FINAS Secretariat Calls for Policy Recalibration and De-Risking to Strengthen Food Systems Financing

The Food Systems and Nutrition Financing Architecture (FINAS) Secretariat has emphasized the need for a strategic recalibration of food systems financing to address emerging global challenges such as climate shocks, pandemics, and shifting international policies.

Speaking at the launch event, FINAS Secretariat representative Charity Mutegi highlighted the importance of fostering a policy environment that supports sustainable financing solutions, particularly for African nations that rely on key global partnerships.

“We look at the policy environment around food systems financing and discuss recalibrating financing where needed. You know sometimes you have to recalibrate either because of climate shocks, pandemics, or even shifting global policies affecting financing for several countries that have been key partners for Africa,” Mutegi said.

She further emphasized the need to de-risk investments for smallholder farmers and other stakeholders in food systems to enhance resilience and economic viability. FINAS aims to bridge the gap in data-driven decision-making for financing food systems while fostering collaboration through Business-to-Business (B2B), Business-to-Consumer (B2C), and Business-to-Government (B2G) interactions.

“There are solutions out there that people can benefit from when they come together. That’s really what FINAS is all about,” she added.

The FINAS main summit, set for May, is expected to bring together key stakeholders to deliberate on innovative financing solutions. Mutegi stressed the central role of government in these discussions, noting that sustainable food systems financing cannot be achieved without strong government involvement.

“It’s anchored in government because this is a conversation you cannot have without government being the bedrock of this discussion,” she affirmed.

The upcoming summit remains open to all stakeholders interested in contributing to the evolving discourse on financing Africa’s food systems.