By Alfred Zacharia
Tanzania’s Vice President, Dr. Philip Mpango, has urged countries around the world to unite in the fight against hunger and poverty, calling them global crises that transcend national borders.
Speaking at the Second Brazil-Africa Conference on Food Security, Combating Hunger, and Rural Development, held in Brasília, Brazil, Dr. Mpango emphasized that no country can tackle these challenges in isolation.
“Hunger and poverty are not confined to one nation. They are global challenges that demand a global response,” said Dr. Mpango, adding that “We must act together to address the root causes and invest in sustainable rural development.”
Dr. Mpango acknowledged the efforts of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in promoting international cooperation, particularly between developing nations and more advanced economies.
“President Lula’s commitment to strengthening South-South collaboration is commendable. It sets a strong example of leadership rooted in solidarity and shared purpose,” he noted.
The Vice President highlighted the potential of Brazil as a valuable partner to Africa in agricultural development, citing the country’s success in applying technology to boost production and transform rural economies.
“Brazil has demonstrated what is possible when the right tools and political will are applied. African countries stand to gain immensely by working closely with Brazil,” he said.
Calling for inclusive and stable agricultural policies, Dr. Mpango stressed the importance of providing smallholder farmers and private investors with the confidence to produce and access markets.
“We must establish predictable policies that attract investment and empower our farmers,” he stated.
Women, who form the backbone of agriculture in Africa, according to him, must be supported through land rights and the elimination of discriminatory cultural practices.
Dr. Mpango emphasized the need for policymakers to engage closely with the private sector, including farmers, to shape effective agricultural strategies.
“At home, we have institutionalized public-private dialogue through business councils from the district to the national level. The platforms allow us to gather feedback, identify gaps, and adapt policies that support agricultural transformation,” he said.
He identified key factors that continue to fuel hunger and poverty in many parts of the world.
“Armed conflicts, climate change, poor infrastructure, and lack of access to information are serious obstacles. We must also address the problem of exporting unprocessed raw materials and invest in research, innovation, and agricultural value chains,” Dr. Mpango warned.
He also raised concerns about taxation and trade policies that hinder the growth of agriculture.
“Our trade and fiscal frameworks must be tailored to stimulate agricultural growth, not suppress it. We must rethink policies that limit progress in farming and agribusiness,” he said.
The conference, hosted at Brazil’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Itamaraty Palace), marks the second high-level engagement between Brazil and African nations on food security and rural development. The first meeting was held in 2010.
The forum is organized by the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture in partnership with the Brazilian Cooperation Agency (ABC) and the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA).
This year’s gathering brought together African ministers of agriculture, heads of international organizations including the FAO, IFAD, WFP, and the World Bank, as well as technical experts and development partners.
The discussions aligned closely with the recently launched Global Alliance Against Poverty and Hunger, which was introduced at the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro in November 2024.
Dr. Mpango was accompanied by Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Hon. Dennis Londo, Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. Hussein Omar, and Tanzania’s Ambassador to Brazil, Dr. John Simbachawene.
The Vice President concluded with a strong message of hope and commitment.
“Our presence here is a testament to Tanzania’s dedication to working with the international community. Together, we can build food systems that are resilient, inclusive, and capable of nourishing our people and economies for generations to come,” he stressed.