From September 2 to 6, 2024, Kigali will host the annual Africa Food Systems Forum (AFSF), gathering world leaders, innovators, academia, development agencies, farmers’ organizations, and private sector representatives from across Africa and beyond.
This year’s summit, themed “Innovate, Accelerate, and Scale: Delivering Food Systems Transformation in a Digital and Climate Era,” will focus on harnessing innovation, accelerating sustainable practices, and scaling impactful solutions to transform food systems in Africa.
The forum’s theme is structured around three pivotal pillars:
- Innovate: This pillar emphasizes the integration of technologies, innovative policies, and business models to revolutionize agricultural practices and food production systems.
- Accelerate: Recognizing the urgency of collective action, this pillar aims to expedite sustainable food system transformations through technological advancements and innovative solutions.
- Scale: This pillar focuses on expanding proven models, initiatives, and investments to achieve widespread impact and ensure food security for millions.
The forum will also address the urgent need to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030 and meet the Malabo Declaration’s commitments by 2025.
President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, along with several current and former presidents, ministers, and key stakeholders from government and the private sector, will attend the forum, underscoring the high-level commitment to tackling critical issues in Africa’s food systems.
Amath Pathé Sene, Managing Director of the AFS Forum, highlighted the significance of this year’s theme: “Innovating, accelerating, and scaling are not just words; they are the pillars upon which the future of African food systems will be built. We are committed to leveraging the best of science, policy, and technology to drive this transformation. This year’s summit provides an unparalleled platform for stakeholders to come together, share insights, and forge partnerships that will lead to tangible actions. It is through such collective efforts that we can address the pressing challenges of climate change, food insecurity, and economic inclusivity.”
Rwanda Prime Minister Edouard Ngirente, who officially launched the forum in March 2024, emphasized the government’s commitment to transforming agriculture into a powerful economic engine. “To transform the agriculture sector into a powerful engine for economic development, our country is embracing innovation and making evidence-based-policy decisions. In this context, the Government has focused on de-risking the sector to ensure that it becomes more profitable and attractive for the youth and private sector actors,” said Dr. Ngirente.
The summit will feature a rich program, including plenary sessions, thematic forums, side events, and leadership exchanges. It provides a unique, forward-looking platform for actionable dialogue and peer-learning as stakeholders address the urgent need for innovative solutions to transform food systems in Africa.
Key sessions include:
- Policy and Agenda Setting: Discussions will focus on highlighting progress towards transforming food systems while renewing political, policy, and investment commitments.
- Investment Facilitation & Finance: Sessions will promote innovative financing models designed to unlock investments from both the public and private sectors.
- Knowledge Sharing: Dedicated to disseminating the latest research, data, and technological advancements in the field.
- Technological Advancements: Showcasing digital technologies and scalable solutions aimed at addressing both global and local food challenges.
The AFSF 2024 aims to create an environment where innovative ideas can flourish, leading to sustainable solutions that benefit all, particularly youth and women. The summit is set to be a landmark event in the journey towards a sustainable, food-secure Africa.
