CS Kabogo Joins Key Stakeholders in a Public-Private Dialogue
Kenya remains committed to supporting policy regulatory frameworks, infrastructural development, and digitalisation to strengthen food chains and build strong market linkages.
Today, the Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, H.E. Hon. William Kabogo Gitau, E.G.H. joined key stakeholders in a Public-private dialogue on mobilising the private sector for sustainable trade and investment in the agrifood sector in Africa, organised by Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) jointly with the Government of Kenya and Romania, in Nairobi.
The two day meeting has brought together stakeholders from the private sector and public institutions representing the African Continent and beyond to address challenges and opportunities for enhancing trade and investment for agricultural development and sustainable agri-food systems in Africa.
CS Kabogo remarked that Africa’s agrifood sector has the potential to become one of the Continent’s strongest engines of industrialisation, export competitiveness, and inclusive job creation.
"The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) remains one of the most significant integration instruments of our generation," he added.
Further noting that Kenya strongly supports the acceleration of AfCFTA implementation to unlock agrifood value chains that can operate across borders, connecting producers, processors, logistics providers, and markets.
The CS reiterated that strengthening Public- private collaboration, intra-African trade and investment is essential to creating resilient supply chains and competitive agrifood industries.
In attendance were: Former Vice-President of Nigeria, H.E. Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, Minister of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries, Mauritius, H.E. Arvin Boolell, Minister of Trade and Industry, Rwanda, H.E. Prudence Sebahizi, Deputy Minister for Agriculture, Tanzania, H.E. David Silinde, Secretary of State,
Ministry of Agriculture and Rural
Development, Romania, Mr. Florian-Emil Dumitru, Director of the Private Sector Unit, African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, Mr. Themba Kumalo, Deputy Secretary-General, OECD, Mr. Frantisek Ruzicka, among other regional and international stakeholders.