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8 clusters · 23 sources · 20 days · First seen · Last updated

Africa Food Systems Forum 2026 in Kigali

Overview

The 2026 Africa Food Systems Forum (AFSF), marking its 20th anniversary, was held in Kigali, Rwanda, from August 31 to September 4. The forum focused on the theme ‘Investing in Agri-Food Systems: Nourishing Nations, Growing Jobs, Building Resilience.’

Key discussions centered on agricultural modernization and reducing import dependency. Rwandan Prime Minister Justin Nsengiyumva announced the adoption of the CAADP Plan 2025-2027 to attract investment in irrigation, energy, and digital services. To support climate adaptation, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) highlighted the $200 million ARCAFIM blended finance mechanism.

Regional leaders emphasized the integration of specific value chains. Nigeria’s Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, advocated for commercially viable livestock value chains to achieve ‘productive sovereignty.’ In West Africa, Ghana’s Deputy Minister for Food and Agriculture, John Dumelo, called for coordinated efforts to achieve rice self-sufficiency.

Addressing agricultural scaling, Dr. Martin Fregene of the African Development Bank highlighted the Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT) initiative for its success in connecting research with private sector investment. Complementing this, the Women Farmers Advancement Network (WOFAN) emphasized that investment must extend beyond infrastructure to include the empowerment of rural women and young people through knowledge and technology.

Regarding youth employment, Ghanaian entrepreneur Fareeda Mustapha, CEO of PureLube, challenged governments to transform food systems into engines for job creation. In response, Rwandan President Paul Kagame emphasized the need for policies providing better access to agricultural finance, suggesting that governments implement mechanisms to de-risk investments and potentially absorb some loan losses to encourage participation.

Entities

Africa Food Systems Forum · Rwanda · Paul Kagame · African Development Bank · Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Timeline

  1. 1 day ago

    [BUSINESS] 2 sources
    Paul Kagame discusses agrifood job creation with Ghanaian entrepreneur

    At the Africa Food Systems Forum, entrepreneur Fareeda Mustapha urged African leaders to use agrifood systems for job creation, prompting President Paul Kagame to call for better agricultural financing.

  2. 4 days ago

    [BUSINESS] 2 sources
    Africa Food Systems Forum addresses agricultural scaling and investment

    At the 2026 Africa Food Systems Forum in Kigali, stakeholders discussed scaling agricultural innovation through finance and the importance of empowering rural women and smallholder farmers.

  3. 6 days ago

    [BUSINESS] 3 sources
    African leaders urge livestock and rice value chain integration

    African officials at the Africa Food Systems Forum called for integrated livestock value chains and regional rice production cooperation to achieve food security and reduce import dependency.

  4. 6 days ago

    [BUSINESS] 2 sources
    Africa Food Systems Forum addresses food security and agricultural resilience in Rwanda

    At the Africa Food Systems Forum in Rwanda, Somali officials and AGRA representatives discussed strengthening food security, digital data management, and agricultural productivity across Africa.

  5. 9 days ago

    [BUSINESS] 7 sources
    Kigali hosts African Food Systems Forum to drive agricultural investment

    At the African Food Systems Forum in Kigali, leaders announced the CAADP 2025-2027 Plan and highlighted a $200 million climate adaptation fund for East African nations.

  6. 12 days ago

    [INTERNATIONAL] 5 sources
    Kigali hosts forums on African governance and food security

    Major forums in Kigali are addressing African governance and food security, featuring leaders like Paul Kagame and integrating digital creators into policy discussions.

  7. 15 days ago

    [BUSINESS] 2 sources
    Africa Food Systems Forum 2026 to feature youth and women advocates

    The Africa Food Systems Forum 2026 in Kigali will feature speakers including Mbukiso Fakudze and Dr. Salamatu Garba to discuss sustainable, inclusive, and resilient agricultural transformation in Africa.

  8. 21 days ago

    [BUSINESS] 2 sources
    Innovate Africa Global Conference 2026 set for Kigali

    The Innovate Africa Global Conference 2026 will be held in Kigali, Rwanda, on October 12-13, focusing on economic growth and the creative economy.

Sources

a-zsl.com · africa.com · afrikactus.com · agribusinessmedia.com · agronigeria.ng · ameyawdebrah.com · brainnewspaper.com · businessdailyafrica.com · businessweekly.co.bw · cgiar.org · challengesradio.net · commonwealthunion.com · dailyagricnews.com · ghanaguardian.com · myjoyonline.com · rnanews.com · shabellemedia.com · solacebase.com · sport-ivoire.ci · theghanareport.com · topafricanews.com · tribuneonlineng.com · voeazul.com.br

This summary has been updated 6 times: see revision history