The World Bank Group’s Annual Meetings flagship event launched AgriConnect, a new initiative to transform small-scale farming into an engine of sustainable growth, jobs, and food security.

President Ajay Banga announced plans to double agribusiness commitments to $9 billion/year by 2030 and mobilize another $5 billion from partners. AgriConnect aims to scale what works: building infrastructure and skills, improving rules and land systems, de-risking private capital, and helping smallholders boost productivity, access markets, and build resilience via insurance and climate-smart tech.

Partners echoed the push—AfDB, IDB, and IFAD pledged to expand farmer reach and financing. The private sector stepped up (Bayer–WBG MoU to waive IP rights for nitrogen-fixing wheat trials in Africa), and digital solutions advanced (WBG–Google collaboration deploying AI tools for farmers).

Across farmers, policymakers, and investors, one message stood out: partnerships unlock agriculture’s potential.