Opinion: Italy’s G7 plan must deliver on food and climate in Africa

This month, the Group of Seven advanced countries’ development ministers released a communiqué reaffirming their governments’ commitment to addressing global food security, with a clear emphasis on Africa.

Held in Pescara, Italy, the meeting provided more details on the Apulia Food Systems Initiative launched by G7 leaders in June. This renewed focus on food systems and food security in Africa is timely, especially as the region faces the combined pressures of climate change, economic instability, and persistent hunger. Yet, while the words of the communiqué are encouraging, the path from ambition to actual results remains uncertain.

The Apulia Food Systems Initiative, or AFSI, centers on two interconnected priorities: Addressing the climate-food systems nexus through coherent policies and investments, and promoting innovative approaches to increase both public and private funding for food security and food systems.