Dr. Agnes Kalibata
Immediate President
Dr. Agnes Kalibata has been a transformative leader and visionary in the field of agriculture and food security. Serving as the President of AGRA since 2014, Dr. Kalibata has led the organization in its mission to improve the productivity and livelihoods of millions of smallholder farmers across Africa.
Before joining AGRA, Dr. Kalibata was Rwanda’s Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources from 2008 to 2014. During her tenure, she implemented science-based approaches to agriculture, significantly increasing food production and improving food security in Rwanda. Her efforts helped reduce Rwanda’s poverty levels by more than 50% and transformed the country into a model for agricultural development.
Dr. Kalibata also served as the Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for the 2021 Food Systems Summit, playing a crucial role in catalyzing global efforts to improve food systems and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. She holds a Ph.D. in Entomology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and has received numerous prestigious awards, including the Yara Prize (now the Africa Food Prize) and honorary doctorates from the University of Liège and McGill University. Under her leadership, AGRA has made significant strides in strengthening state capability and policies, input delivery systems, and partnerships for inclusive agricultural growth. Dr. Kalibata’s dedication and vision have left an indelible mark on AGRA and the broader agricultural landscape in Africa. We extend our deepest gratitude to Dr. Agnes Kalibata for her outstanding contributions and leadership. Her legacy will continue to inspire and guide us as we move forward.