In a landmark announcement during the African Union (AU) Extraordinary Summit on the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) in Kampala, Uganda, USAID pledged up to $9.95 million to bolster the Centre of Excellence for Seed Systems in Africa (CESSA). This funding aims to address systemic gaps in seed systems, a cornerstone of the AU’s Seed Sectorl Action Plan (2020–2030) under CAADP.
CESSA, established as a “one-stop center,” collaborates with strategic partners to build resilient seed systems critical for food security across the continent. The funding will enhance Early Generational Seed production, commercialization, and quality assurance of improved seed varieties while increasing farmer awareness and sector coordination. These efforts are particularly significant for drought-prone regions, where food and nutrition security are under threat.
AGRA (Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa), which oversees CESSA, hailed the partnership. “Strengthening Africa’s seed systems is key to food security, resilience, and inclusive economic growth,” said AGRA President Dr. Agnes Kalibata.
As part of this initiative, AGRA announced a $3 million investment in Seeds2B Africa, a Kenyan-based social enterprise working to improve smallholder farmers’ access to stress-tolerant, nutrient-rich seeds in Kenya, Malawi, and Tanzania.
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Since 2006, AGRA has developed 659 improved seed varieties and supported 119 seed companies across 18 countries, producing 847,655 metric tonnes of seed. In the past year, it conducted seed system assessments in 11 countries, culminating in National Seed Investment Plans to guide reforms.
The Kampala Declaration reaffirms Africa’s commitment to agricultural transformation. By prioritizing functional seed systems, Africa is laying the foundation for a food-secure, resilient, and prosperous future. USAID’s investment is a decisive step in this journey.
