Africa Food Systems Forum highlights need for water infrastructure

At the Africa Food Systems Forum 2026 held in Kigali, Rwanda, stakeholders emphasized the urgent need for increased investment in water infrastructure to protect African agriculture from climate change and drought. Currently, approximately 95% of Africa's arable land is heavily dependent on rainfall, leaving production vulnerable to irregular weather patterns. Smallholder farmers, who make up about 80% of sub-Saharan African agriculture, are particularly at risk.

During the forum's closing ceremony, the GoGettaz Agripreneur Prize Competition recognized innovative solutions to these challenges. Grand prize winners Israel Smart Obidah of Nigeria (Smartel Agri-tech) and Nabakka Sandra of Uganda (Sandi AI Technologies) each received a US$50,000 grant. Smartel Agri-tech utilizes hydroponics and AI to reduce water usage by up to 90%, while Sandi AI Technologies uses artificial intelligence to help farmers access solar-powered irrigation without traditional collateral.