South-South Cooperation: A Pathway to Food Security in Africa and the Arab World
In an era marked by unprecedented global challenges, South-South Cooperation has emerged as a vital mechanism for fostering collaboration among developing nations in the Global South. By enabling the exchange of knowledge, skills, resources, and best practices, this form of cooperation empowers countries to address shared challenges and drive mutual growth. One shining example of this approach is the Arab-Africa Trade Bridges (AATB) Program, which seeks to strengthen trade and investment ties between Arab and African nations. With a particular focus on agriculture, the AATB’s Food Security Program exemplifies how strategic partnerships can transform regional economies and bolster food security.
The Global Challenge of Food Security
Food security remains one of the most pressing issues of our time. The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG 2) aims to end hunger and ensure universal access to safe, nutritious, and sufficient food by 2030. However, recent years have seen significant setbacks due to conflicts, pandemics, and climate change. The COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical tensions have disrupted global food supply chains, driving up prices and plunging millions into poverty and food insecurity. According to the World Food Programme, as of 2023, 345 million people across 82 countries are experiencing acute food insecurity—a stark increase from pre-pandemic levels.
Against this backdrop, the AATB Program has taken decisive action by establishing a $1.5 billion trade facility dedicated to addressing food security challenges in Africa. Recognizing agriculture as a cornerstone of its mission, the program has implemented capacity-building initiatives, financial support mechanisms, and innovative solutions to enhance agricultural productivity and trade. These efforts underscore the program’s commitment to achieving SDG 2 and eradicating world hunger.
Leveraging Regional Strengths: The Case of Nigeria and Egypt
One of the most promising opportunities lies in leveraging regional strengths. For instance, Nigeria, the world’s largest producer of cassava, generates approximately 60 million tons annually, accounting for 20% of global production. This abundant resource presents a unique opportunity for trade with Arab countries such as Egypt, where cassava is a highly valued staple. By exporting raw cassava and processed derivatives like flour, starch, gari, and tapioca, Nigeria can diversify its export base while meeting the food and industrial needs of Arab nations. Such trade not only benefits producers but also ensures that consumer countries have access to essential food products and raw materials.
Fostering Collaboration Through Dialogue
During the 4th AATB Board of Governors Meeting in Tunis, H.E. Ismael Nab, Guinea’s Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, emphasized the critical role of South-South Cooperation in tackling food security challenges. Highlighting Guinea’s struggles with low productivity, post-harvest losses, and inadequate infrastructure, the minister stressed that food security is both a national and humanitarian imperative. Drawing inspiration from countries like Vietnam and India, which produce surplus rice for export, he advocated for greater collaboration and knowledge-sharing among nations. He called for strategic partnerships between West African countries and their counterparts in North and Southern Africa to boost agricultural productivity and ensure food security.
Reforming Trade Rules and Empowering Farmers
To address food insecurity effectively, it is imperative to incorporate trade rules into the broader arsenal of solutions. While some regions face drought and extreme weather conditions, others possess surplus food production capacity. By creating favorable trade tariffs and reducing barriers within the continent, these regions can enhance intra-regional trade and improve food accessibility. Smallholder farmers, who constitute the backbone of many agricultural systems, must be integrated into the value chain through access to financing and technology.
Organizations such as Afreximbank and the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) play pivotal roles in mitigating food security concerns. Afreximbank offers financial instruments to de-risk agriculture, enabling broader participation in farming activities. Similarly, ITFC’s Food Security Response Program (FSRP), part of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group’s $10.54 billion initiative, facilitates the import and export of food commodities, ensuring that countries facing shortages receive critical resources. These programs empower smallholder farmers by providing access to markets, resources, and technologies, thereby increasing productivity and reducing post-harvest losses.
A Vision for the Future
South-South Cooperation, as exemplified by the AATB Food Security Program, represents a powerful strategy for overcoming food security challenges in Africa and the Arab world. By enhancing trade, improving infrastructure, and fostering innovation, Arab and African nations can work together to build resilient food systems. The success of initiatives like the AATB underscores the importance of collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and resource mobilization in achieving a more prosperous and food-secure future for all.
As the world grapples with the complexities of food insecurity, the lessons learned from South-South Cooperation offer hope and a roadmap for action. By harnessing the collective strength of developing nations, we can pave the way toward a world free from hunger.
