Kingdom of Morocco to host FAO regional conference on Africa’s agrifood systems

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) will hold its next Regional Conference for Africa in Rabat, hosted by the Kingdom of Morocco. The 33rd Session of the Regional Conference for Africa (ARC33) is a major opportunity for African countries to discuss practical solutions for food security and improving agricultural production. 

The Conference will be held over three days, 18-20 April 2024, under the theme Resilient agrifood systems and inclusive rural transformation. The event is expected to draw delegates from across Africa, including Ministers of Agriculture and other portfolios vital to food systems transformation such as finance, trade and industry, forestry, fisheries, the environment, science and technology, health, among others, plus representatives from civil society, the private sector, development partners, and observer Member Nations. 

ARC33 will serve as a strategic platform for members and other stakeholders to share best practices, forge partnerships, and discuss opportunities and innovative solutions on agrifood systems transformation. 

A team from FAO’s Regional Office for Africa visited Rabat recently to consult and work with the Host Country towards making preparations for the Conference. 

The Honourable Minister of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development, and Water and Forests Mohammed Sadiki, who will preside as ARC33 Chairperson, said: “This conference is an opportunity to bring together all African countries for meaningful dialogue on sustainable solutions for enhancing food security and advancing agricultural practices. We are pleased to host this important meeting and to share our experiences in agricultural development”. 

FAO Representative in Morocco, Jean Senahoun, stated, “FAO is pleased to collaborate with the Kingdom of Morocco in hosting this crucial regional conference. It comes at an important time when all stakeholders must deliver meaningful action if the commitments of the Sustainable Development Goals are to be met by 2030.” 

“This conference is a catalyst for tangible actions that will shape the future of agriculture in our region,” said FAO Conference Secretary Kwami Dzifanu Nyarko-Badohu. “The Kingdom of Morocco's hospitality and commitment to advancing agriculture make Rabat an ideal venue for this important gathering”. 

Sharing African experience 

The conference aims to provide regional guidance on agrifood systems transformation in Africa. The discussions will centre around the FAO Strategic Framework 2022-2031, which is a blueprint to contribute  towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals on ending poverty,  zero hunger and reduced inequality through supporting transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind. 

A Senior Officers Meeting, focusing on technical issues related to food security and agrifood systems transformation in Africa, will be held online in March 2024 and will lead into the discussions at the ministerial conference in April. 

The Regional Conference is FAO’s highest governing body in Africa. The 33rd session will take place on the eve of the internationally-acclaimed Salon International de l'Agriculture au Maroc (SIAM) which will be held in Meknès, Morocco, on 22-28 April 2024.