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USAID Announces Additional USD $9.95 M to Support African Seed Action Plan through CESSA

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USAID announced a USD $9.95M contribution to strengthen the Centre of Excellence for Seed Systems in Africa (CESSA) during the African Union (AU) Extraordinary Summit on the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) in Kampala, Uganda.

CESSA aims to address challenges in African seed systems and accelerate the development of functional systems for food security.

This funding supports the AU’s Seed Sector Action Plan (2020-2030), a key component of the CAADP.

“Strengthening Africa’s seed systems is fundamental,” said Dr. Agnes Kalibata, President of AGRA. “AGRA is pleased to deepen collaboration with USAID and other partners through CESSA to support this country-led agenda.”

Initial Efforts

AGRA announced a USD $3M investment in Seeds2B Africa, a social enterprise that will increase smallholder farmer resilience in Kenya, Malawi, and Tanzania.

“This investment underscores the vital role of resilient seed systems,” said Mr. Tony Gathungu, Global Head of Seeds2B. “Seeds2B Africa will drive the commercialization of stress-tolerant seeds while building the capacity of seed companies.”

AGRA has funded the development and release of 659 improved varieties for 18 crops and supported 119 homegrown seed companies in 18 African countries, producing 847,655 metric tonnes of quality seed benefiting 25.1 million farmers.

the organization has conducted seed system assessments in 11 countries using the Seed System Assessment Tool (SeedSAT) to identify gaps and create National Seed Investment Plans.

Additionally, AGRA and partners will prioritize delivering on these plans in line with the AU Seed Sector Action Plan.

The Kampala announcement aligns with the AU Extraordinary Summit’s broader agenda to catalyze agricultural transformation and position Africa as a leader in global food systems.

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