OIC Nations Rally Billions for Food Security Investments

As global food insecurity persists, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) nations are stepping up with ambitious, multi-billion-dollar investments to bolster food security across their 57 member states. In 2025, these countries, home to over 1.9 billion people, are channeling unprecedented resources into sustainable agriculture, innovative technologies, and regional cooperation to combat hunger and ensure resilient food systems. This article delves into the latest developments, key initiatives, and transformative strategies driving the OIC’s food security agenda, offering actionable insights for policymakers, businesses, and consumers seeking to understand this critical movement.

The Urgency of Food Security in OIC Nations

Food security remains a pressing challenge for many OIC countries, with 26 member states classified as Low-Income Food Deficit Countries (LIFDCs) and 22 requiring external food assistance, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). In 2024, approximately 203 million people across OIC nations were undernourished, exacerbated by conflicts, climate change, and economic disruptions like the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war. The 2025 State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) report estimates that between 638 and 720 million people globally faced hunger in 2024, with OIC regions like Sub-Saharan Africa and Western Asia seeing rising food insecurity.

Despite these challenges, OIC countries are leveraging their collective agricultural potential, which accounts for 10.4% of their GDP—well above the global average of 4.3%. With agricultural exports rising from USD 141.7 billion in 2011 to USD 188.1 billion in 2021, and intra-OIC trade growing by 85% over the same period, the region is poised for transformation. The OIC’s concerted efforts, backed by billions in investments, aim to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2: Zero Hunger by 2030.

Strategic Investments Fueling Change

OIC nations are deploying substantial financial resources to address food security through a mix of public, private, and international partnerships. Below are some of the most significant initiatives driving this momentum:

1. Saudi Arabia’s Agricultural Push

Saudi Arabia, under its Vision 2030 framework, is investing heavily in local food production to reduce its reliance on imports, which reached USD 292.9 billion in 2021 across OIC nations. In June 2023, the Kingdom’s Agricultural Development Fund approved USD 400 million to support small-scale farmers producing vegetables, fish, and poultry. Additionally, the Halal Products Development Company, a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), partnered with Brazilian food processor BRF to enhance the halal meat industry, while the Saudi Agricultural and Livestock Investment Company acquired a 10.7% stake in BRF. These investments have led to self-sufficiency in dates, dairy, and eggs, with surplus production now targeting export markets.

2. UAE’s Innovation-Driven Approach

The UAE is pioneering food security through advanced technologies like hydroponics and vertical farming. Its National Food Security Strategy 2018–2023 achieved near-100% self-sufficiency in key food supplies, such as poultry and dates, by 2023. In 2024, the UAE launched a new strategy focusing on sustainability and technological innovation, with plans to contribute USD 10 billion to its food and agriculture sector by 2028, creating 20,000 jobs. The Emirates Development Bank’s Agtech loans program supports startups and SMEs, fostering a vibrant ecosystem for food tech innovation.

3. Qatar’s Self-Sufficiency Milestones

Qatar’s National Food Security Strategy 2018–2023 delivered remarkable results, achieving 46% self-sufficiency in vegetables, 100% in poultry, 70% in dates, and 75% in fish by 2023. The 2024 strategy builds on this success, emphasizing digital advisory services, climate-resilient crops, and diversified trade routes. Qatar’s investments in greenhouse farming and aquaculture are setting a model for small nations to achieve food security despite limited arable land.

4. Kazakhstan’s Grain Leadership

Kazakhstan, a major wheat exporter, supplies approximately nine million tonnes annually, making it a critical player in OIC food security. Its role in establishing the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS) underscores its commitment to regional cooperation. Investments in modern irrigation and seed technology are enhancing yields, positioning Kazakhstan as a reliable supplier to OIC markets.

5. Malaysia’s Sustainable Agrofood Policy

Malaysia’s National Agrofood Policy 2.0 (2021–2030) allocates USD 650 million to develop a sustainable, high-tech agro-food sector. By promoting agroecology and organic farming, Malaysia is enhancing food production while ensuring safety and quality. Its 41st ranking on the 2022 Global Food Security Index (GFSI) reflects steady progress, with plans to further integrate technology and boost exports.

Key Trends Shaping OIC Food Security

1. Climate-Resilient Agriculture

Climate change poses a significant threat to OIC agriculture, with arid regions like West Asia and Northeast Africa facing water scarcity and extreme weather. The IOFS’s participation in the 2025 UNFCC Subsidiary Bodies (SB 62) session in Bonn, Germany, highlighted the need for climate-resilient food systems. Initiatives like the Global Flagship Initiative for Food Security, launched at UNCCD COP 16, focus on scalable, inclusive solutions for dryland regions, with OIC countries leading the charge.

2. Technological Innovation

Agri-tech investments are at an all-time high, with OIC nations adopting drones, automated tractors, and precision agriculture to optimize yields. Blockchain and IoT technologies are ensuring supply chain transparency, particularly for halal food exports. For instance, Saudi Arabia’s desalination projects and greenhouse farming innovations are addressing water scarcity, while the UAE’s vertical farming reduces land use.

3. Intra-OIC Cooperation

The OIC is fostering intra-regional trade and cooperation to reduce import dependency. The proposed Dakar-to-Port Sudan transport corridor aims to streamline food distribution across African OIC states, enhancing market access. The Ninth Ministerial Conference on Food Security and Agricultural Development, held in Doha in October 2023, adopted a strategic plan to mobilize resources and align national strategies, with Qatar, Palestine, Iran, and Senegal leading the charge.

4. Private Sector Engagement

Private sector involvement is critical, with companies like Al-Mukarramah partnering with the IOFS to drive innovation. Multinational corporations, such as Nestlé and JBS, are establishing regional hubs to tap into the growing halal food market, while startups are securing funding to scale sustainable solutions.

Challenges to Overcome

Despite these advancements, OIC nations face significant hurdles:

• Conflicts and Instability: Countries like Syria, Yemen, and Sudan rank low on the GFSI due to ongoing conflicts, which disrupt agricultural production and distribution. Sudan’s deteriorating food security, highlighted by UN Secretary-General António Guterres in 2025, underscores the need for humanitarian aid and conflict resolution.

• Certification and Standardization: The lack of unified halal certification standards complicates trade. Efforts like the Indonesia-UAE-Turkey-Malaysia pacts aim to harmonize processes, but broader adoption is needed.

• Infrastructure Gaps: Inefficient transportation and storage systems lead to significant food loss, with over one-third of perishable goods wasted in African OIC countries. Investments in cold chains and logistics are critical to address this.

• Climate Vulnerability: Droughts and extreme weather threaten yields, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa and arid regions. Scaling climate-smart agriculture is essential to build resilience.

Opportunities for Stakeholders

The OIC’s food security investments offer vast opportunities:

• For Businesses: The growing halal food market, projected to reach USD 5.96 trillion globally by 2033, presents opportunities for manufacturers and exporters. E-commerce platforms and mobile apps are expanding market reach, while sustainable practices attract eco-conscious consumers.

• For Investors: Sovereign wealth funds and private investors can capitalize on the region’s focus on food tech and sustainable agriculture. Startups in vertical farming, precision agriculture, and halal logistics are securing significant funding, offering high returns.

• For Consumers: Increased local production means more affordable, high-quality food options. The focus on nutrition-smart agriculture, as seen in Honduras’s World Bank-funded projects, is improving dietary diversity, particularly for vulnerable populations.

• For Policymakers: Aligning national strategies with OIC goals can enhance regional cooperation and attract international funding. The World Bank’s USD 766 million West Africa Food Systems Resilience Program, with an additional USD 345 million for Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo, exemplifies the potential for multilateral support.

The OIC’s multi-billion-dollar investments in food security signal a transformative shift toward self-reliance and sustainability. By leveraging technology, fostering intra-regional trade, and addressing climate challenges, these nations are building resilient food systems. However, achieving SDG 2 requires overcoming conflicts, standardizing certifications, and scaling infrastructure investments. The IOFS’s strategic mandates, endorsed at the 51st OIC Council of Foreign Ministers in 2025, emphasize science-based policies and regional cooperation, setting a clear path forward.

For stakeholders, the OIC’s food security agenda offers a chance to engage in a dynamic, high-growth sector. Businesses can innovate, investors can fund scalable solutions, and consumers can benefit from diverse, sustainable food options. As the OIC rallies billions to combat hunger, the global community watches a region poised to lead in food security and agricultural innovation.