Assistant to the Administrator at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), Dina Esposito, emerged as a key advocate for African agricultural advancement during her participation in the Africa Fertilizer and Soil Health Summit hosted by the African Union in Nairobi, Kenya.
The summit, which took place from May 7th to 9th, saw Esposito deliver a compelling address affirming the United States’ unwavering support for Africa-led agricultural growth. She underscored the pivotal role African farmers and agribusinesses play in not only nourishing the continent but also contributing to global food security.
Esposito’s engagement at the summit extended beyond rhetoric as she spearheaded an event alongside African Union Commissioner Josefa Sacko and other donors. Together, they presented and endorsed a collaborative statement signed by 14 partners in solidarity with the African Fertilizer and Soil Health Action Plan. This endorsement signifies a unified commitment to bolstering agricultural productivity across the continent.
A highlight of Esposito’s contributions was her emphasis on evidence-based policies to fortify fertilizer markets, coupled with USAID’s substantial investments in Africa. Notably, USAID pledged $40 million to expand the Space to Place initiative. This innovative approach utilizes geospatial data and farmer insights to ensure the optimal distribution of fertilizers, thereby enhancing crop yields and promoting nutritious food production.
During her stay in Nairobi, Esposito seized the opportunity to engage with key African leaders, including the Presidents of Malawi and Zambia, as well as government officials from Rwanda. Discussions primarily centered on reinforcing food security programs under Feed the Future, a cornerstone of the U.S. government’s global hunger alleviation efforts. Esposito reiterated the imperative of fostering robust food systems and stimulating economic growth, emphasizing the indispensable role of the private sector in driving future investments.
Additionally, Esposito convened with various global development partners and donors, including Norway, AGRA, ANAPRI, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. These dialogues aimed to foster coordination and alignment of commitments towards supporting the post-Summit implementation phase, ensuring sustained progress in bolstering Africa’s agricultural landscape.
