The Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) has appointed Alice Ruhweza as its next president, with effect from March 1, 2025.
This appointment follows a thorough and comprehensive selection process in partnership with Spencer Stuart. Ruhweza will succeed Dr Agnes Kalibata, who has led AGRA through two transformative terms.
AGRA’s board chair Hailemariam Dessalegn said Ruhweza brings extensive expertise as a Global Thought leader, a Systems Thinker and International Development Expert.
Her 28-year career, working at the intersection of economic, social, and environmental policy and practice, encompasses leadership and board roles in Government, the private sector, the United Nations, and major international NGOs.
She joins AGRA from the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) where she has been a passionate advocate for inclusive agri-food systems in combating climate change, reversing environmental degradation, and delivering nutrition security and improved livelihoods for millions of Africans.
Her leadership will be instrumental in driving AGRA’s mission to catalyze agricultural transformation and food security across Africa.
Dessalegn said Ruhweza’s extensive international experience and profound understanding of the African landscape equip her to navigate diverse cultures and drive collaboration across sectors.
She said AGRA believes she has what it takes to build on the solid foundation Kalibata established. 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,” the board chair said.As I transition from my role as President of AGRA, I reflect with immense pride on our transformative journey over the past ten years,’she said.
“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. I look forward to working with you all to support Alice and AGRA to achieve even greater heights,” added Kalibata.
Established in 2006, AGRA is an African-led and Africa-based institution dedicated to placing smallholder farmers at the core of the continent’s burgeoning economy. AGRA’s mission is to transform agriculture from a mere struggle for survival into a thriving business. In collaboration with its partners, AGRA catalyzes and sustains an inclusive agricultural transformation aimed at increasing incomes and enhancing food security in 12 countries.
