Alice Ruhweza Appointed President of AGRA

The Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) has announced the appointment of Alice Ruhweza as its new President, effective March 1, 2025.Ruhweza will succeed Dr. Agnes Kalibata, who has successfully led AGRA through two transformative terms.

Ruhweza, a renowned global thought leader, systems thinker, and international development expert, brings nearly three decades of experience working at the intersection of economic, social, and environmental policy.

She has held leadership roles across government, the private sector, the United Nations, and major international NGOs.

She joins AGRA from the World Wide Fund for Nature, where she championed inclusive agri-food systems as critical to combating climate change and improving livelihoods for millions of Africans.

AGRA’s Board Chair, H.E. Hailemariam Dessalegn, expressed confidence in Ruhweza’s leadership.

“We are excited to welcome Alice Ruhweza as AGRA’s next President. Her extensive international experience and profound understanding of the African landscape equip her to navigate diverse cultures and drive collaboration across sectors”, said Agra Board Chair.

The Board is looking to her leadership to galvanize sector actors and foster a collaborative, results-oriented, and participatory culture that AGRA aspires to.

“As we face unprecedented challenges, her guidance will ensure that we remain a listening, engaging institution demonstrating progress and supporting countries in expediting their development,” said Dessalegn.

Outgoing President Dr. Agnes Kalibata reflected on her tenure, expressing optimism for AGRA’s future.

“As I transition from my role as President of AGRA, I reflect with immense pride on our transformative journey over the past ten years. AGRA is now in a strong position to meet the challenges ahead and the expectation to do more for smallholder farmers. I am excited to pass the torch to Alice Ruhweza, whose leadership will drive us forward,” said Kalibata.

Ruhweza acknowledged the challenges and opportunities ahead, emphasizing the urgency of action in Africa’s agricultural sector.

“Agri-food systems are Africa’s biggest lever for economic growth, job creation, livelihood improvement, and in addressing climate change. However, the agricultural sector is still at risk from economic volatility, geopolitical tensions, and other complex crises,” Ruhweza said.

She added, “I am honored to join AGRA at such a critical juncture as African leaders convene to adopt the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) strategy and action plan for 2026-2035″.

” I look forward to building on Dr. Agnes Kalibata’s achievements and collaborating with our partners, stakeholders, and the dedicated members of the AGRA Board and Staff to advance our shared vision of a food-secure Africa in service of smallholder farmers.”

AGRA’s leadership transition marks a critical moment for the organization as it continues its mission to catalyze agricultural transformation and food security across Africa.