From September 2 to 6, 2024, Rwanda will host the annual Africa Food Systems Forum (AFSF), bringing together world leaders, innovators, academics, development agencies, farmers’ organizations, and the private sector 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 highlight innovations, technologies, policies, best practices, business models, and investments aimed at accelerating food systems transformation in Africa, with a particular focus on youth and women.
The theme’s pillars—“Innovate,” “Accelerate,” and “Scale”—provide a comprehensive framework for driving meaningful change in Africa’s food systems.
Participants will also address the urgent need to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030 and meet the Malabo Declaration’s commitments by 2025.
The forum will be attended by H.E. President Paul Kagame, along with several current and former presidents, ministers, and key players from government and the private sector, demonstrating high-level commitment to addressing critical issues facing Africa’s food systems.
Amath Pathé Sene, Managing Director of the AFS Forum, stressed the importance of the summit’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 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. Our goal is to create an environment where innovative ideas can flourish, leading to sustainable solutions that benefit all, especially our youth and women.”
Rwanda Prime Minister Edouard Ngirente, who officially launched the forum in March, called for the transformation of agriculture into a powerful engine of the economy.
“To transform the agriculture sector into a powerful engine for economic development, our country is embracing innovation and making evidence-based policy decisions. 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 diverse program, including plenary sessions, thematic forums, side events, and leadership exchanges.
It provides a unique platform for actionable dialogue and peer learning as stakeholders address the urgent need for innovative solutions to transform food systems in Africa.
The Africa Food Systems Forum 2024 aims to catalyze significant progress in food systems transformation, ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future for Africa.