Pan-African Parliament President Launches 2025 Rural Investment Summit to Drive Continental Development
Midrand, South Africa. His Excellency Chief Fortune Zephania Charumbira, President of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), today officially launched the 2025 Rural Investment Summit, a landmark event aimed at mobilizing resources, policy support, and cross-continental partnerships to transform Africa’s rural economies.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Chief Charumbira underscored the urgency of targeted investment in rural areas, calling them “the bedrock of Africa’s future.” He highlighted that while cities often capture headlines and capital flows, rural communities remain critical to food security, social stability, and inclusive prosperity.
“It is time that our collective development does not leave behind our rural brothers and sisters,” Charumbira said. “Through strategic investment, innovation, and partnership, we can unlock the latent potential in our villages, farmlands, and small towns, and deliver sustainable change across the continent.”
Key Themes & Strategic Pillars
The 2025 Rural Investment Summit will center around four main pillars:
- Agricultural Innovation & Sustainability
Promote climate-smart agriculture, mechanization, and agri-technology to boost productivity
Invest in agribusiness value chains, from smallholder farmers to processing and distribution
- Infrastructure & Connectivity
Expand rural infrastructure, including roads, water supply, energy, and sanitation
Bridge the digital divide by improving broadband access and digital literacy in remote regions
- SME & Rural Finance
Facilitate access to affordable financing for rural enterprises
Encourage private-sector partnerships to scale locally driven businesses
- Social Development & Community Services
Strengthen education, healthcare, and social protection services in rural communities
Empower youth and women in rural areas through skills development and entrepreneurship
Major Announcements & Commitments
As part of the Summit launch, several high-profile commitments were made:
PAP announced the creation of a Pan-African Rural Investment Facility (PARIF), a multi-year investment vehicle that will pool public and private funding for rural development projects.
The Summit has secured partnerships with several African development banks, regional economic communities, and international financial institutions to co-finance infrastructure and agricultural ventures.
A continental “Rural Digital Inclusion Initiative” was unveiled, with a goal to bring affordable high-speed internet to underserved rural zones by 2030.
Stakeholder Engagement & High-Level Participation
The Summit will run for three days and bring together a diverse range of stakeholders:
Heads of State and Government from PAP member parliaments
Agricultural firms, agri-tech innovators, and agribusiness investors
Multilateral development agencies, including regional development banks
Parliamentarians from national legislatures, local governments, and rural constituencies
Civil society organizations focused on rural empowerment, gender inclusion, and youth development
Several policy roundtables will focus on harmonizing rural development strategies across regions, and there will also be innovation showcases that spotlight scalable, grassroots solutions.
Strategic Alignment with Continental Goals
The Summit aligns closely with Agenda 2063, the African Union’s long-term blueprint for socio-economic transformation. In his remarks, Chief Charumbira stressed that rural investment is not just about economic returns but also about achieving continental integration, reducing inequality, and strengthening food security.
He also referenced PAP’s role as a continental legislative body, urging African parliaments to champion enabling laws, regulatory reforms, and budget allocations that support rural transformation.
Quotes from Key Figures
Chief Fortune Charumbira, PAP President:
“Our mission is not only to legislate but also to catalyze action, to make our Pan-African Parliament a real driver of development in every African community.”
Hon. Dr. Fatimetou Habib, 1st Vice-President of PAP:
“Investing in rural areas is an investment in our people, in their dignity, creativity, and resilience. This Summit is a call to us all: governments, financiers, and civil society to walk together.”
Expected Outcomes & Next Steps
By the close of the Summit, organizers expect to:
- Finalize a multi-stakeholder roadmap for rural development across PAP’s member states
- Secure binding commitments from governments and investors to support rural projects
- Launch pilot projects in several regions to test scalable models for sustainable rural growth
PAP also announced plans for a mid-term review in 2027 to assess progress and adjust strategies as needed.
About the Pan-African Parliament (PAP)
The Pan-African Parliament, established under the African Union, is a continental legislative body that gives African citizens a voice in broader continental decision-making. PAP works to promote democracy, human rights, integration, and sustainable development across member states. Its Bureau — led by President Chief Fortune Charumbira — is responsible for guiding its strategic direction and oversight.
