Advancing pathways to job creation and economic development

7 April 2026

The second edition of the DG's Talk, hosted by IITA Director General and CGIAR Regional Director for Continental Africa, Dr Simeon Ehui, brought together a global audience for a timely and thought-provoking conversation on Africa's development trajectory, anchored in agriculture, but extending far beyond it. At the center of the dialogue was Dr Brahima Sangafowa Coulibaly, whose global economic perspective helped frame the continent's most pressing challenge: how to simultaneously drive food security, create jobs at scale, and achieve structural economic transformation.

Held on 27 March 2026, the session themed: "New pathways to job creation and development in Africa," convened participants from across Africa, Europe, and North America, reflecting the growing recognition that Africa's agricultural transformation is a global priority. But beyond participation, one key message that emerged was Africa's future will be determined by how effectively it aligns policy, innovation, and investment.

Drawing from his experience as a seasoned Economist, Dr Coulibaly emphasized that agriculture must be repositioned, not as a subsistence sector, but as a driver of economic growth, job creation, and resilience. He highlighted the importance of unlocking new financing pathways, strengthening macroeconomic stability, and increasingly leveraging tools such as artificial intelligence and robotics to accelerate transformation at scale.

In his role as host, Dr Ehui anchored the conversation in IITA's mission, reinforcing that science alone is not enough. Transforming food systems requires intentional collaboration across research, policy, and practice, as well as a shift toward scalable solutions that directly impact farmers and young people. He underscored the need for partnerships that move beyond dialogue to delivery, ensuring innovations reach those who need them most.

The conversation also reinforced the urgency of rethinking how agricultural systems are structured across the continent. From advancing sustainable production systems to shaping enabling policy environments, the discussion made clear that Africa's transformation will depend on coordinated action across sectors and institutions.

Ultimately, the DG's Talk continues to evolve, as more than a knowledge-sharing platform, it is becoming a strategic convening space where ideas are translated into action. This edition, in particular, sent a strong signal: the pathway to job creation and economic prosperity in Africa lies not in isolated interventions, but in integrated, scalable, and forward-looking solutions that connect economics, innovation, and agriculture.

Contributed by 'Timilehin Osunde