CLASP has called for greater access to efficient agricultural appliances and equipment as part of efforts to develop Africa’s projected $1 trillion agribusiness sector. Emmanuel Aziebor, CLASP’s Senior Director for Africa, presented the case during the Africa Food Systems Forum, held in Rwanda from August 31 to September 4, 2026.
Speaking at the Innovation Hub event “Reimagining Private Sector Investment in Agri-Food Systems,” Aziebor said capital alone is insufficient to turn agricultural investment into productivity, income and employment. He identified access to efficient equipment and appliances as a missing element.
Efficient appliances cited by CLASP include solar refrigerators, water pumps and milling equipment. According to the organization, these technologies are already contributing to enhanced production, increased earnings and more jobs in the agriculture sector.
In a recent op-ed for Kenya’s Daily Nation, Aziebor wrote: “Money is not the only thing standing between African agriculture and real economic growth. What is missing is access to efficient equipment and appliances. When agricultural businesses can turn energy into productivity, the gains show up everywhere. Harvests are better, incomes are steadier, and jobs are created.”
Aziebor called on leaders to treat efficient appliances as essential economic infrastructure. “Every investment and policy announced [at the Africa Food Systems Forum] should be able to answer one question. How will it help farmers and agribusinesses access that infrastructure. Get that right, and AFS 2026 will be remembered as the moment Africa’s $1 trillion agriculture opportunity became a reality.”
