AGRA

Nairobi, Kenya – March 1, 2025 – AGRA is delighted to welcome Ms. Alice Ruhweza as its new President, effective today (March 1, 2025). Ms. Ruhweza succeeds Dr. Agnes Kalibata, who has successfully led AGRA through two transformative terms.

Ms. Ruhweza brings with her a wealth of experience as a global thought leader, systems thinker, and international development expert. With a distinguished 28-year career at the intersection of economic, social, and environmental policy and practice, Alice has held leadership and board roles in government, the private sector, the United Nations, and major international NGOs. She joins AGRA from the WWF, where she has been a passionate advocate for inclusive agri-food systems, climate change mitigation, and sustainable development.

AGRA’s Board Chair, H.E. Hailemariam Dessalegn: “We are excited to welcome Ms 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. We believe she has what it takes to build on the solid foundation Dr. Agnes Kalibata established and developed. 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.”

Outgoing President, Dr. Agnes Kalibata: “As I transition from my role as President of AGRA, I reflect with immense pride on our transformative journey over the past ten years. The support of the board, partners, and staff has been instrumental in building AGRA into a leading African institution with a strong set of transferable assets that it is deploying to achieve the results we celebrate today. AGRA is now in a strong position to meet the challenges ahead and the expectation to do more for small-holder 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.”

President, Ms Alice Ruhweza: “Agri-food systems are Africa’s biggest lever for economic growth, job creation, livelihood improvement, and in addressing climate change. I am honored to join AGRA and look forward to working with the team, partners, and stakeholders to drive agricultural transformation and food security across the continent.”

AGRA is confident that Alice Ruhweza’s leadership will be instrumental in advancing its mission to catalyze agricultural transformation and improve the livelihoods of millions of smallholder farmers across Africa.

For media inquiries, please contact: akonde@agra.org

Profile: Ms Alice Ruhweza, Incoming President of AGRA

Alice brings a wealth of experience and a visionary approach to her new role. She joins us from the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), where she served as the Regional Director for Africa since July 2019.

In this capacity, Alice led WWF’s efforts to shape the sustainability agenda across the continent, driving impactful initiatives aligned with global conservation priorities.

Before her tenure at WWF, Alice made significant contributions at Conservation International. She initially served as the Executive Director of the Vital Signs Programme, advocating for data-driven policy-making across multiple countries. She later became the Interim Vice President of Sustainable Production, where she collaborated across sectors to promote sustainable practices in agriculture, mining, and energy.

Alice’s career also includes a pivotal role at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), where she led the Global Environment Finance Unit in Africa, mobilizing over $600 million to support environmental initiatives in more than 40 sub-Saharan countries. Her extensive background in sustainable development, capacity building, and engaging communities makes her an exceptional leader for AGRA.

Alice holds a Master’s degree in Agricultural and Applied Economics from the University of Wisconsin and a Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences from Makerere University. We are excited to welcome Alice Ruhweza and look forward to her leadership in driving AGRA’s mission forward.