More support needed to power Africa’s food systems with renewables, experts say

Share: X (Twitter) Facebook LinkedIn WhatsApp Email Print As efforts to expand energy access across Africa grow, experts and policymakers have called this week for greater coordination and investment to power food production with renewables, arguing the sector has been treated separately from energy policy and therefore faces barriers in going green. Hailemariam Desalegn, former prime minister of Ethiopia, said energy is critical across the food value chain - from irrigation and processing to cold storage and transport - and should therefore be considered a key pillar of strengthening food systems for the future. “Energy is not separate from the nutrition challenge. Cold storage, transport, processing, as well as markets - all need reliable energy,” Desalegn told a panel at the 20th session of the Africa Food Systems Forum in Kigali. He said investments in sustainable energy systems could help reduce post-harvest losses and make nutritious food more accessible and affordable. Log in here → Continue reading with free access For 15 years, Climate Home News has rigorously reported on the decisions shaping our climate. Join the community of readers who make this work possible. Join free and keep reading → It takes less than a minute. As efforts to expand energy access across Africa grow, experts and policymakers have called this week for greater coordination and investment to power food production with renewables, arguing the sector has been treated separately from energy policy and therefore faces barriers in going green. Hailemariam Desalegn, former prime minister of Ethiopia, said energy is critical across the food value chain - from irrigation and processing to cold storage and transport - and should therefore be considered a key pillar of strengthening food systems for the future. “Energy is not separate from the nutrition challenge. Cold storage, transport, processing, as well as markets - all need reliable energy,” Desalegn told a panel at the 20th session of the Africa Food Systems Forum in Kigali. He said investments in sustainable energy systems could help reduce post-harvest losses and make nutritious food more accessible and affordable. Africa loses up to 30% of its food before it reaches markets annually, largely due to poor roads, weak storage and inadequate cold chains, according to a 2025 report a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA). Akinyi Walender, Africa director at development charity Practical Action, said poor energy supply in rural communities - where much of Africa’s food is produced - is also limiting productivity.