Why Africa Must Stop Being Just a "Supplier" to Global Brands

14 Aug 2026. Women in Geopolitics - Why Africa Must Stop Being Just a "Supplier" to Global Brands

Why does a continent holding 60% of the world's uncultivated arable land spend a staggering $100 billion every single year importing food? In this masterclass episode of Women in Geopolitics, leading economic and policy experts challenge everything we think we know about African agriculture.

Ambassador Peko explains why Africa doesn't suffer from a production deficit, but rather an ownership deficit. While African women produce up to 80% of local food, the broader economy remains trapped: exporting raw materials like cocoa, cotton, and coffee, only to buy them back as branded Swiss chocolate, Louis Vuitton fashion, and Starbucks coffee.

Learn why true food sovereignty requires owning four critical strategic assets: 

1. Genetics (breaking the global seed monopolies), 
2. Technology (leveraging AI alongside indigenous knowledge like Zai pits), 
3. Infrastructure (combating the tragic 30% to 40% post-harvest food losses), 
4. and original African Brands. 

On-the-ground expert Maureen addressed the stark logistical and structural barriers preventing local producers from effectively connecting to continental markets.