agricultural sector. These discussions aimed to attract investment that supports value addition, technological innovation, and agribusiness growth.
The forum culminated in the Berlin Agriculture Ministers’ Conference, where global policymakers adopted a forward-looking communique outlining strategies for sustainable agriculture and food security.
Reflecting on Zambia’s participation, Mr. Mulongoti expressed optimism that the connections established at the forum would translate into concrete investment opportunities.
The Global Forum for Food and Agriculture is a premier international platform that brings together leaders from government, industry, academia, and civil society to address pressing challenges and opportunities in food security and sustainable agriculture.
Accompanying Mr. Mulongoti at the forum was Zambia’s Ambassador to Germany, Mrs. Winnie Chibesakunda; Ministry of Agriculture Director, Mr. Peter Zulu; Agriculture and Food Security Cluster Project Manager (GIZ Zambia), Ms. Elina Weber; and Mr. Chitonge Mushota, First Secretary for Trade at the Zambian Embassy in Berlin.
German Embassy Lusaka
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Zambia
The Agency