By Earth Focus Network
“Africa has the knowledge, the innovinnovation,the entrepreneurial energy to transform how our continent produces, processes, trades, and consumes food. What we need now is to match that ambition with investment and action at scale.”
— Amath Pathé Sene, Managing Director, Africa Food Systems Forum
From 31 August to 5 September 2026, the global spotlight will shine on Kigali, Rwanda, as the country hosts the 20th edition of the Africa Food Systems Forum (AFSF)—the world’s premier platform for African agriculture and food systems. This milestone event, themed “Investing in Africa’s Agri-Food Systems: Nourishing Nations, Growing Jobs, Building Resilience,” comes at a critical juncture for the continent.
The Forum marks two decades of food systems transformation and convenes over 5,000 African and global leaders, policymakers, investors, scientists, entrepreneurs, and young innovators from more than 50 countries. Under the leadership of H.E. Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda, the Summit will chart a bold new course for Africa’s agricultural future.
Why This Forum Matters: The State of Africa’s Food Systems
Africa stands at a crossroads. The continent possesses 60% of the world’s uncultivated land and abundant water resources, yet it remains a net food importer, spending approximately USD 70 billion annually on foreign food imports. About one-third of sub-Saharan Africans still suffer from hunger, and current food production falls well short of demand.
The challenges are compounded by climate vulnerability, conflict, and economic pressures. Yet, the opportunities are immense. Africa’s population is projected to reach 2.5 billion by 2050, with 375 million young people expected to enter the labor force by 2030. The question is no longer whether transformation is possible—it is whether the continent can mobilize the investment, partnerships, and political action required to deliver it.
The 2026 Theme: Investing in Africa’s Agri-Food Systems
The 2026 theme signals a continental commitment to leadership, action, and delivery—moving beyond declarations toward measurable, system-wide impact. The Forum will focus on five central priorities:
- Investment and Finance
- Food Security and Nutrition
- Climate Resilience
- Youth and Digital Innovation
- Trade, Markets and Value Chains
The Investment Imperative
The food systems sector represents a huge business and investment opportunity equivalent to more than 16% of global GDP. Yet investments in the sector remain less than 10% of countries’ GDP, and banking investment in agriculture is less than 5% in most African nations.
The Forum will explore innovative financing mechanisms to unlock sustainable investment, particularly under the New African Financial Architecture (NAFA), championed by the African Development Bank and African Union. This strategic framework seeks to mobilize domestic capital, reduce reliance on foreign funding, and foster financial sovereignty.
Building on the 2025 Momentum
AFSF 2025 in Senegal set the stage for this year’s summit. Six countries presented country legacy programs targeting more than US$6 billion in mobilized investments for food systems transformation, youth employment, and sustainable agri-food value chains. The Forum identified a pipeline of investment-ready projects, particularly businesses led by young people and women, while highlighting the need for blended finance and de-risking mechanisms.
Rwanda’s Role: A Living Laboratory for Food Systems Transformation
Rwanda is not merely hosting the Forum—it is shaping the agenda. Under the leadership of President Paul Kagame, the country has become a compelling example of how strategic vision translates into inclusive growth.
Rwanda’s Agricultural Transformation Agenda
Through its Fifth Strategic Plan for Agricultural Transformation (PSTA 5) (2024-2029), Rwanda is advancing:
- Climate-smart agriculture
- Youth-led agribusiness
- Nutrition-sensitive programming
- Private sector investment at scale
The results speak for themselves. During FY2024/25, the agriculture sector recorded 5% GDP growth, up from 2% in 2023/24. Key achievements include:
Climate-Smart Agriculture Interventions
Rwanda’s agri-food system is extremely vulnerable to climate variability. Research by IFPRI demonstrates that climate-smart agricultural (CSA) interventions during the PSTA-5 period could increase agricultural GDP growth by 4.2 percentage points and overall GDP by 1.3 percentage points. These interventions also show strong household-level effects, particularly in rural areas, and are effective in minimizing the impacts of climate change on the Rwandan economy.
What to Expect at AFSF 2026
High-Level Leadership and the Council of the Wise
The Forum will be opened by H.E. Paul Kagame. A flagship moment will be the Council of the Wise, bringing together six former African heads of state and government for high-level discussions on leadership, resilience, and the future of Africa’s food systems:
- Dr. Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan—Former President of Nigeria
- Dr. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete—Former President of Tanzania
- Mohamed Beavogui—Former Prime Minister of Guinea
- Mahamadou Issoufou—Former President of Niger
- Lionel Zinsou—Former Prime Minister of Benin
- Hailemariam Dessalegn—Former Prime Minister of Ethiopia and Chair of the AGRA Board of Directors
Key Participants
Other prominent leaders expected include the following:
- Dr. Akinwumi Adesina—Former President, African Development Bank
- Dr. Qu Dongyu—Director-General, FAO
- Dr. Alvaro Lario—President, IFAD
- Alice Ruhweza—President, AGRA
- Josefa Sacko—AU Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment
- Ismahane Elouafi—Executive Managing Director, CGIAR
- Nardos Bekele Thomas—CEO, AUDA-NEPAD
- Claver Gatete—UN Under Secretary-General and Executive Secretary, UNECA
- Silvia Maria Fonseca Silveira Massruha—President, Brazil’s Embrapa
The AFSF Deal Room and Investment Facilitation
A central feature will be the AFSF Deal Room, connecting African agribusinesses, entrepreneurs, and innovators with investors and financial institutions to mobilize capital and forge partnerships. The Deal Room builds on the 2025 pipeline of investment-ready projects and is designed to convert opportunities into concrete partnerships and financing.
Youth and Women at the Forefront
Youth engagement remains central to the agenda. The Forum will:
- Launch a global call for more investment to support youth-led agri-food start-ups and MSMEs
- Provide a platform for Young African Innovators to showcase solutions and technologies
- Feature competitions and awards, including the GoGettaz Agripreneur Prize Competition, Africa Food Prize, and Women Agripreneurs of the Year Awards
Pre-Summit Events and Side Events
The summit will feature numerous side events addressing critical topics:
- 31 August: AI for Smallholder Farmer Advisory (Gates Foundation), Why Water Matters for Africa’s Food Systems: Scaling Irrigation Investment (IWMI, IFPRI, AUDA-NEPAD, AGRA, World Bank), and Fertilizer Crisis: Solutions for Africa
- 1 September: Women-Focused and Inclusive Food Systems (AWARD, IFPRI, Mastercard Foundation, GIZ, WFP, MINAGRI, MIGEPROF, UN Women, FAO, IFAD), and Nourishing Food systems: Policy to Plate
- PABRA 30th Anniversary Celebration—Marking three decades of transforming bean research, seed systems, and markets across more than 30 African countries
Alignment with CAADP and National Strategies
The 2026 Forum comes at a pivotal moment as Africa implements the new Kampala Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) for 2026-2035. The summit will address the six CAADP strategic objectives: food and nutrition security, resilience, sustainable production, inclusive livelihoods, financing, and governance.
Rwanda’s PSTA 5 aligns with these continental goals, focusing on building competitive, inclusive, and climate-resilient agri-food systems. The Forum will also look ahead to COP32 in Addis Ababa and the rollout of the New African Financial Architecture (NAFA).
The Role of Earth Focus Network and Here For Hope Foundation
As organizations deeply engaged in environmental restoration, community empowerment, and sustainable agriculture, Earth Focus Network and Here For Hope Foundation are uniquely positioned to contribute to and benefit from AFSF 2026.
Why Your Participation Matters
How to Engage
We recommend the following actions:
- Register and Attend: The Summit brings together over 5,000 stakeholders—perfect for networking and partnership building.
- Explore the Deal Room: If you have investment-ready projects, the Deal Room provides direct access to investors.
- Share Your Story: Submit your work to Earth Focus Network News for visibility and potential collaboration.
- Follow Up on Commitments: The Forum tracks discussions and commitments to ensure accountability.
Key Dates and Logistics
Conclusion: From Dialogue to Delivery
The 20th Africa Food Systems Forum is more than a celebration of two decades of transformation. It is a call to action. As Amath Pathé Sene stated, “Africa has the knowledge, the innovation and the entrepreneurial energy to transform how our continent produces, processes, trades and consumes food. What we need now is to match that ambition with investment and action at scale.”
For Rwanda, hosting this milestone Forum reinforces its leadership in agricultural transformation and sustainable development. For Earth Focus Network and Here For Hope Foundation, it presents an unparalleled opportunity to connect with partners, showcase our work, and contribute to shaping the future of Africa’s food systems.
Call to Action
Are you attending AFSF 2026?
- 🌐 Join Earth Focus Network to connect with other professionals and organizations working on sustainable agriculture and environmental restoration.
- 📧 Contact Here For Hope Foundation to explore collaboration opportunities.
- 📝 Register for the summit and be part of Africa’s food systems transformation.
[Contact Us: 250787192428
This article was developed by Earth Focus Network News to inform our community about the 20th Africa Food Systems Forum and its relevance to our work in environmental restoration, community empowerment, and sustainable agriculture. We thank the Africa Food Systems Forum, the Government of Rwanda, and all partners working toward a food-secure, resilient, and prosperous Africa.
🌍 Will you be in Kigali? Let us know in the comments and share how you are contributing to Africa’s food systems transformation!
