Kigali hosts African Food Systems Forum to drive agricultural investment

African agriculture food systems transformation climate adaptation financing CAADP Plan Kigali forum

The African Food Systems Forum (AFSF2026) is being held in Kigali, Rwanda, from late August to early September 2026, focusing on mobilizing capital, technology, and market access for African producers. The summit aims to move beyond intentions toward concrete mechanisms for agricultural transformation and climate resilience.

During the forum, Rwandan Prime Minister Justin Nsengiyumva announced the adoption of the CAADP Plan 2025-2027, designed to attract investments for agricultural modernization. He emphasized the need for improved irrigation, energy, infrastructure, digital services, and value-added product processing to turn climate challenges into economic opportunities.

On the financing front, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) highlighted the ARCAFIM mechanism. This approximately $200 million blended finance tool is intended to support climate adaptation in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda. The initiative involves collaboration with Equity Bank, Finland, Denmark, and the Nordic Development Fund.