FiCs 2025 Agri-PDB Platform Side Event: Fostering Collaboration Between International, Regional, and Local PDBs to Advance Sustainable Food Systems
The Agri-PDB Platform side event at the 5th FiCs focused on the role of PDBs in advancing sustainable food systems, highlighting the need for collaboration and innovative financing to tackle food security challenges.
Fostering Collaboration Between International, Regional, and Local PDBs to Advance Sustainable Food Systems
From 26 to 28 February, the 5th Finance in Common Summit (FiCS) took place in Cape Town, South Africa. On 27 February, the Agri-PDB Platform hosted a side event in cooperation with ECDPM, running from 8:00 to 9:00 in Hall 1B. The event featured Federica Diamanti, IFAD’s Associate Vice President for External Relations, as the keynote speaker, with Cecilia D’Alessandro from ECDPM moderating. Discussions centered on critical success factors, best practices, and financing strategies for sustainable food systems, particularly within the G7 collaboration initiative.
The conversation highlighted the pivotal role of Public Development Banks (PDBs) in financing sustainable agriculture and the pressing need for stronger coordination. Cecilia D’Alessandro (ECDPM) called for reinforced national and regional PDBs and a deeper partnership between the Agri-PDB Platform and the G7 PDB Platform to ensure greater financial impact. Federica Diamanti (IFAD) pointed to the urgency of aligning initiatives like Agri-PDB and the G7 PDB Platform, especially as Official Development Assistance (ODA) declines. She stressed the necessity of scaling up investments in agrifood systems while mitigating risks for agricultural financing. Enrico Petrocelli (CDP, Italy) addressed the twin challenges of food security and climate change, advocating for strategic financial mobilization, stronger project preparation, and knowledge-sharing initiatives to close funding gaps.
Several speakers presented innovative financing models and partnerships that are already driving agricultural development. Nnenna Nwabufo (AfDB) showcased capacity-building initiatives with Tanzania’s TADB and Ghana’s DBG, demonstrating how targeted investments can strengthen national financial institutions. From a G7 perspective, Suzanne Taylor (FinDev Canada) reiterated the importance of mobilizing private sector investments within development finance, emphasizing the need for clear impact standards, committed leadership, and strong institutional relationships.
On the ground, securing accreditation and accessing green funds remain a challenge for many national banks. Lloyd Banda (MAIIC Malawi) highlighted the necessity of support from both domestic and international PDBs to navigate these hurdles. Meanwhile, Shaji K.V. (NABARD India) shared insights from India’s experience in developing agrifood finance mechanisms. Frank Nyabundege (TADB Tanzania) provided a detailed account of Tanzania’s efforts to expand agricultural financing through government support and recapitalization, with funding from AfDB, AFD, and JICA. The discussions reinforced the urgency of scaling up investment and strengthening local financial institutions to drive impactful and sustainable agricultural development.
In conclusion, the side event underscored the vital role of PDBs in financing sustainable agriculture and fostering stronger collaboration among national, regional, and international platforms. The event highlighted innovative financing models and partnerships as essential to overcoming challenges in agricultural development, while emphasizing the need for scaled-up investments and enhanced coordination to ensure long-term food security.
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