Alice Ruhweza has been appointed as the next President of the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), with her tenure beginning on March 1, 2025. This appointment follows a rigorous selection process and marks a new chapter for the organization as it continues its mission to transform African agriculture and improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers across the continent.
Alice Ruhweza brings a wealth of experience as a global thought leader, systems thinker, and expert in international development. With a career spanning 28 years, she has worked at the intersection of economic, social, and environmental policy and practice. Her professional journey includes leadership and advisory roles in government, the private sector, the United Nations, and prominent international non-governmental organizations. Most recently, she served with the World Wide Fund for Nature, where she championed the critical role of inclusive agri-food systems in addressing climate change, reversing environmental degradation, and enhancing nutrition security and livelihoods for millions of Africans.
The AGRA Board has expressed confidence in Alice Ruhweza’s ability to build on the strong foundation laid by her predecessor, Dr. Agnes Kalibata. During her tenure, Dr. Kalibata led AGRA through a transformative period, establishing it as a leading institution in African agriculture. Under her leadership, AGRA developed a robust set of assets and initiatives aimed at supporting smallholder farmers and driving agricultural development across the continent. As the organization prepares for the challenges ahead, Alice Ruhweza’s leadership is expected to further enhance AGRA’s impact and foster a collaborative, results-oriented culture.
Reflecting on her new role, Alice Ruhweza emphasized the importance of agriculture in driving economic growth, job creation, and climate resilience in Africa. She highlighted the urgent need for ambitious actions and bold investments to achieve sustainable and resilient agri-food systems. This includes prioritizing research and development, adopting innovative technologies, implementing inclusive and climate-smart farming practices, and strengthening extension services and policy frameworks.
Her appointment comes at a critical time as African leaders prepare to adopt the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) strategy and action plan for 2026-2035. This framework will guide efforts to enhance agricultural productivity, sustainability, and resilience across the continent in the coming years. Alice Ruhweza has expressed her commitment to advancing AGRA’s vision of a food-secure Africa, working closely with partners, stakeholders, and AGRA’s dedicated team to empower smallholder farmers and address the complex challenges facing the agricultural sector.
As she assumes leadership, Alice Ruhweza aims to leverage her extensive international experience and deep understanding of Africa’s diverse landscapes to drive meaningful change. Her vision aligns with AGRA’s mission to create a thriving agricultural sector that supports economic development, mitigates climate risks, and improves the quality of life for millions of people. Building on the achievements of her predecessor, she is poised to lead AGRA into a new era of growth and innovation, ensuring the organization remains a dynamic force in the transformation of African agriculture.
