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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. Complementing this, the Women Farmers Advancement Network (WOFAN) emphasized empowering rural women and young people. Regarding youth employment, Ghanaian entrepreneur Fareeda Mustapha challenged governments to transform food systems into job engines, while Rwandan President Paul Kagame suggested mechanisms to de-risk investments. During the forum, ProVeg International, ProVeg Nigeria, and ProVeg South Africa hosted a culinary event to promote underutilized indigenous crops to combat biodiversity loss. Additionally, the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT launched its 2026-2030 Africa Strategy, focusing on connecting scientific evidence with finance to scale innovations like regenerative agriculture. The event also marked the 30th anniversary of the Pan-African Partnership for Agricultural Research and Development (PABRA). At the forum’s closing, stakeholders underscored the urgent need for water infrastructure investment, noting that approximately 95% of Africa’s arable land remains heavily dependent on rainfall.

Entities

Africa Food Systems Forum · Rwanda · Paul Kagame · Kigali · African Development Bank

Timeline

  1. [INTERNATIONAL] 3 sources
    Africa Food Systems Forum addresses food sovereignty in Kigali

    At the Africa Food Systems Forum in Kigali, experts discussed strategies for food sovereignty to combat climate shocks and reduce Africa's rising reliance on food imports.

  2. [BUSINESS] 2 sources
    Africa Food Systems Forum highlights need for water infrastructure

    The Africa Food Systems Forum 2026 in Rwanda highlighted the need for water infrastructure to combat drought and celebrated agrifood entrepreneurs using AI and IoT to improve irrigation and resilience.

  3. [BUSINESS] 2 sources
    Africa Food Systems Forum 2026 focuses on agricultural resilience

    At the 2026 Africa Food Systems Forum in Kigali, leaders discussed investing in resilient agri-food systems, highlighting indigenous crops and launching new strategies for agricultural innovation.

  4. [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.

  5. [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.

  6. [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.

  7. [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.

  8. [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.

  9. [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.

  10. [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.

  11. [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 · agra.org · agribusinessmedia.com · agronigeria.ng · ameyawdebrah.com · brainnewspaper.com · businessdailyafrica.com · businessweekly.co.bw · cgiar.org · challengesradio.net · commonwealthunion.com · dailyagricnews.com · diariodelsur.com.co · en.antaranews.com · ghanaguardian.com · greenqueen.com.hk · 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 8 times: see revision history