Abu Dhabi:The first day of the Global Food Security Summit (GFSS) 2026 saw the launch of the Tanzania-UAE Green Silk Road Initiative. This initiative introduces a new model aimed at enhancing food security through integrated agricultural value chains, investment, and cross-border collaboration.
According to Emirates News Agency, the initiative is a strategic partnership between Abu Dhabi National Investment and Development (ADID), the Tanzania Mercantile Exchange (TMX), and Tanzanian partners. It seeks to establish a sustainable economic corridor connecting Tanzania and the UAE, integrating production, processing, storage, logistics, trade, and market access.
Shamsa Al Fahim, CEO of ADID, emphasized that modern food security involves building resilient systems that efficiently produce, process, store, and transport food. The Green Silk Road is designed to be an integrated value chain, connecting agriculture, technology, investment, and markets to foster shared prosperity between Tanzania and the UAE.
Godfrey Malekano, CEO of TMX, highlighted Tanzania's potential to become a future food basket for the Gulf region. He noted that Tanzania aims to form partnerships to bolster food security, enhance value-added processing, and achieve sustainable economic growth, leveraging the country's agricultural resources and production capacity.
The summit, themed 'Global Collaboration for Food Security for All,' addresses the policies, partnerships, and investments needed to tackle global food security challenges. Key themes include international cooperation, food system resilience, and investment-driven solutions, with discussions focusing on enhancing agricultural innovation and mobilizing investment.
Dr. AbdulHakim Elwaer from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) stressed the importance of water-efficient farming, improving local food production systems, and reducing food loss. He advocated for aligning agricultural trade and social protection policies to make nutritious food more accessible and affordable.
Saleh Abdullah Lootah, Chairman of the UAE Food and Beverage Manufacturers Group, argued that food security should focus on the reliability, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness of the entire food system. A panel discussion emphasized the role of partnerships in creating equitable food systems, while IFAD's Dina Saleh highlighted food security as a critical test of international cooperation.
The summit serves as a platform for diverse stakeholders to address global food challenges and identify solutions to strengthen food security, foster agricultural development, and improve access to nutritious food. This year's event includes participants from over 70 countries, with more than 20 ministers and senior government officials, 80 speakers, and 350 CEOs, underscoring the importance of international collaboration.