Agricultural mechanization plays a significant role in promoting farming and rural development in Africa. However, Africa has the lowest mechanization rates of all developing regions. While other areas saw large increases in mechanization during the Green Revolution, Africa missed out on these gains. There is now an opportunity for Africa to catch up by increasing its tractor and engine use seven-fold to levels comparable with other regions. New models of ownership and equipment rental will be needed to unlock Africa's agricultural potential through greater mechanization.