UK Minister attends Africa Food Systems Forum 2024 and announces £25m new funding to help agribusinesses scale up

Funding for an initiative that will boost growth in Africa’s agriculture sector is set to be announced by the UK’s Minister for Africa, Lord Collins, during a three-day visit to Rwanda.

The UK is contributing £25m towards AgDevCo Ventures – a funding facility that will help small and medium-sized agribusinesses to scale up.

With past UK investment, AgDevCo has already had a huge impact on Rwanda’s food security, improving nutrition and helping create a significant number of quality jobs in businesses like Kigali Farms and Kivu Choice.

The Minister will also see the successes of UK action on climate finance and sustainable cooling and visit Trinity Metals to understand how responsible mining is supporting Rwanda’s green energy transition ambitions.

The Minister for Africa, Lord Collins of Highbury said:“During my visit to Rwanda, I hope to learn more about the depth and breadth of our relationship. Our two countries continue to work together on a range of issues important to both nations, and the region, including climate change and mutual prosperity. Through this long-term partnership, we are also determined to eradicate poverty, increase access to education, stimulate investment and increase trade.”

Discussions will also take place with Minister of State for Foreign Affairs James Kabarebe, focusing on bilateral relations and regional issues.