Africa’s food future will be shaped by the choices governments make today.

As countries across the continent work to address food insecurity, public health, unemployment and climate change, greater attention should be given to the potential of plant-based food systems.

This does not mean replacing traditional diets or telling Africans what they should eat. In many ways, it means investing in foods Africa already grows, cooks and has relied on for generations.

Here are some of the reasons governments should pay closer attention.

1. Food Security

Plant-based staples such as cowpeas, millet, sorghum, cassava, beans and other legumes are already important parts of African food systems.

Investing in their production, storage and distribution could help strengthen local food supplies and reduce vulnerability to food shortages.

2. Better Use of Indigenous Crops

Africa has an enormous diversity of indigenous and locally adapted crops, yet many remain underutilized. Supporting research, processing and commercialisation could turn traditional crops into modern, nutritious food products while preserving agricultural knowledge.

3. Public Health

Governments have a major interest in improving access to nutritious foods.

Greater availability of vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains and other plant foods can contribute to healthier diets, particularly when these foods are affordable and accessible.

The conversation should therefore focus not simply on veganism, but on building healthier food environments.

4. Economic Opportunities

Plant-based food is also an economic opportunity. From farmers and food processors to restaurants, manufacturers, researchers and entrepreneurs, a stronger plant-based sector could create new businesses and jobs across the food value chain.

Africa doesn’t have to wait for international companies to build this industry. African entrepreneurs can build it here.

5. Climate Resilience

African agriculture is increasingly vulnerable to climate change. Diversifying crops and strengthening resilient plant-based food systems can be part of a broader strategy for adapting to changing weather patterns, protecting livelihoods and building more resilient food systems.

6. Supporting African Farmers

Government investment can help farmers move beyond simply producing raw agricultural commodities.

Better infrastructure, research, financing, processing facilities and market access could allow farmers to capture more value from crops grown locally.

A cowpea, millet or cassava crop shouldn’t have to leave Africa as a low-value commodity before becoming a high-value product.

7. Innovation

Africa’s plant-based food sector is still developing, creating opportunities for innovation. Governments can support universities, researchers and entrepreneurs working on areas such as food processing, alternative proteins, indigenous crops and sustainable agriculture.

The goal should not simply be to replicate products developed elsewhere, but to create solutions suited to African consumers.

8. Preserving Food Heritage

Perhaps most importantly, investing in plant-based foods does not require Africa to abandon its traditions. Many African cuisines are already rich in grains, legumes, vegetables, fruits, roots and tubers.

The future of sustainable food may be partly found in Africa’s past.

Africa Already Has the Ingredients

The conversation around plant-based food is sometimes presented as a new global trend. But for Africa, much of the foundation already exists.

The crops are here.
The farmers are here.
The food traditions are here.
The entrepreneurs are emerging.

What is needed is greater investment, research, policy support and recognition of the opportunity. African governments don’t necessarily need to create an entirely new food system.

The question for policymakers

Should African governments treat plant-based foods and indigenous crops as a serious part of the continent’s food security, economic development, public health and climate strategy?

At VAN, we believe this conversation deserves a much bigger seat at the table.

What do you think? Should African governments invest more in plant-based food innovation?