FAO-UNIDO: European innovators driving private sector solutions for food security

The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), through its Investment and Technology Promotion Office (ITPO) Germany, in collaboration with the Partnerships and UN Collaboration (PSU) and Plant Production and Protection (NSP) divisions, launched a two-day event “Private Sector Solutions for Food Security” at FAO headquarters. It aimed to foster dialogue and collaboration between European agrifood systems private sector actors and Rome-based UN agencies - FAO, World Food Programme (WFP) and International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) to address food security and nutrition challenges.

Carlos Watson, Chief of the Private Sector Engagement Unit of PSU, highlighted the value of FAO’s formalized partnerships in driving inclusive and sustainable agrifood systems. Watson referenced FAO’s renewed Strategy for Private Sector Engagement 2026-2030, and its collaboration with UNIDO through a Memorandum of Understanding which has enabled joint initiatives such as the Agrifood Systems Transformation Accelerator (ASTA).

The event brought together 35 private sector entities, including companies, industry associations and research institutions. Over 25 companies showcased innovationsacross four thematic areas: i) Sustainable Agricultural Mechanization and farming systems; ii) Food processing, storage and loss reduction; iii) Renewable energy and climate-smart agri-solutions; and iv) Innovation, digitalization and skills development.Highlights included solar-powered desalination systems in Africa and the Middle East, to advanced post-harvest processing technologies, vertical farming models and digital solutions addressing child labour risks.

Josef Kienzle, Lead of the Sustainable Agricultural Mechanization (SAM) team in FAO NSP, noted the timeliness of collaboration ahead of the African Conference on Sustainable Agricultural Mechanization (25 to 28 November 2025, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania). Josef noted UNIDO’s commitment to participate in the upcoming conference as a welcome development, along with its plan to bring private sector start-ups and entities already working on SAM, processing, storage and food loss and waste solutions in Africa.  

Discussions underscored that scalable impact requires strong partnerships and shared commitment.

Mba Chikelu, Deputy Director of NSP, emphasized co-developing solutions with farmers and value chain actors, supported by access to finance, training, and strategic partnerships, particularly in the African markets.

On the second day, the spotlight shifted to meetings at WFP and IFAD headquarters. At WFP, the UNIDO ITPO delegation met with experts from procurement, private sector partnerships and technical divisions to explore synergies and practical entry points for joint action. At IFAD, dynamic exchanges were held with the Head of Innovation, technical specialists, partnership leads, and thematic experts, focusing on how innovation and strategic alliances can accelerate agrifood systems transformation.