MADE Alliance: Empowering African Farmers through Digital Innovation

On World Food Day, the African Development Bank (AfDB) unveiled its ambitious initiative, the Mobilizing Access to the Digital Economy (MADE) Alliance, aimed at transforming agriculture across Africa. This public-private partnership seeks to harness digital technologies to improve the livelihoods of farmers and ensure food security on the continent.

The Vision Behind MADE

The MADE Alliance is a collaborative effort led by the AfDB and Mastercard, with a goal of providing digital access to 100 million individuals and businesses in Africa over the next decade. The initiative is particularly focused on empowering smallholder farmers and enhancing women's participation in agriculture.

Vice President Kamala Harris emphasized the potential of Africa's youthful population during the launch of this initiative, stating that “the future is on the continent of Africa.” With a median age of just 19 years, there is immense potential for economic growth through investment rather than mere aid.

Key Components of the Initiative

• Digital Access: The alliance will initially target three mi