Advancing climate resilience in African agribusiness: strategies, innovations, and pathways for sustainable transformation

African agribusiness ecosystems are increasingly threatened by the multifaceted impacts of climate change, including rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and frequent extreme weather events. These disruptions pose significant risks to food security, rural livelihoods, and sustainable development across the continent. This paper explores integrated strategies for enhancing climate resilience in African agribusiness, drawing on resilience theory and systems thinking as guiding conceptual frameworks. It synthesizes current developments in climate-smart agriculture (CSA), the role of indigenous knowledge systems, regional carbon market mechanisms, and the need for improved policy coherence. The study draws from a wide range of empirical literature, regional initiatives, and policy documents, including the African Union Commission’s Climate Change and Resilient Development Strategy and Action Plan (2022-2032), to examine how scientific innovations, traditional practices, financial instruments, and inclusive governance can contribute to sustainable adaptation. Emphasis is placed on the active participation of women and youth, equitable access to resources, and the transformation of entire agrifood value chains. The findings suggest that the adoption of CSA and other resilience strategies remains uneven due to structural and institutional barriers. However, opportunities exist to scale successful models through enhanced coordination, policy alignment, and investment in climate-resilient infrastructure and knowledge platforms. The paper concludes by proposing strategic policy pathways and practical recommendations to support the transformation of agribusiness ecosystems into resilient and inclusive systems capable of withstanding current and future climate risks.