On March 11, 2025, the G20 Agricultural Chief Scientists (MACS G20) Southern Africa Regional Dialogue was co-convened by the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) South Africa, FANRPAN, CCARDESA, the South African Department of Agriculture, and FARA. The virtual event brought together 178 participants, marking the first of a series of consultations aimed at integrating Africa’s agricultural priorities into the G20’s global initiatives.
FANRPAN’s CEO, Dr. Tshilidzi Madzivhandila, emphasized the importance of challenging the status quo to inform policies and improve food systems across the continent. The dialogue focused on key thematic areas, including climate-smart agriculture, sustainable food systems, and investment in agricultural research and development, all in alignment with South Africa’s G20 Presidency priorities.
The discussions encompassed a wide range of topics aimed at addressing Africa’s interconnected challenges, with a focus on enhancing resilience and sustainability within agricultural systems. The need for integrated policy frameworks was emphasized, with a focus on aligning national agricultural policies with continental frameworks like Agenda 2063 and CAADP 3.0, ensuring equitable resource access, and enhancing the participation of women and youth. Other critical issues raised were the economic viability of Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA), the need for financial incentives, and the scaling of solutions to local contexts. There were calls for improved data sharing, targeted financial support, and the development of frameworks to incentivize sustainable agricultural practices. Overall, the discussions emphasized the importance of creating adaptable and inclusive food systems that can meet Africa’s long-term resilience and development goals.
This inaugural meeting sets the stage for upcoming regional consultations, with virtual dialogues for East and Central Africa (March 13), West Africa (March 20), and North Africa (March 25), alongside an in-person national meeting in Pretoria on March 18. These consultations aim to strengthen Africa’s position on agricultural innovation and ensure that the continent’s priorities are effectively reflected in global agricultural science discussions.
The outcomes of the MACS meeting directly contribute to advancing Africa’s agricultural priorities within the broader G20 agenda, emphasizing the importance of integrated policies, sustainable solutions, and enhanced resilience. FANRPAN and its partners are committed to ensuring that these discussions continue to drive global action, with a strong focus on addressing Africa’s unique challenges and shaping a future where agriculture, food security, and climate resilience are central to sustainable development.