The African Agricultural Transformation Initiative (AATI), convened the 17th Steering Committee Meeting bringing together leaders and technical experts from the Agricultural Transformation Offices (ATO) in Sierra Leone and Tanzania. The founding partners of AATI International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD), Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA),
The Gates Foundation (GF), and McKinsey & Company, to review progress, share lessons, and chart a course for the next phase of agricultural transformation. The decision to hold the meeting in Freetown was made at the request of the Gates Foundation to enable deeper strategic engagement with senior government officials and reinforce their support to the Feed Salone Strategy, as well as position the Agricultural
Transformation Office (ATO-Salone) as a critical enabler of delivery for Feed Salone. A press conference held on 23rd July offered insights into Sierra Leone’s leadership in transforming agriculture and the role of AATI in supporting results-based implementation.Delegates representing International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD), Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), the Gates Foundation (GF), and McKinsey & Company, emphasized the importance of locally led, data-driven, and gender-responsive transformation.“Sierra Leone is deeply committed to building a food system that is resilient, inclusive, and led by evidence. The AATI partnership reinforces our national efforts to implement Feed Salone with urgency and unity,” said His Excellency Dr. Julius Maada Bio, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone.
Advancing Feed Salone through ATO-SaloneThe ATO-Salone was highlighted as a strategic delivery unit established to support the Ministry in turning the Feed Salone Strategy into tangible results. ATO-Salone plays a key role in identifying challenges, developing practical solutions and helping the Ministry follow through on its commitments effectively.“ This partnership is not just about policy—it’s about delivery. ATO-Salone is equipping the Ministry with the tools, data, and coordination capacity to turn strategy into action,” noted Hon. Henry Musa Kpaka, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security.“Sierra Leone and Tanzania were selected to lead by example—pioneering what truly works to drive delivery in agricultural transformation. One year into this journey, the presence of the AATI Steering Committee in-country signals a renewed urgency and collective resolve to accelerate impact and ensure food systems work for our people.”
Priorities for 2025 include a feasibility study for a dedicated agricultural financial institution, strengthening yield data and tracking and adoption of innovations, focusing on the rice value chain, improve the MAFS coordination function by embedding Mutual Accountability principles and practice among the Feed Salone implementing partners, and launching a video series to spotlight youth and women-led agribusiness success stories in a bid to pursue opportunities in agriculture.
Partner Reflections on Progress and Next Steps “AATI is rooted in the principle of country ownership. What we’ve seen here in Sierra Leone through ATO-Salone and Feed Saloneis a model of strong leadership, collaborative spirit, and commitment to inclusive growth,” said Ms. Safia Boly, Executive Director of AATI. Our goal is to help countries build systems that deliver for farmers. Sierra Leone is demonstrating how dedicated leadership, combined with technical support, can unlock meaningful change,” said Mr. Enock Chikava, Director, Agricultural Delivery Systems, Gates Foundation. “IFAD is proud to support results-based models that put smallholder farmers at the center. Sierra Leone’s experience is proving that transformation is possible when implementation is owned and driven by governments,” stated Dr. Donal Brown, Associate Vice President, IFAD. “AGRA remains committed to supporting national institutions to lead, plan, and deliver.The collaboration here is a clear signal that we’re moving from intent to impact,” added Mr. Jonathan Said, Vice President, Technical Expertise, AGRA.A bout AATI
AATI is an Africa-led initiative founded by the Gates Foundation, IFAD, AGRA, and McKinsey & Company. It works with governments to design and implement results based delivery mechanisms tailored to local needs, ensuring inclusive, gender-equitable, and climate-resilient transformation in the agricultural sector.
