The Africa Food Prize (AFP) has officially opened nominations for its 2025 award, inviting submissions to recognize and celebrate exceptional individuals and institutions making groundbreaking contributions to Africa’s food security and sustainable agricultural development. This prestigious accolade, accompanied by a $100,000 prize, honors those whose innovative efforts are transforming the continent’s agricultural landscape.
Established to spotlight outstanding achievements in African agriculture, the AFP acknowledges a diverse range of contributions, including innovative farming practices, cutting-edge research, impactful policy advocacy, and transformative agribusiness models. The award celebrates remarkable results and aims to inspire others to take proactive steps toward enhancing food security across the continent.
H.E. Jakaya Kikwete, Chair of the Africa Food Prize Committee, emphasized the significance of the award, stating, “Each passing year, the Africa Food Prize shines a spotlight on the remarkable individuals and organizations who are dedicating their lives to building a more prosperous and food-secure Africa.” As nominations open for 2025, the committee eagerly anticipates discovering the next generation of African food heroes whose ingenuity and resilience are shaping a brighter future for the continent.
Focus Areas for 2025 Nominations
This year, the AFP is particularly interested in nominations that demonstrate a commitment to four key areas:
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Sustainable and resilient food systems: Initiatives that employ environmentally sound practices and adapt to climate change challenges.
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Inclusive agricultural growth: Efforts that empower smallholder farmers, women, and youth, ensuring equitable access to resources and opportunities.
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Technological innovation: Application of science and technology to enhance agricultural productivity and nutrition.
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Market access and agribusiness development: Projects that connect farmers to markets and promote value addition, thereby increasing profitability and sustainability.
Ms. Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli, a member of the Africa Food Prize Committee, highlighted the importance of these focus areas, noting, “The challenges facing our food systems are complex, but the solutions are within reach. The Africa Food Prize celebrates those who are daring to innovate, to challenge the status quo, and to build a more sustainable and equitable food future for all Africans.”
Nomination process and criteria
Nominations for the 2025 Africa Food Prize are open until June 30, 2025. The selection process involves a thorough evaluation based on specific criteria:
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Contribution to poverty reduction and nutrition security: Assessing how the nominee’s work has effectively reduced poverty levels and enhanced nutrition within communities.
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Improvement of livelihoods: Evaluating the creation of employment opportunities and overall enhancement of living standards.
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Demonstrated impact: Measuring tangible outcomes and the extent of positive change brought about by the nominee’s initiatives.
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Sustainability: Ensuring that the contributions have long-term viability and can be maintained over time.
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Scalability: Considering the potential for the nominee’s work to be expanded or replicated in different contexts or regions.
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Inspiration of positive change: Looking at how the nominee’s achievements motivate and encourage others within their communities and beyond.
Individuals and organizations are encouraged to submit nominations through the official Africa Food Prize website, where detailed guidelines and the nomination form are available.
Recognizing Past Laureates
The Africa Food Prize has a rich history of honoring those who have made significant strides in advancing agriculture on the continent. In 2024, Tinotenda Mhiko, CEO of Zimbabwe’s Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA), received the award for his leadership in implementing strategic irrigation initiatives that have revolutionized Zimbabwe’s food systems. Under his guidance, the area under irrigation expanded from 6,000 hectares in 2016 to a projected 15,000 hectares by 2025, showcasing a model of sustainability and profitability in African agriculture.
Reflecting on the impact of the award, Mr. Mhiko stated, “This award recognizes the transformational efforts made in rural development and aims to make farming a viable business for smallholder farmers.” His work exemplifies the transformative potential that the Africa Food Prize seeks to acknowledge and promote.
The Africa Food Prize Committee, an independent body chaired by H.E. Jakaya Kikwete, comprises esteemed leaders and experts in African agriculture. The committee is responsible for the meticulous selection process, ensuring that laureates embody the vision and objectives of the prize. Their collective expertise and commitment to agricultural development play a crucial role in identifying and honoring Africa’s food security champions.
The Africa Food Prize serves as a catalyst for a broader movement toward sustainable and inclusive agricultural growth across Africa. By recognizing and celebrating innovators and leaders in the sector, the prize aims to inspire a ripple effect, encouraging others to adopt and adapt successful models and practices. This collective effort is essential in addressing the multifaceted challenges of food security and building resilient food systems for future generations.
As the 2025 nomination window opens, the Africa Food Prize calls upon individuals and organizations across the continent to identify and nominate those whose work exemplifies excellence, innovation, and a profound commitment to transforming Africa’s agricultural landscape. Through such recognition, the AFP continues to drive progress toward a food-secure and prosperous Africa.
