Geneva, Switzerland and Nairobi, Kenya
January 29, 2014
After six and a half years as Chair of the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), Mr. Kofi Annan today announced his decision to step down from the Board of Trustees.
Mr. Annan stated: "It has been a privilege to work with AGRA and its partners in the cause of attaining food and nutrition security in Africa by developing smallholder agriculture. Since its establishment in 2006, AGRA has become a dynamic and effective advocate for Africa's smallholder farmers and agricultural needs.
"AGRA is in a good position to consolidate its achievements and make further progress in catalysing Africa's agricultural transformation during the African Union's Year of Agriculture in 2014 and beyond. Through the Kofi Annan Foundation, I will continue to support AGRA's mission and to promote sustainable development by encouraging African governments and their partners to
transform the agricultural sector, tackle climate change, and encourage private
sector engagement on the continent."
Mr. Annan welcomed the decision by the Board to appoint Mr. Strive Masiyiwa, current Vice Chair of AGRA, as his successor as of January 1, 2014.
Mr. Annan said: "I am confident that Strive, who is one of AGRA's founding Board members, will lead the organisation with renewed vigour and passion. Under Strive's leadership and with his skills and expertise, AGRA will continue to make solid progress towards its vision of a food-secure and prosperous Africa."
Following his appointment, Mr. Masiyiwa said: "I am honoured by this appointment. Due to the commitment and professionalism of our staff, the trust of our donors, and not least the achievements of Mr. Annan, I will be assuming the leadership of a healthy and thriving organisation."
The AGRA Board expressed its profound gratitude to Mr. Annan for leading AGRA since its creation and for championing support to smallholder farmers - the primary drivers of African agricultural development
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