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The role of intra-African trade in Africa’s food systems transformation

Benoit Gnonlonfin Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS), Global Program Lead, CABI Intra-African trade in agricultural commodities can transform Africa into a food-secure region, especially as climate change increasingly affects markets. However, without strict food safety guidelines, cross-border trade risks distributing unsafe food. In 2005, Nigeria benefited from bumper harvests due to favorable weather and effective policies […]

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Leveraging a digital platform to strengthen food systems policies in Africa

By Dr Rebecca McLaren, MD, MPH, Research Advisor, GAIN, Ty Beal, PhD Senior Technical Specialist at GAIN and Stella Nordhagen, Senior Technical Specialist at GAIN The 2024 Africa Food Systems Forum is centred on the theme, “Innovate, Accelerate, and Scale: Delivering Food Systems Transformation in a Digital and Climate Era.” As the continent faces unprecedented challenges, from climate […]

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Africa’s food future depends on how we engage with the youth today

Agriculture is undoubtedly Africa’s biggest hope for economic transformation, and whatever decisions we make in the next few years will influence the continent’s destiny in the remaining decades of this century. This is set against projections that Africa’s population will double to over 2.5 billion people by 2050, adding unprecedented pressures on the continent’s food […]

Featured, News

Prioritizing Youth and Women in Transforming Africa’s Food Systems

As of 2024, youth make up the largest share of Africa’s population – about 60 percent of the continent’s 1.2 billion people are below 25. However, together with women, who account for nearly half of the agricultural labour force, young people are among the most marginalized demographics, often left out of enhancement opportunities. Without the […]

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Accountability mechanisms required to achieve Malabo 2025, SDG 2030 targets

Over the last two decades, multiple food system convenings have been held across Africa, during which significant declarations and partnerships have been announced. In 2003, for example, African Union (AU) leaders met in Maputo, the capital of Mozambique, and committed to increasing their national budget allocations to agriculture development to at least 10 percent. Two […]

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Private sector engagement key in Africa’s food system transformation

The private sector is a key demographic whose unique strengths for capital mobilization and innovation must be harnessed to accelerate Africa’s food system transformation. Multiple researchers have found that rapid transition could be achieved by tapping the private sector to improve distribution networks, set up post-harvest management facilities, and expand market access. However, government leadership […]

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Rwanda Agriculture Sector Outlook Ahead of 2024 AFS Forum

From September 3 – 6, 2024, all eyes will be on Rwanda, where world leaders, private sector players, scientists and researchers, farmers, and civil society will gather to review the progress towards Africa’s food system transformation ahead of critical deadlines, including the African Union’s Malabo Declaration (2025) and the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (2030). […]

Announcement, Featured, News

Celebrating the Top 24 Trailblazing Agripreneurs in the 2024 GoGettaz Agripreneur Prize Competition

– Innovative Ventures Led by Young Entrepreneurs from 17 African Countries Reach the Semi-Finals to Compete for US$100k Grand Prizes and US$60k Impact Awards  – Co-founders Strive Masiyiwa and Svein Tore Holsether Applaud the Current Generation of Young Agrifood Leaders [Kigali, Rwanda] July 12, 2024 – The GoGettaz community is thrilled to unveil the top 24 semi-finalists […]

Announcement, Featured

The Africa Food Systems Forum (AFS Forum) and Veteran Clubs World Championship (VCWC) Forge Strategic Partnership to Champion for Food Systems and Sport Development in Africa

The collaboration between VCWC and AFS Forum will leverage sports icons to drive policy advocacy and sustainably fortify Africa’s food systems. Kigali, Rwanda – May 31, 2024 – The Africa Food Systems Forum (AFS Forum) and  Veteran Clubs World Championship (VCWC) have joined forces in a strategic partnership with the goal of harnessing the combined […]

Announcement, News

Rwanda to Host the Africa Food Systems Forum 2024 and Calls for Radical Transformation of African Food Systems.

Speakers during the launch ceremony advocate for a global and inclusive summit that is grounded on Africa’s food systems priorities to ensure food security for all. Kigali, Rwanda – March 26th, 2024 – Rt. Hon Dr Èdouard Ngirente, Prime Minister of the Republic of Rwanda, has this afternoon officially launched the Africa Food Systems Forum […]

Featured, News

Rwanda to host Africa food systems summit

The Africa Food Systems (AFS) Forum in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI) will host the official launch of the Africa Food Systems Annual Summit 2024, on March 26, at the Kigali International Convention Center (KCC). AFS is the world’s premier forum for African agriculture and food systems, bringing together stakeholders […]

Announcement

The Africa Food Systems Forum Strategic Plan 2023-2027

The Africa Food Systems Forum Strategic Plan 2023-2027 defines how the Africa Food System Forum Secretariat will engage with and work on the Food System Transformation agenda over the next five years in Africa. The overarching goal is to scale up the continent’s efforts to build healthier, more inclusive, sustainable, resilient and equitable food systems […]

Featured, Press Release

Opinion paper: The ‘Loss and Damage Fund’ must work for the most vulnerable.

Co-authored by Dr. Agnes Kalibata (President of Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa) & Amath Pathe SENE (Managing Director of the Africa Food Systems Forum) As the world converges in Dubai for COP28 today, the urgent need to massively scale up action to address the “loss and damage” from climate change becomes increasingly clear […]

Blog, Featured

Building Africa’s Agricultural Resilience in the Face of Climate Change

Amath Pathe Sene Africa’s food systems hold global significance, impacting both worldwide food security and climate resilience. However, ensuring food resilience in Africa presents undeniable challenges. The connection between climate resilience and food systems becomes evident as climate change poses threats to agri-food systems , resulting in crop failures, increased food prices, loss in job […]

News

We cannot achieve SDGs without Sustainable Food Systems – Reflections from the 2023 United Nations General Assembly in New York

By Boaz Blackie Keizire  The General debate of the seventy-eighth session of the United Nations General Assembly UNGA closed on September 26, 2023, in New York marking a crucial milestone in the journey towards achieving the 2030 Agenda. Hopping from meeting to meeting, I carefully listened to global policy and business leaders gathering in New […]

Press Release

Africa Food Systems Forum 2023 Concludes with Calls to Scale up Existing Solutions to Accelerate Systems Transformation

5400+ delegates, 5 Heads of State, 30 Ministers from 90 countries participate in the Africa Food systems Forum 2023 Key solutions exist and must be scaled up to accelerate food systems transformation on the continent. Collaboration remains the beacon of progress for a food secure Africa. Dar es Salaam, Tanzania – September 8, 2023: The […]

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2023 Africa Agriculture Status Report Released

The report calls for a concerted response from governments, the private sector, communities, and individuals alike in empowering Africa’s Food Systems for the Future 650 million Africans—50% of the continent’s population—lack economic or physical access to sufficient food. If AfCFTA’s goals are fully realized, 50 million people could escape extreme poverty by 2035. DAR-ES-SALAM, Tanzania […]

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Africa Food Systems Forum 2023: Dar es Salaam Gathers 4000+ Delegates to Address Africa’s Food Systems Transformation Goals.

Tanzania’s agriculture minister, Hon. Hussein Bashe said this year’s summit will place emphasis on women and youth empowerment The summit will set the ground for a coordinated African voice ahead of the 28th Climate Change Convention (CoP28)   Dar es Salaam, September 4, 2023 – The 13th annual Africa Food Systems Forum is set to […]

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AGRICULTURE : les systèmes alimentaires en Afrique, bilan et perspectives

Pendant longtemps, des pays africains ont mis en place des systèmes alimentaires, dont l’objectif est la transformation de l’agriculture en Afrique. D’où la naissance de la Zone de Libre-Échange Continentale Africaine ( ZLECAF ) qui est une opportunité de supprimer les barrières commerciales et de renforcer le commerce intrarégional, offrant aux agriculteurs des chaînes de […]

Press Release

Registration opens for the highly anticipated Africa Food Systems Forum’s 2023 Summit (AGRF 2023)

Dodoma, Tanzania, May 12th, 2023 – (Hon. Hussein Bashe with Mr. Amath Pathe Sene, MD Africa’s Food Systems Forum during the registration launch of the AGRF 2023 Summit in Dodoma. The Summit will take place in Dar es Salaam from Sep 5-8 with a pre-summit event on Sep 4, 2023.) Summary: Forum launch was led […]

News

Tanzania President announces the Africa Food System Forum 2023 Summit and calls for inclusion of youth and women as critical drivers of Africa’s food systems agenda

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, 17th March 2023 – Her Excellency Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania, has today officially launched Africa’s Food System Forum 2023, Africa’s premier platform for advancing the agriculture and food systems agenda on the continent, at State House, Tanzania. The theme of this year’s Forum – […]

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Fatou Manneh, Founder of Jelmah Herbella, on Supporting Women in Agriculture

The VALUE4HER Women Agripreneurs of the Year Awards, known as WAYA recognizes African female agripreneurs who have excelled in the agricultural value chains and have demonstrated remarkable innovation by contributing positively towards food security, climate resilience, women and youth empowerment. The awards aim to create visibility for successful women and promote them as positive role […]

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Une vision, un objectif et beaucoup de courage: Kiel bien-être, une histoire personnelle

Listen to podcast Le prix Value4her, femme “agripreneur de l’année”, connu sous le nom “WAYA”, est un prix qui reconnait les femmes agripreneurs africaines, qui ont vraiment contribué de facon exceptionnelle vers les filières agricoles. Ces femmes ont fait preuve d’une innovation remarquable dans les domaines de la sécurité alimentaire, dans la résilience et l’adaptation […]

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Data key for food systems transformation ahead of critical Stocktake moments

By Nixon Mageka Gecheo Senior Program Officer – Digital Systems & Solutions for Agriculture|AGRA This year marks the end of the first Global Stocktake, which began in 2021 to monitor the implementation of the Paris Agreement, and evaluate the collective progress made in achieving the agreed goals. The Global Stocktake links the implementation of nationally […]

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Accelerated national food systems pathways require strong leadership and accountability

Slightly over 16 months ago, African heads of State and 20 ministers presented their national pathways for food systems transformation at the UN Food Systems Summit. The pathways are envisioned as opportunities for the people who work in food systems – across the public and private sector, and civil society – to identify the priorities […]

Press Release

H.E. Jakaya Kikwete announced as Africa Food Prize Chair

2023 Nominations for Africa’s preeminent award for food security now open ADDIS ABABA, 17 February 2023 – Former President of the United Republic of Tanzania, H.E. Dr.Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, has been announced as the new Chair of the Africa Food Prize (AFP). He willsucceed former Nigerian President, H.E. Olusegun Obasanjo, who has been serving as […]

Announcement, Press Release

Amath Pathé Sene announced as the new Managing Director for Africa’s food Systems Forum (AGRF)

The Africa’s Food Systems Forum (AGRF) secretariat is pleased to announce the appointment of Amath Pathé Sene the new Managing Director of the Forum. As Managing Director, Pathé will be responsible for driving AGRF’s strategic growth and running the day-to-day business of its Secretariat as an independent, panAfrican, and multi-partner forum. He will continue to […]

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The power in your plate – Transforming Africa’s food systems through better nutritional choices

As of 2023, four out of 10 people in Africa live in cities, where they are exposed to new dietary trends and habits, including the regular consumption of highly processed foods, or foods of low nutritional value. At the same time, the soaring cost of living is denying many an opportunity to afford balanced diets. […]

Press Release

Tanzania to host the AGRF, Africa’s Food System Forum 2023

Dar es Salaam Tanzania / Washington DC, USA, 12 December 2022 – Tanzania willhost the AGRF 2023 Summit, the announcement was made by Her Excellency SamiaSuluhu Hassan, the president of the United Republic of Tanzania and H.E HailemariamDessalegn, the Chair of the AGRF Partners Group on the sidelines of the U.S. AfricaLeaders’ Summit currently taking […]

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At AGRF 2022, we were sure to spill the beans!

Tiny but mighty beans made a splash at AGRF’s 2022 Summit in Rwanda 5-9 September. The SDG2 Advocacy Hub worked closely with partners – including PABRA, AGRA, CGIAR, the Rockefeller Foundation, and WFP – to plan a series of activities to promote the importance of beans, pique interest and unify stakeholders around the rallying call […]

AGRF 2022 Summit voices

6 African agri-tech innovators named winners of Pitch AgriHack challenge

Original Post: Disrupt Africa Six African agri-tech innovators have been named winners of the eighth edition of Pitch AgriHack, securing a share of US$45,000 to invest in the growth of their ventures. The 2022 Pitch AgriHack saw a 30 per cent increase in completed applications, with entries rolling in from 37 African countries. The winners […]

AGRF 2022 Summit voices

Teaching Africa to mind its food

Original Post: Nation Media In 2004, 17-year-old Nungari Mwangi boarded a plane for the first time in her life with a one-way ticket from Kenya to Wales, United Kingdom, not knowing that the next time she would come back home would be six years later. Upon completing her secondary school education at Precious Blood Riruta, […]

Press Release

The AGRF 2022 Summit marks a turning point for African agriculture and food systems.

The summit captured the commitments and actions that will guarantee and advance the future of Africa’s food security and prosperity KIGALI, Rwanda, September 9, 2022:  The AGRF 2022 Summit has closed today with optimism and a strong ask to leaders to act decisively and swiftly to implement the ambitions and practical actions discussed during the […]

AGRF 2022 Summit voices

The Kenyan goose that lay golden egg for Rwandese poultry keeper

Original Post: Nation Media In December last year, Rwandese poultry farmer Jean Baptiste sent his two workers, one a veterinary doctor, to Nairobi for lessons on insect farming for livestock feeds at the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (Icipe). The two workers during their stay in the country also visited three farmers in […]

AGRF 2022 Summit voices

AGRF 2022 Summit Ends With Call For Urgent Action To Transform African Food Systems

Original Post: KT Press African governments need to act fast and decisively to address challenges affecting the agriculture sector and investing in key areas that will see farmers increase output if the continent is to achieve sustainable and resilient food systems. The call was sounded at the end of the Africa Green Revolution Forum (AGRF […]

AGRF 2022 Summit voices

AGRF calls for $200bn funding for resilient food systems in Africa

Original Post: The New Times The African Green Revolution Forum (AGRF) has called on global leaders to mobilise $200 billion in investment annually into adaptive food systems – able to withstand climate change and new challenges as they emerge – across Africa. This is one of the resolutions contained in the declaration made on Friday […]

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YOUTH TOWN HALL GIVES A VOICE TO THE YOUNG

The Youth Town Hall event, held today at the AGRF 2022 Summit in Kigali, Rwanda, saw policy makers, NGO leaders, business leaders and young entrepreneurs come together, providing a platform for young people to articulate their issues, challenges and aspirations within the agri-food space and to pose their questions to those leading the charge. With […]

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Closing Plenary: Stronger Together

As the sun sets on a hugely successful and incredibly important AGRF 2022, the closing plenary reflected on the week’s events, activities and outcomes – to scrutinise and discuss the lessons learned and the commitments made. The final plenary sought to underline how collaborative partnerships globally and nationally play an important role in reaching the […]

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Plenary – Council of the Wise

For only the second time in history following the inaugural event last year The Council of the Wise and Elders this morning brought together some of the foremost African leaders and former Heads of State and Government. The council have all lined up behind the promise of supporting initiatives and actions around the continent towards […]

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Accelerating Climate Action through Food Systems Part I

Kicking off Day 2 of the summit this exciting session looked to address the topic of accelerating climate action through food systems – both from a strategic/policy driven position and from a regenerative/hands on technical perspective. The Speakers sought to explore what could be done to mitigate the risks of climate change through policies, action […]

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Cassava value addition entrepreneur named Woman Agripreneur of the Year during First Ladies meeting at AGRF Summit

Oluyemisi Iranloye, the managing director of Psaltry International, a Nigerian agro-processing company that refines cassava into starch for consumer products like toothpaste, is the winner of the 2022 VALUE4HER Women Agripreneurs of the Year Awards (WAYA). The award is designed to recognize the female entrepreneurs that excelling in different segments of the agricultural value chain. […]

AGRF 2022 Summit voices

Ghanaian expert wins $100,000 Africa Food Prize

Original Post: Graphic Online A Ghanaian plant geneticist, Professor Eric Yirenkyi Danquah, has won the 2022 Africa Food Prize at the Africa Green Revolution Forum (AGRF) AGRF2022 Summit in Kigali, Rwanda. The Africa Food Prize is the AGRF’s highest award that recognises outstanding individuals or institutions that are leading the effort to change the reality […]

AGRF 2022 Summit voices

Africa’s SMEs will make or break its food systems

Original Post: African Business Opinion by Daan Wensing and Jennifer Baarn Bold actions are needed to transform the way Africa produces and consumes food, write the CEO of IDH and managing director of the AGRF. As Covid-19 and the war in Ukraine continue to send shockwaves through the agricultural sector, the damage to global food security […]

Press Release

Generation Africa awards US$100,000 to two young agripreneurs from Kenya and Uganda in the fourth annual GoGettaz Agripreneur Prize Competition at the African Green Revolution Forum Summit in Kigali, Rwanda.

Kigali, Rwanda – After impressive on-stage pitches to an expert panel of judges earlier this week, Esther Kimani founder of FarmerLifeLine Technologies in Kenya and Mark Musinguzi founder of Hya Bioplastics in Uganda each received a US$50,000 grand prize at the African Green Revolution Forum’s (AGRF) at its Gala Dinner and Africa Food Prize Awards […]

Press Release

African leaders urged to explore local solutions and prioritise investments in Agriculture to alleviate food insecurity

Kigali, Rwanda, September 07, 2022: African leaders have pledged to identify, define and develop local solutions to challenges facing local agricultural production to build effective and sustainable food systems for the people of Africa, and deliver zero hunger by 2030. The leaders, who included sitting and former Heads of State and Governments, as well as heads […]

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The Great Debate – Stopping Crises by Seizing Opportunities to Build Resilient Food Systems

The briefing notes that were issued prior to this debate cited the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. quote, “Before you finish eating breakfast in the morning, you’ve depended on more than half the world.” This quote feels ever more prophetic and far sighted when you consider he made it in the 1960s well before the […]

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Presidential Summit – Advancing pathways for people, planet and prosperity

Arguably the centrepiece of the week – The Presidential Summit is the highest-level moment of the AGRF, with Heads of State & Government, eminent persons, and hundreds of leaders and stakeholders present from across Africa’s agriculture and agribusiness sector. Playing to a packed out auditorium the scale and significance of the summit lived up to […]

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Plenary – Leadership, Finance & Accountability: Advancing National Food Systems’ Pathways.

With more than two thirds (37) of African countries pledging to unite behind a Common African Position on food systems transformation last year, with a goal of achieving the 2030 Agenda, the table was set for a fascinating session which did not disappoint. Leaders from around the world gathered to explore how to accomplish this […]

Press Release

THE AGRF UNVEILS NEW BRAND TO SUPPORT ITS REFINED VISION AT ITS 12th ANNUAL SUMMIT

KIGALI, September 6, 2022 – The AGRF, Africa’s premier forum for driving the food and agriculture agenda on the continent, today unveiled a new brand identity to usher it into the next phase of its journey. The AGRF is seeking to refresh its brand as a platform of platforms that elevates current and future partnerships […]

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Regeneration and reward: empowering and incentivising farmers for climate-positive agriculture

By Shanni Srivastava, Regional Head of East Africa, Middle East & IOI at UPL A glance at recent news coverage – from the extremes of flooding in Pakistan to droughts across North America – leaves little question that climate change is not only here, but that its effects are worsening. Until we make profound and […]

Press Release

AGRA announces 2022 WAYA awards winners

Women agripreneurs from the Gambia, Rwanda, Benin and Nigeria receive US85,000 in grants at the annual Women Agripreneur of the Year Awards 2022 Kigali: September 7, 2022 – AGRA, the African alliance for inclusive agricultural transformation, today announced the winners of the 2022 Women Agripreneur of the Year Award 2022 (WAYA) at the AGRF summit […]

Press Release

Africa Food Prize Winner 2022 Announced

Kigali: September 7, 2022 – Eric Yirenkyi Danquah was today announced the winner of the 2022 Africa Food Prize at the AGRF2022 Summit in Kigali, Rwanda. The Africa Food Prize is the preeminent annual award that recognizes outstanding individuals or institutions that are leading the effort to change the reality of farming in Africa. Eric […]

AGRF 2022 Summit voices

Tony Blair: World food system needs a new kind of investment

Original Post: African Business Opinion by Tony Blair Channelling patient, climate-smart investment to Africa’s dynamic agri-business sector is not only the right thing to do. There is a business case, says the former UK prime minister. As African Presidents, agri-businesses, tech entrepreneurs, investors and philanthropists come together in Kigali this week at the AGRF food and agriculture […]

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Special Event – Farmers Forum: Leaders in dialogue with African Farmers.

On Day 1, in the first special event of the in-person AGRF 2022 Summit it is the farmers themselves that are at the heart of the conversation. Moreover, they are at the heart of Africa’s economic growth and agricultural transformation and with the dizzying statistic that around 70% of the population are employed in agriculture, […]

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AGRF 2022 Officially Launched in Kigali, Rwanda

The 2022 AGRF Summit, in Kigali Rwanda, was officially opened on Tuesday September 6, during a session attended by leaders in Africa’s agriculture and food systems.   The AGRF is the world’s premier forum for African agriculture, bringing together stakeholders in the agricultural landscape to take practical actions and share lessons that will move African […]

Press Release

The AGRF 2022 Summit kicks off in Kigali with a strong call for Bold Action for Africa’s food systems

The Summit will identify and define how African countries can translate commitmentsinto actionable strategies towards food security for all Africans.Kigali September 6, 2022 – The 2022 AGRF Summit kicked off today in Kigali Rwanda, with a call for bold actions to accelerate efforts to end hunger across the continent especially in times of crises. Speaking […]

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With eight years left to 2030, bold actions are required for Africa to feed herself

Promising progress is being made in Africa’s agricultural transformation. On my recent mission to Malawi, I witnessed the plans to create an Agricultural Transformation Agency in the country, a significant milestone in the journey towards fast-tracking transformation of the continent’s food systems. This bold move by the government not only signifies commitment to take a […]

AGRF 2022 Summit voices

With eight years left to 2030, bold actions are required for Africa to feed herself

ARTICLE ORIGINALLY POSTED: Capital Ethiopia By Hailemariam Dessalegn Promising progress is being made in Africa’s agricultural transformation. On my recent mission to Malawi, I witnessed the plans to create an Agricultural Transformation Agency in the country, a significant milestone in the journey towards fast-tracking transformation of the continent’s food systems.This bold move by the government […]

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Grow, Nourish, Reward – Bold Actions for Resilient Food Systems: AGRF 2022 theme explained

This is our time. Our time to connect, unite, seek catalytic solutions and take bold action, to build on commitments, and to tackle food insecurity. For the AGRF 2022 Summit and beyond, we connect, unite, and act under the theme of Grow. Nourish. Reward. Bold actions for resilient food systems. What does this mean? It […]

Press Release

AGRF 2022 Summit to be held in Rwanda

With urgency growing to deliver on zero hunger, the summit will focus on innovative ways bold actions and commitments towards the continental food security agenda Kigali, Rwanda, March 3, 2022— The AGRF, Africa’s premier forum for food and agriculture, has launched its 12th annual summit under the theme ‘Grow, Nourish and Reward – Bold Actions […]

Press Release

Agriculture stakeholders commit to holistic, inclusive approach to transforming African food systems

Delegates attending AGRF 2021 Summit from across the agriculture ecosystem on the continent rally support NAIROBI, Kenya, September 14, 2021: Leaders from across Africa renewed their commitment to adopt a more holistic and inclusive approach to food systems in Africa to better tackle hunger and poverty and improve nutrition while conserving natural resources. The declaration […]

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AGRF 2021 Summit Ends with Plea for Sustainable and Resilient Food Systems

After four days of active engagement around the creation of resilient and sustainable food systems in Africa, the AGRF 2021 Summit came to an end on the evening of Friday September 10, 2021. At the closing ceremony, various leaders from across Africa appealed for the participation of all stakeholders in the pursuit of a food […]

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Launch of the 2021 Africa Agriculture Trade Monitor Report (AATM)

Moderating the launch of the AATM today during the AGRF 2021, was Ms. Sara Mbago-Bhunu, Director, East and Southern Africa Division, International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). She noted that the 2021 Africa Agriculture Trade Monitor (AATM) Report analyzes continental and regional trends in African agricultural trade flows and policies. After the short brief, she […]

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A transformation of trade in Africa

Economic transformation is at the center of Africa’s economic development as it continues to experience unprecedented population growth. The implementation of knee-jerk and uncoordinated government policies and regulations in food markets are in part due to lack of credible evidence, data and market information systems that provide governments with an indication of the status of […]

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Walking the Path: Commitments Framework

During the penultimate session of The AGRF 2021 Summit, Citizen TV’s Jeff Koinange was joined by a stellar line-up of senior leaders, brought together to publicly declare their commitments to building resilient food systems and sustainable, inclusive agriculture in Africa. Opening the Commitments Framework session, Mr. Koinange said: “I’ve learnt the 3 ‘C’s this week: […]

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Ecosystem Development Framework (EDF): Enabling youth through their agripreneurship journey and participation in the food systems.

Generation Africa is a partnership initiative that strengthens the ecosystem for youth entrepreneurs in the agri-food sector across the continent. Making agriculture more attractive to young farmers and creating decent employment opportunities in rural areas could reverse the migration of young people to cities and abroad. Youth migration to urban centres increases the burden on […]

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AGRF Panelists Show How Africa Can Ride on Agricultural Technologies for Food Systems Transformation

While the COVID-19 pandemic complicated the situation for farmers in various ways, it positively invited attention to the need for digital technologies in driving Africa’s food system transformation. This was as farmers found new connections to input suppliers and markets using various digital tools. Consequently, the continent witnessed a rapid integration of digital and innovative […]

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Elders Council

The Elders Council brings together African Former Heads of State and Government willing to support the continent’s efforts in achieving the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) or Malabo declaration and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) commitments. This year’s elder’s council is a premier effort within AGRF that was moderated by H.E. Hailemariam Dessalegn, Former Prime […]

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Insights: Are we Walking the Path to Change?

Pathways to recovery and resilient food systems have been the focus of this year’s AGRF, and in the last session of day three a panel were asked if we are walking the path to change. There was some dissent about whether we are currently on the right track. Dr. Usha Zehr, Director and Chief Technology […]

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Scientists: Africa’s diets must change for better health and stable environment

Recent research has linked the world’s changing diets to global warming and other adverse effects on the environment. Indeed, a special report commissioned by the United Nations includes a policy recommendation to reduce meat consumption, while presenting plant-based diets as an important for mitigating climate change. To address the importance of sustainable diets in improving […]

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Food Systems and Nutrition in Africa

The high cost of healthy diets and persistently high levels of poverty and income inequality continue to keep healthy diets out of reach for around 3 billion people. Although nutrition targets are far from being met, some African countries are working towards improving access to healthy diets. In addition, there are promising innovations under way […]

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Africa’s Youth Outline their Priorities for an Inclusive Agricultural Transformation

Youth comprise the biggest demographic in Africa, with nearly 60 percent of the continent’s population being under 25 years. To get the views of this group in informing the creation of resilient and sustainable food systems in Africa, a Youth Townhall was held at the AGRF 2021 Summit in Nairobi Kenya on Thursday September 9, […]

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Presidents Engage in Discussions on Africa’s Food System Transformation

Five of Africa’s presidents met at the AGRF Summit in Nairobi on Wednesday September 8, 2021 to review strategies for fast-tracking Africa’s food system transformation. The five were: host Uhuru Kenyatta (Kenya), Paul Kagame (Rwanda), Dr. Lazarus Chakwera (Malawi), Yoweri Museveni (Uganda), and Hage Geingob of Namibia. Joining them in a panel discussion were Tanzania’s […]

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Strengthening Food Systems Through Rural and Market Development

Despite the setbacks in 2020 across the globe due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Africa is on the edge of a breakthrough in agriculture. This is evident as seen in the pace of adoption of innovation and interventions in response to the recovery plans set out across many African countries. From farmers, to aggregators, to processors, […]

Press Release

ICRISAT awarded 2021 Africa Food Prize

Recognized for helping 25 million farmers in 13 countries to improve income and food production Nairobi, Kenya, September 8, 2021 – The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) has been awarded the 2021 Africa Food Prize, for work that has improved food security across 13 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. ICRISAT, a CGIAR […]

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Experts: Smallholder Farmers Should Be at The Center of Africa’s Resilience Building Strategies

Food insecurity and poverty in Africa are primarily driven by multiple shocks and risks that include conflicts, climate extremes, and disease outbreaks, such as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. A session at the AGRF Summit 2021, in Nairobi, Kenya (and virtual) sought to identify and share global experiences in resilience building, while showcasing the best practices […]

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What can Africa’s agri-food sector learn from China’s response to COVID-19?

Speaking on Day 2 of the AGRF 2021 Summit, a stellar line up of agri-food experts from Africa and China convened to uncover what Africa can learn from China’s response to COVID-19 in building resilience within its agri-food sector. Dr. Fadel Ndiame, Deputy President, AGRA, moderating the session, reminded us that in the last two […]

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Leaders define what it takes to create sustainable food systems in Africa

Africa’s agricultural production has been invariably linked to adverse environmental impacts including the loss of natural ecosystems. In Kenya, for example, there has been extensive damage to the Kakamega Forest, the only tropical rainforest in the country, as a result of encroachment by neighboring farming communities. The constant pursuit of fertile land for agricultural production […]

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Insights: Can African agriculture contribute to Net Zero

The insights session provided a thought-provoking stance on achieving net zero, moderated by Georgie Ndirangu Media Broadcaster, BBC Multimedia Broadcast. Dr. Ruben Echeverria Chair, CGIAR Global Commission on Sustainable Agriculture Intensification started off by stating ‘Yes, we can achieve Net Zero’. He continued to add that it can be achieved if we invest in agriculture […]

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Achieving Equitable & Inclusive Livelihoods

The Poverty, inequality, and power imbalances at household, community, national and global levels are a major constraint to the attainment of sustainable food systems. More than 700 million people, or 10 per cent of the world population, still live in extreme poverty. Many people living on less than $1.90 a day live in sub-Saharan Africa […]

Press Release

AGRF 2021 Summit kicks off to transform Africa’s food systems

Stakeholders call for investment, collaboration and inclusivity in agriculture; a post pandemic priority to tackle hunger and grow value of Africa’s agricultural sector Nairobi September 7, 2021 – The AGRF 2021 Summit kicked off today in Nairobi, Kenya convening close to 7,000 participants virtually, including African presidents, agriculture Ministers, agricultural stakeholders and experts to discuss […]

Press Release

Africa Agriculture Status Report 2021 Unveiled at AGRF Summit in Kenya

NAIROBI, Kenya – September 7, 2021: The 2021 Africa Agriculture Status Report (AASR21) was launched today at the AGRF Summit in Nairobi, Kenya. The report addresses the challenges and opportunities in the creation of sustainable and resilient agri-food systems in Africa. It explores what Building Resilient and Sustainable Food Africa Systems entails, and calls for […]

Blog

AGRF Agribusiness Dealroom officially launched

Agripreneurs and investors can now engage in the 2021 Agribusiness Dealroom after its official launch on Day 1 of the AGRF Summit in Nairobi, Kenya on Tuesday September 7, 2021. The Dealroom provides businesses in the agriculture and food value chains with an opportunity to access finance, mentorship, and market entry solutions to support their […]

Blog

Africa Agriculture Status Report (AASR) Launch

There has never been a time in Africa when sustainability and resilience have been more important – food security and a robust agri-food system are crucial in a world where climate and health shocks are ever more prevalent. This year’s Africa Agriculture Status report was unveiled today (Tuesday 7th September, 2021) with a focus on […]

Blog

Transforming Food Systems from a Farmers’ Perspective

Eradicating hunger and achieving food security remain major challenges to humanity and to sustainability. More than 690 million people in the world are hungry, Covid19 has exacerbated this further. Indeed, farmers, who are at the core of food systems continue to adversely shoulder the agony of the crippling demand vs supply shortfall. Dr. Agnes Kalibata, […]

News, Press Release

Agriculture stakeholders plan sustainable and resilient food systems for Africa

NAIROBI, Kenya, September 6, 2021: Farmers, heads of state and other government officials, scientists, and representatives of the private sector and civil society are gathering for the 11th edition of the AGRF Summit to engage on how to create a sustainable and resilient food system in Africa. Themed “Pathways to Recovery and Resilient Food Systems”, […]

Blog

Africa must pull together to sow seeds of food security

Courtesy: Nation Daily, Bean harvest in Djibomben village, North Togo. AFP By Peter Munya, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperatives What you need to know: The government listed food security as one of its four priorities for development. While we have made critical steps towards the attainment of 100 per cent food and nutrition […]

Press Release

MEDIA ADVISORY: Invitation to attend the AGRF 2021 Summit

Nairobi, 1 September 2021 – The 2021 AGRF Summit will take place from 7th to 10th September 2021, hosted by the Government of Kenya under the leadership of President, H.E Uhuru Kenyatta. As part of the contributions to the UN Food Systems Summit (UNFSS), this year’s AGRF Summit, under the banner “Pathways to recovery and […]

Press Release

This is our time to get food systems right

A Food Systems Approach to Tackling Hunger and Poverty in Africa by 2030 By H.E. Hailemariam Dessalegn For many decades, it has been perceived that the solution to food insecurity in Africa is increased agricultural productivity. While this is part of the solution, it is not the entire remedy. Without increasing resilience through integrated agricultural […]

News, Press Release

AGRF and Heifer International Launch Pitch AgriHack 2021

Competition provides cash grants to innovators, increasing use of technology and creating jobs across Africa’s agricultural sector Nairobi: The AGRF and Heifer International today announced the launch of Pitch AgriHack 2021, a competition focused on accelerating entrepreneurial growth and job creation in the agriculture sector by leveraging advanced technologies and youth participation in Africa’s food […]

Announcement

Side Events – 6 September

Side events are an enriching, dynamic part of the AGRF. At the upcoming AGRF, which will be held from 7-10 September 2021, the side events will be on the preceding day – 6 September. Last year, 10,000 people participated in AGRF and we hope even more will join us at a special hybrid event this […]

Blog

AGRF 2021 to focus on partnerships, inclusivity and commitments in food systems resilience

In a critical year for food systems transformation, 140 distinguished delegates from the private sector, governments, civil society, media, and development partners gathered at the Sankara Hotel, Nairobi, for the AGRF 2021 Summit launch. More than 900 people joined virtually. Rallying cries for accelerated action towards the AGRF’s 2021 themes of Pathways to Recovery and […]

News, Press Release

AGRF stakeholders calls for strong leadership as Africa defines its vision for the future of food systems in the upcoming AGRF 2021 Summit in September

The AGRF 2021 Summit program will feature new commitments to the Future Food Systems on equitable livelihoods, nutrition & health, resilience, and competitiveness. Nairobi, Kenya, July 8, 2021— A line up of 500 guests, including governments, private sector, youth, women leaders and farmer organization will convene in Nairobi, Kenya on September 6-10 for the AGRF […]

Blog

Kenya to Host the AGRF 2021 Summit

Nairobi, 1 July 2021 – Kenya will host the AGRF 2021 Summit, which this year will focus on the bold actions needed for agriculture to fuel the continent’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and continued food systems transformation. The four-day Summit will take place from September 7 until 10 in Nairobi, Kenya. Speaking during a […]