The ambitions carried by the ECA demonstrate a strong political will to make digital technology an essential ally for food sovereignty in Africa.

A Partnership to Tackle Food Insecurity

The Republic of Congo, in collaboration with the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), is embracing digital transformation to boost its agriculture and address rising food insecurity in Sub-Saharan Africa. At the end of June, a joint mission in Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire brought together nearly 200 public and private stakeholders to explore the potential impact of e-commerce in the agricultural sector.

Digital Tools Supporting Agricultural Value Chains

The main goal of this initiative is to identify digital solutions that can strengthen agricultural value chains and facilitate food distribution, with particular attention given to vulnerable populations. This project is part of the “Innovative Digital Trade within the AfCFTA” program, launched by the ECA and focused on food security and the digital transformation of Africa’s agricultural sector.

A Continental Challenge: Digitizing Agriculture

ECA officials warn that if current trends continue, Africa may not achieve the “Zero Hunger” goal set for 2030. Modernizing the sector requires enhanced logistics infrastructure, such as the development of cold chains, which are crucial for preserving perishable products. Moreover, the digital transformation of agriculture is seen as a lever to make the sector more attractive to young people and create new jobs.

ECA Priorities and Prospects for Congo

Beyond the Congolese context, the ECA encourages African states to act collectively around five priority areas:

• Accelerate implementation of the AfCFTA (African Continental Free Trade Area)
• Develop agri-food value chains
• Digitize to improve taxation and resource mobilization
• Integrate climate resilience into agricultural strategies
• Promote investment and regional cooperation

Thanks to this partnership with the ECA, the Republic of Congo is positioning itself as a testing ground for innovative approaches to agricultural digitization, supported by collaboration between the public sector, private sector, and international partners.

A Model for Africa

Through this approach, Congo is paving the way for a more efficient, resilient, connected, and inclusive agriculture. Digitalization not only facilitates value chain management, but also provides decision-making tools, training platforms, and experience-sharing networks to benefit rural actors.