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AGRF 2021 Summit


Pathways to recovery and resilient food systems

AGRF 2021 Summit


Pathways to recovery and resilient food systems

AGRF 2021 Summit


Pathways to recovery and resilient food systems

Overview Summit 2021 Speakers Summit Declaration Summit FAQs Summit Guide

Overview


The evidence is clearer than ever - we need to transform our food systems, and we need to do it now. 2021 is a critical year for recovery and food system transformation.

This year’s AGRF Summit will explore the pathways and actions needed to accelerate this process and steer the continent towards food systems that:

  • deliver sufficient and nutritious food
  • do not impact the environment negatively
  • create sustainable, dignified jobs, and shared prosperity for Africa.

The AGRF 2021 Summit is a defining moment in highlighting and unlocking the political, policy, and financial commitments and innovations the continent has made and that it continues to work towards achieving. It is about advancing the commitments made at the Malabo Heads of State Summit and working hard to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

Food is the critical link required to tackle some of the world’s major crises, including hunger, poverty, and climate change. We must act quickly.. The AGRF Summit will provide a platform for governments and communities; including youth, women, civil society, and other stakeholders around the world to discuss their food systems and identify ways to strengthen them. It’s our opportunity to achieve global impact, guided by insight and evidence from local leaders and innovators.

Theme


There are many opportunities of becoming a strategic partner and join the AGRF Partners Group to drive a shared vision on inclusive transformation in Africa. As a sponsor in different categories, you will help shape and drive the event in ways aligned to your organization’s vision and strategy. In addition to this strategic engagement, sponsors get visibility and institutional benefits.

Find out more Sign up to be an AGRF 2021 Sponsor

Elevating the African Voice at the UN Food System Summit

AGRF 2021 Summit


Collaboration will be key to achieving transformation.

That is why this year’s AGRF Summit is closely aligned with the UN Food System Summit (UNFSS) to raise global awareness and catalyse momentum towards the commitments made.

As part of the Summit’s contribution to the UNFSS, the AGRF Summit aims to elevate the single coordinated African voice to the UNFSS and identify immediate actions and steps that need to be taken to accelerate progress and recovery towards inclusive agricultural transformation

Download the summit brochure (EN) Download the summit brochure (FR)

Event starting in

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Days

Hours

Mins

Highlights


Summit 2021
Day 1: Equitable & Inclusive Livelihoods
Summit 2021
Day 2: #BuildForwardBetter
Summit 2021
Day 3: Healthy People and Planet
Summit 2021
Day 4: Future Food Systems

Pre-Summit

06 September 2021

Day 1

07 September 2021

Day 2

08 September 2021

Day 3

09 September 2021

Day 4

10 September 2021

Download Full Programme

Selected Stakeholder Organized Events (self-organized)

10:00 - 11:00

Go to session

SESSION

International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)

Session title: Unlocking African PDBs catalytic role (for increased investments in sustainable food systems)

The plenary platform-streamed event on unlocking African PDBs catalytic role aims at linking national and international/regional PDBs, commercial banks, donors/investors, and SMEs/farmers organizations in the effort to create sustainable inclusive and green rural finance value chains. The potential of African Public Development Banks (PDBs) in catalyzing investments for sustainable food systems will be assessed. Moreover, the event will examine challenges, opportunities, best practices, and experiences of PDBs and relevant players in catalyzing and channeling more public and private finance to transform food systems in Africa.

Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) / African Union Commission and the African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat

Session title: Intra-African agricultural trade within the context of the AfCFTA

The side event aims to discuss and highlight the challenges encountered including emerging innovations and opportunities during implementation of the AfCFTA in the agricultural sector since trading under preferential arrangements started on 1 January 2021. It brings together seasoned practitioners to evaluate the achievements made to date in the midst of the ongoing CV-19 global pandemic and other difficulties faced by African countries. In addition, the Side Event will bring forth the opportunities yet to be seized in an agrifood market projected to grow to US$ 1 trillion by 2030 and the tools and innovations available to expand intra-African trade.

International Development Research Centre (IDRC)

Session title: Women inclusion in resilience of agricultural value chains

Via a discussion on how three different research projects in three African regions (East, West and North) can react to contextualized challenges in terms of resilience and equity of food systems, we aim to share knowledge on how multi-stakeholders’ approaches can be used to gain better understanding on the importance of a stronger role of women farmers and their families in the food systems and in key commodities value chains within the system.

International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)

Session title: Building resilient food systems

The plenary platform-streamed event on building resilient food systems will serve as an opportunity for the private sector, farmer organizations, youths government and development partners to discuss and reflect new pathways to building the future development agenda, shaped to improve resilience and equitable livelihoods of rural people in presence of challenges like COVID 19, climate change, fragility & conflicts and inter and intra-continental trade barriers. Moreover, it will identify the role of the private sector, farmer organizations, government, and development partners in transforming the agriculture and food systems in Africa.

Commission on Sustainable Agriculture Intensification (CoSAI)

Session title: Effective instruments for innovation investment

A recent study by the Commission on Sustainable Agriculture Intensification (CoSAI) revealed that only 7% of the investment in innovation in the Global South has explicit environmental outcomes and only half of that had clear social objectives. To transform the global system through increased investment in innovation, requires effective instruments that provide financial and/or non-financial support to innovation processes. The session will explore a cohort of instruments, with a focus on understanding the contexts in which they have been used effectively, enabling validation of preliminary findings and suggestions for further evidence.

Growing-Smart Agriculture

Session title: Agro Knowledge food security solutions

Agro knowledge is the most challenging task in the development of modern agriculture. The Practical Agriculture Courses offers a comprehensive approach to teaching agricultural production. The PAC is supporting and improving farming communities, large-scale cultivation firms and food security projects. The Practical Agricultural Courses are based on the regional marketing targets and needs. We take into consideration the local crops, local climate, soil and crop suitability. The PAC emphasis will be made on sustainable and economical agriculture solutions. The PAC program is based on a “train the trainer” concept, Israeli agronomists will teach local candidates to be trainers, enhancing their knowledge and teaching skills.


11:00 - 11:15

Transition Break


11:15 - 13:00

Go to session

AGRA's Centre for African Leaders in Agriculture (CALA) and the African Food Fellowship

Session title: The Role of Collaborative Food Systems Leadership In Tackling Sector Implementation Challenges

Sequence 1

This panel discussion on the role of collaborative leadership in unlocking sector implementation challenges brings together Permanent Secretaries as the chief technical experts from government, as well as key representatives from the private sector and state delivery mechanisms to discuss innovative ways of dealing with the known implementation challenges faced by leaders, that hinder progress in achieving national agriculture priorities. They will also highlight the importance of honing collaborative leadership skills, and the potential of the Centre for African Leaders in Agriculture to support leaders to deliver on sector priorities.

Sequence 2

The second sequence at AGRF 2021 asks the question "African food systems leadership - how to shape the future?" and explores how to inspire new forms of leadership in agri-food systems that can accelerate systems-level change across Africa. AGRA'S Center for African Leaders in Agriculture (CALA) and the African Food Fellowship, as new agri-food system leadership support initiatives, seek to catalyze a professional movement of food system leaders who work collaboratively to build sustainable food systems for the well-being of all African citizens and its environment. The session will begin a new dialogue on the nature of African leadership for food systems transformation in Africa and familiarize attendees with the two initiatives.

Heifer International

Session title: Positioning African Youths to Transform Food Systems Through Technology

Heifer International’s 2021 survey report, “The Future of Africa’s Agriculture: An Assessment of the Role of Youth and Technology”, reveals that “smallholder farmers will embrace advanced technologies if the tools are affordable, and they can receive training in how to use them.” The report reveals the urgency of new investments to stimulate access to financing and technology innovation as a means to rejuvenating Africa’s food systems and develop economic opportunities. The side event will review key findings of the report, discuss actionable solutions and chart new pathways to the future of food - fundamentally heralding a generational shift in African agriculture.

Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA)

Session title: South-South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTC): Promoting Youth-led Agri-food Innovations from the Global South – IFAD and AGRA

Food systems are integral to the health and economic wellbeing of people across the planet. In Africa, where they account for almost 60% of the population, young people have been engaging and investing in activities that support agri-food value chains. However, they face significant constraints that curtail their capacity to contribute to the economy, such as the lack of product visibility. For this year’s AGRF, the South-South and Triangular Cooperation event - organized jointly by IFAD and AGRA - will highlight innovative solutions from the youth that are transforming the agri-food sector in Africa; and provide a platform to tackle some of their existing challenges.

ONE CGIAR

Session title: Science & innovation for sustainable and resilient food systems in Africa

This side event focuses on the roles of science, research, and innovation in sustainable and resilient food systems for Africa. It highlights One CGIAR priorities and commitments and discusses how these can help accelerate inclusive agricultural transformation in Africa. The session begins by briefly outlining key components of the One CGIAR’s newresearch and innovation strategy and its priorities for Africa. In a conversation, CGIAR regional leaders will set out their priorities and actions to accelerate inclusive agricultural transformation. A multi-stakeholder panel of agricultural transformation actors will showcase ways that One CGIAR research and innovation has, and can make a difference to the sustainability and resilience of food systems in Africa. The session concludes by drawing together proposals and recommendations for One CGIAR to deliver its commitments to Africa.

Farm Radio International

Session title: E-Extension: Accelerating Building Back Better

E-Extension services have a direct contribution to increased capacity to generate, analyze and use data and innovations to accelerate recovery and resilience of food systems. E-Extension: Accelerating Building Back Better will explore emerging issues, best practices and evidence in digital extension as a key driver in transforming food systems for sub-Saharan Africa.

AFEX & Smallholder and Agri-SME Finance and Investment Network (SAFIN)

Session title: Digital Financial Services for Agriculture

Financial inclusion and payment systems are a central consideration in digital financial services. Including smallholder farmers means that they can access systems of credit, can keep their money safely, and can be assured of reduced transaction time and costs. Creating appropriately tailored digital financial service innovations for smallholder farmers and other value chain actors, which fit their needs, is one part of the puzzle. This session will drive conversations on the adoption of digital financial services for agriculture, within the context of the challenges it can solve and the huge potential for scalable outcomes that will improve our food systems.


13:00 - 13:15

Transition Break


13:15 - 14:15

Go to session

International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)

Session title: One-Health Approach for Building Resilience

The platform-streamed event aims at discussing the opportunities, strengths and main hampering factors for the implementation of the One Health approach (OHA) in the Africa. Major human and animal disease threats and related costs; the importance of OHA and slow rollout in Africa; the means to catalyze the adoption and implementation of the OHA in Africa and the role of governments, UN and donor organizations in supporting and promoting it will be assessed. The prospect for establishing a multi-stakeholder regional/sub-regional platform to discuss emerging issues around human and livestock diseases, raise awareness on the correct use of antibiotics will be proposed.

Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT)

Session title: Technology brokerage for a resilient food system in Africa

As Africa tackles the COVID-19 pandemic, hunger and malnutrition lurk around Africa menacingly. With its population edging towards 2 billion by 2050 amidst relentless urbanisation and climate change, Africa’s ability to feed itself is at great risk unless it strengthens its food systems as an integral part of efforts to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and to build resilience. At the core of Africa’s food security challenge is productivity. African agriculture is often uncompetitive and results in around a third of calories consumed in Africa being imported from outside the continent. Recent successes in implementing the African Development Bank’s Feed Africa Strategy via the Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT) programme reveal that increased investments in innovative technologies and brokerage can boost agricultural productivity, with important results for the overall strength of food systems. The side event on “Technology brokerage for a resilient food system in Africa” will provide vistas on the efficacy of technology brokerage in building resilient food systems.

African Development Bank (AfDB) &International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)

Session title: Livestock Investment Masterplan (LIVEMAP)

The Livestock Investment Master Plan (LIVEMAP) provides a comprehensive framework to shape investment in the livestock sector, and help African countries sustainably raise the productivity, resilience, and profitability of livestock systems, create inclusive employment along the value chains and contribute to food and nutrition security. A ten minute overview of the LIVEMAP will be presented by the moderator followed by discussions by the panelists on how the LIVEMAP can be useful to building resilient food systems in Africa and a question and answer session with participants. For more information see the LIVEMAP narrative and the accompanying LIVEMAP website: https://livestockinvestmentmasterplan.info/

Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

Session title: Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Agriculture, Food Security, and Nutrition in Africa

The side event is to discuss the findings and recommendations of various assessments of the impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Agriculture, Food Security, and Nutrition in Africa and to support advocacy and country programming by policy makers and other decision makers who are designing and implementing COVID-19 response and recovery policies, programmes and investments in Africa. The session intends to provide a comprehensive understanding of the impact of the pandemic in Africa based on an analytical review of available evidence. The keynote presentation will underline the macroeconomic impact as well as the impact on agricultural production, livestock, fisheries, markets, trade, food security and nutrition. In addition, priority countries for response and recovery programmes/investments are identified based on a composite index analysis. A panel will deliberate on the implication of the findings and recommendations as well as highlight promising policy and investment interventions that can stimulate an inclusive recovery to help build back better resilient agri-food systems.

International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)

Session title: Food Systems Transformation for Rural Prosperity

The Rural Development Report (RDR) is IFAD’s flagship research publication. This year it focuses on food systems transformation for rural prosperity and it is due for release right before the Food Systems Summit. The RDR cuts across (i) equitable livelihoods, (ii) nutrition and health and (iii) resilience. Key highlights of the report will be shared, such as the importance of adopting a food systems approach, the key challenges and driving factors, opportunities for transformation, investments, innovation; implications for the environment and the importance of not leaving anyone behind. Some of its key authors from IFAD and the University of Wageningen will participate as well as other key researcher.

SAO GROUP

Session title: Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (Oil Palm and Cocoa Value Chain Development)

The Special Agro-industrial Processing Zones (oil palm and cocoa value chain) are areas of high agricultural potential located across the south-western states in Nigeria with a focus on the oil palm and cocoa value chain. The objectives of this session include;

  • To support the development of climate-resilient enabling infrastructure and management of the agro-industrial zones
  • Enhancing climate-smart agricultural production and productivity in the oil palm and cocoa value chain
  • Seek investors and potential partners in the SAPZ
  • Support enabling institutional capacity, policy, regulatory and business environment for agribusiness project management in the oil palm and cocoa value chain
  • Seek long term collaboration between the SAPZ and potential off-takers of product for export


14:15 - 14:30

Transition Break


14:30 - 16:15

Go to session

Syngenta Foundation for Sustainable Agriculture/Syngenta

Session title: Soil and root health: how can they be enhanced to tackle climate change, food insecurity and malnutrition?

Africa is severely impacted by soil degradation and climate change. This negatively affects the region’s agri-food systems resilience and ability to strengthen sustainable intensification to improve continental food self-sufficiency. The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2021 also shows that while Africa remains the most food insecure continent in the world, it also has the fastest growing population and highest prevalence of undernourishment. It is crucial to act now on soil and root health to support recovery and resilience, meet the evolving challenges and unlock Africa’s potential sustainably. The session will share the latest thinking on how collective action and continuous innovation can tackle the challenges of enhancing soil and root health at scale.

Rockefeller Foundation

Session title: Distributed Renewable Energy-Agriculture Modalities (DREAM)

Learning from the experience of Ethiopia in clustering agricultural production and piloting the use of renewable energy towards production, post-harvest management and agro-processing, and India in linking agriculture production with renewable energy mini-grids for strengthened agriculture value chains. These learnings around modelling for economic viability, environmental sustainability, and the importance of intentional ecosystem support will give insights to other countries that may want to pursue similar paths.

AMEA & Harvest Plus

Session title: Forging resilient food systems with smallholder farmers and agri-SMEs

The session aims to highlight the urgent need to support practical, proven, scalable approaches to engaging and empowering those who make up the backbone of African agriculture and food systems: smallholder farmers and agri-food SMEs. The session will do this by diving deeper beyond the high-level discussion of food systems transformation, so that we hear from those “on the ground” about what works, what does not, and what our priorities should be. Examples will be presented from the extensive portfolio from HarvestPlus and the AMEA Network.

AgFlow SA

Session title: Trade Support Information Systems

Africa has taken the direction of digitalization of agricultural markets to boost growth towards food self-sufficiency. For decades, African countries have faced several challenges resulting from an accelerated trend of increasing consumption of agricultural products, increasing production and all this, in line with national policies and efforts. This has led to a growing dependence on innovative financing of agricultural value chains. In this context, promoting agricultural solutions for local and international commodity purchases to supply local agricultural value chains is key to building interconnected African Markets. This will benefit regional food security and stakeholder incomes and livelihoods on an economically viable basis, while respecting the transparency and reliability of agricultural market information and risk management related to the timeliness and transparency of agricultural purchases.

SDG2 Advocacy Hub

Session title: New Consensus for Smallholder Farmers

Good food begins with farmers. Smallholder farmers sit at the heart of our food systems yet struggle to earn enough to feed their own families. The UNFSS, N4G and COP26 are opportunities to coordinate action to invest in smallholders’ health, livelihoods, productivity and sustainability. Recent reports, including Ceres2030 and the CAADP Biennial Review, global and regional initiatives provide a roadmap. In the absence of a clearly articulated policy consensus across diverse stakeholders, however, these efforts compete for resources and fail to achieve the collective impact needed. This session will explore building a new consensus to move from evidence to action.

Cultivating New Frontiers in Agriculture (CNFA)

Session title: An Integrated Approach to Address Climate and Food Security Challenges in Rwanda

The interactive AGRF session “An Integrated Approach to Address Climate and Food Security Challenges in Rwanda” will describe the Feed the Future Rwanda Hinga Weze Activity’s integrated approach to advance climate and nutrition sensitive agriculture by sustainably increasing incomes, productivity and market access for smallholder farmers. Panelists will describe how Hinga Weze, implemented by CNFA and funded by USAID, has built resilience to climate change and increased the availability of nutritious foods—addressing key questions such as how climate change affects farmers in Rwanda and which climate-smart agriculture approaches and strategies best address climate shocks while improving food security.


16:15 - 16:30

Transition Break


16:30 - 18:30

Go to session

Agriculture Transformation Office, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries & Cooperatives - Kenya

Session title: Kenya’s Pathways to Sustainable Food Systems

In preparation for the 2021 Food Systems Summit, a series of subnational dialogues were held across the country. The results from these dialogues have shaped the Kenyan contribution to the Food Systems Summit and further the national foundations and commitment to transforming food systems. This side event will focus on Kenya’s identified pathways towards Food Systems Transformation – Youth, Digital Innovation, Diverse Diets and Climate Change. The event will create an opportunity for a leadership-focused discussion on outcomes and will finalize the Kenyan vision for the Future of Food Systems.

BIFAD, USAID, AAP, ReNAPRI, World Bank and the African Development Bank

Session title: Agricultural Transformation for Sustainable and Resilient Food Systems

Convening leaders from diverse stakeholder including BIFAD, USAID, AfDB, World Bank, ReNAPRI, and Alliance for African Partnership, panel discussion will identify conditions and properties of resilient, sustainable food systems and propose policies and programs for African governments to achieve them. Considering varying conditions across Africa, expert private- and public-sector panelists will explore effective strategies for resilient, sustainable food systems and how these differ across countries, with consideration of fragile and resource-rich states. Discussion will draw from country case studies and recent evidence, including work commissioned by BIFAD, a World Bank publication, and an AfDB report, on linkages between agricultural productivity, economic transformation, and resilience.

Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) / International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT)

Session title: Rehabilitating acid soils for food security in Africa

In line with the theme of AGRF 2021 on forging pathways to recovery and resilient food systems, this side event will give evidence on how rehabilitating acid soils is important for improved productivity and resilient food security. It highlights the status of the acidic soils and the impact on the productivity on the continent and especially in East Africa. Furthermore, it identifies constraints on the production, distribution and use including the policy aspects but also solutions/lessons from different countries and stakeholders. The outcome of the event will be recommendations for advocacy and actions from private sector and Government in terms of investments and policy reforms to stimulate production and use of quality lime for resilient and sustainable food systems for our continent.

Rockefeller Foundation / IKEA Foundation

Session title: Food Systems and Integrated Policy

The momentum generated by the Food Systems Summit has put food systems transformation at the center of global discourse and many African national agendas. Food systems in Africa are still maturing and can be steered in a healthier, more sustainable, and more equitable direction through integrated and coherent policy. Despite progress in cross-sectoral policy coherence in several African countries, these strategies have focused primarily on agricultural production or maternal and child nutrition. Food systems transformation requires systems thinking and a new level of inter-sectorality and inclusivity in policy development and implementation. This session will explore various experiences and approaches towards food system policies that are integrated and transformational.

Alliance for African Partnership at Michigan State University (MSU)

Session title: Youth and Agri-food System’s Resilience in Africa

Building a sustained and resilient agri-food system is an intergenerational mandate which demands the active engagement of African youth. With their large numbers, relatively high educational levels, and affinity for digital technology, African youth represent an indispensable resource, which if properly harnessed, can foster a more resilient and productive agri-food system. However, questions remain on effective strategies to harness youth innovativeness and energy. To help provide guidance for policy, this session will discuss evidence-based and pragmatic approaches that could foster productive youth engagement supportive of resilient agri-food systems in Africa.

Long-term Europe-Africa Research and Innovation Partnership for Food and Nutrition Security and Sustainable Agriculture (LEAP4FNSSA), Wageningen University & Research

Session title: AU-EU Game Changer for Resilient Food Systems

Research can be the game changer for building new food system resilience pathways. The AU-EU Platform is an opportunity for all stakeholders to raise their voice for the transformation they want. Peer reviewed evidence and innovation is the basis for developing policies. Knowledge management systems can make this information easily accessible. Added value for stakeholders comes from new coordination mechanism between stakeholder groups. We invite policy makers, entrepreneurs, civil society actors, youth and scientists to come together for a new way of bi-continental cooperation, that brings together their knowledge to help policy makers make sound policies for driving agri-food development.


18:30 - 18:45

Transition Break


18:45 - 19:30

Go to session

KICK OFF AGRF EVENT

Insights: What food systems do we want?

Closing out the day, Insights is a moment for voices with diverse points of view to comment on the day’s activities and bring their insights to the Program. Reflections at end of each day bringing together the varied tracks into common themes and results. Moderator: Mr. Georgie Ndirangu, Media Broadcaster, BBC Multimedia Broadcast

  • Mr. Martin Bwalya, AUDA NEPAD
  • Mr. Paul Matovu, Head of Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme, Vertical Farming, Uganda
  • Ms. Ruramiso Mashumba, CEO, Mnandi Africa, Zimbabwe
  • Ms. Prity Malde Kara, Member Executive Committee, Malde Kara, Madagascar
  • Mr. Michael Mundashi, Chairman, ZAMBEEF
  • Mr. Enock Chikava, Deputy Director, Country Systems Transformation Team, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF)


09:00 - 10:45

Go to session

Deal Room – Kenya Government Investment Opportunities

Organizers: Government Kenya Delegation

The AGRF 2021 Summit host, Kenya will set the tone for the day with presentation of its flagship programs and investment opportunities.


10:00 - 10:45

Go to session

Good Morning AGRF

Each morning will kick start with the highlights of the upcoming day, understand the themes under discussion, and find out all the interesting places to interact with thought leaders.

Panel:

  • Ms. Wangari Kuria, Founder of a YouTube channel called - Farmer on Fire
  • Ms. Yunike Phiri, Acting Country Coordinator for the Farm to Market Alliance
  • Ms. Mwende Nyamu, CEO & Founder, Plus Fabulosity
  • Mr. John Agboola, Global Hunger Fighter, Consultant, Youth & Agriculture

Global Guests:

  • Ms. Kate Dempsey, Chief Executive Officer Aqualicense
  • Ms. Violet Koech, Climate Smart Agriculture Youth Network (CSAYN)


10:45 - 11:00

Go to session

Food Systems Innovators

Food system innovations are fundamental and will be instrumental to ensuring that future generations are food secure and eat healthy diets. To transition towards sustainability, AGRF 2021 will be showcasing breakthrough innovations that transform the food system into one that creates value for all stakeholders.

A series of 5-minute videos played during the bridge segments, each clip will feature a different African innovator with an emphasis on women, youth, and SMEs.

Innovators:

  • Ms. Tracy Kimathi, Founder and Executive Manager
  • Ms. Chidinma Eriobu, Founder, Phronesis Foods Nigeria Ltd
  • Mr. Dexter Tangocci, Co-Founder, Integrated Aerial Systems


11:00 - 12:45

Go to session

PARALLEL SESSIONS

Deal Room Launch

The Opening Ceremony will launch the Virtual 2021 Agribusiness Deal Room, a matchmaking platform that aims to drive new business deals and commitments. The Deal Room will provide companies in the agriculture and agribusiness sectors with the opportunity to access finance, mentorship, and market entry solutions to support their growth objectives. It also creates opportunities for governments to present investment opportunities, promote investment incentives and engage with interested investors. It will achieve these through a combination of project preparation, pipeline development, project bankability, investment promotion, and enabling policy environment. Participants will also explore trade deals and partnership opportunities that enhance sourcing from African smallholder farmers.

The Agribusiness Deal Room this year will focus on the following subthemes:

  • Exploring inclusive, sustainable and resilient investments into Africa’s agriculture sector that will support recovery and growth of our food systems
  • Unlocking increased domestic investment into both public and private investment priorities
  • Championing access to finance, more specifically for women SMEs
  • Strengthening models to enhance Sourcing in Africa and capitalize on the AfCTFA

Mobilizing the eco-system that can leverage inclusive investment opportunities is critical to investment facilitation.

The opening session of the Deal Room will bring to life experiences of different value chain actors, while also presenting the benefits and opportunities in investing in Africa’s food systems.

Moderator: Mr. Sean de Cleene, World Economic Forum, Member of the Executive Committee

Sequence 1: Fireside Chat

  • H.E. Lionel Zinsou, former Prime Minister, Republic of Benin
  • Mr. Mark Meassick, Mission Director of USAID/Kenya

Sequence 2: Panel discussion – On recovery: An in-depth discussion with investors on their evolving strategies for resilient investments, the horizon for Africa and their expectations.

Moderator: Mr. Sean de Cleene, World Economic Forum, Member of the Executive Committee
Speakers:

  • Ms. Diane Karusisi, Chief Executive officer, Bank of Kigali
  • Mr. Ben Valk, Head Food and Agri Partnerships, Rabobank

Sequence 3: Aspirations and expectations in engaging in the Agribusiness Deal Room A series of short interventions and presentations from Deal Room participants.

Moderator: Mr. Sean de Cleene, World Economic Forum, Member of the Executive Committee

Speakers:

  • Mr. Taziona Chaponda, CEO, Malawi Agriculture and Industrial Investment Corporation
  • Mr. William Asiko, Managing Director, Rockefeller Foundation
  • Mr. Kebba Colley, Director, Inclusive Business Development, IDH
  • Mr. Samuel Kwame Ntim, CEO, Yedent Agro Group of Companies Ltd.

Sequence 4: Agribusiness Deal Room

Moderator: Ms. Vanessa Adams, Vice President, Strategic Partnerships & Chief of Party, AGRA

A short address by the Agribusiness Deal Room co-chairs and the official opening of the Deal Room

  • Dr. Donal Brown, Associate Vice President, IFAD
  • Mr. Zephanie Niyonkuru, Deputy CEO, Rwanda Development Board (RDB)
  • Dr. Agnes Kalibata, President of AGRA and UN Secretary General’s Special Envoy on Food Systems Summit


11:00 - 12:45

Go to session

Farmers Forum

Inclusive and sustainable agriculture transformation aims to revolutionize smallholder agriculture into a highly productive, efficient, competitive, and sustainable business. This vision is further underpinned by the need for multi-stakeholder and multi-sectoral collaborations to leverage resources and capacity of other partners to consolidate change at the systems and farmer-level. The Farmers Forum will put a spotlight on the continent’s farmers and discuss pathways to ensure they are thriving and contributing to building resilient food systems for the continent.

Moderators: Ms. Nozipho Tshabalala, Chief Executive officer, The Conversation Strategist

Opening Remarks: Dr. Agnes Kalibata, President of AGRA and UN Secretary General’s Special Envoy on Food Systems Summit

Farmers Roundtable: Is Doubling Farmers income enough to reach Zero Hunger?

  • Ms. Elizabeth Nsimadala, President, PAFO
  • Mr. Ajay Vir Jakhar, Chairman of Bharat Krishak Samaj (Farmers’ Forum India)
  • Ms. Agnes Kirabo, Executive Director, Food Rights Alliance (Uganda)
  • Mr. Nga Célestin, CEO, PROPAC (Cameroon, Central Africa)
  • Mr. Paul Zakariya, Executive Director of Zimbabwe Farmers’ Union (ZFU)
  • Mr. Chris Muyunda, Chair, CAADP Non-State Actors Coalition (CNC)
  • Dr. Daniel M. M’Mailutha, CEO Kenya National Farmers Federation (KENAFF)
  • Ms. Mary Afan, Smallholder Women Farmers Organization of Nigeria (SWOFON)
  • Mr. Stephen Muchiri – Chief Executive Officer, Eastern Africa Farmers Federation (EAFF)
  • Mr. Ishmael Sunga, Chief Executive Officer, Southern African Confederation of Agricultural Unions (SACAU)
  • Mr. Bagna Djibo, Chairman, PAFO


11:00 - 12:45

Go to session

Parallel Workshop (Gender): Equitable Livelihoods for Women through Innovative Financing and Climate Adaptation

This equitable livelihoods workshop will narrow in on the themes of innovative financing and strengthening women’s climate resilience and adaptation (Building women’s resilience in crisis situations), by highlighting how innovative financingis contributing to gender equality and women’s empowerment across the continent and the need to scale these initiatives through commitments from financial institutions for the benefit of all women in agriculture. As we gear up for COP 26 and the race to net zero, the session will also explore mechanisms for ensuring women shape and lead climate adaptation plans. For food systems transformation to occur at a global scale, we must recognize that Africa is not at par with the rest of the world and financing is critical for African women to catch up and be part of this transformation. The session will call for action and draw commitments from financial institutions, governments, private sector players, development partners and other stakeholders to increase financing for women in agriculture, including climate finance.

Moderator: Dr. Susan Chomba, Director of Vital Landscapes for Africa, World Resources Institute

Keynote:

  • Amb. Raychelle Awuor Omamo, Cabinet Secretary, Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kenya
  • Ms. Sicily K. Kariuki, EGH, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry for Water, Sanitation and Irrigation

Setting the Scene

  • Dr. Juliette Biao, Regional Director, UNEP Africa Office
  • Hon. Frank Kagyigyi Tumwebaze, Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries

Sequence 1 – Innovative financial inclusion and networks
Panel discussion

  • Ms. Laura Davis, Managing Partner & Investor Relations, RENEW
  • Ms. Jamie Anderson, Senior Financial Sector Specialist, Rural and Agricultural Livelihoods – CGAP / World Bank Group
  • Ms. Nigest Haile, Founder & Executive Director Center for Accelerated Women’s Economic Empowerment (CAWEE) Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
  • Ms. Salamatu Garba, WOFAN, Executive Director/ Founder - WOFAN & UNDP-GEF Project/ Senior Gender Specialist
  • Ms. Edith Wheatland, CEO, Rockland Farms
  • Ms. Beatrice Gakuba, Executive Director, AWAN Afrika
  • Mr. Birama Sidibé, CEO and President, AgroBiotech
  • Mr. Parmesh Shah, Lead Rural Development Specialist, World Bank

Sequence 2: Build up to COP26 – Strengthening women’s climate resilience and adaptation
Panel discussion

  • Mr. Jean Claude (JC) Rubyogo, Bean Programme Leader & Director, PABRA, CIAT
  • Dr. Jemimah Njuki, Africa Director, IFPRI, & Gender Lever Custodian, UNFSS
  • Ms. Leticia Mpuya, Country Director Tanzania, Heifer International
  • Ms. Ndaya Beltchika, Technical Specialist, Gender Targeting and Social Inclusion, IFAD
  • Ms. Agnes Kanjala, Director of Global Field Operations, Pula Advisors


12:45 - 13:00

Go to session

Food Systems Innovators

Food system innovations are fundamental and will be instrumental to ensuring that future generations are food secure and eat healthy diets. To transition towards sustainability, AGRF 2021 will be showcasing breakthrough innovations that transform the food system into one that creates value for all stakeholders

A series of 5-minute videos played during the bridge segments, each clip will feature a different African innovator with an emphasis on women, youth, and SMEs.

Innovators:

  • Prof. Barhoum Kharbouch, CEO and Founder, Lombrisol
  • Mr. Dickson Juma, Co-Founder, Kuruwitu Conservation Welfare CBO
  • Ms. Vera Osei-Bonsu, Start Right Nutrition Limited


13:00 - 13:45

Go to session

Networking Exhibition

The AGRF 2021 networking exhibition allows participants to connect directly in a live, virtual booth or meeting space for introductions and deal -making. Delegates can arrange multiple high-quality, investment-focused meetings and benefit from attending the free-flowing and structured networking events, workshops, and exhibitions


13:00 - 13:30

Go to session

Participatory Events

Stretch your world and immense yourself in an engaging virtual experience, where you will have an opportunity to share, learn and interact with other participants.

Chef Chat with Chefs' Manifesto

Chefs are influencers, artisans, and part of the food system. They can encourage food use well beyond the customers they serve and the books they write. AGRF 2021 and the Chef’s Manifesto of the SDG2 Advocacy Hub will bring together some of Africa’s biggest food influencers to spark interest in African cuisine sourced from African products with an emphasis on diverse healthy diets

The purpose of this collaboration between the Chefs’ Manifesto and AGRF is to continue to connect the consumption side of food with the production side. It is also to create exciting and stimulating content that amplifies key messages of Good Food For All and shows the link to the AGRF’s Action Tracks.

These chefs will foster commitments to:

  • Nutritious food that is accessible and affordable
  • African cuisines
  • Celebrating African ingredients and products from across the continent
  • Promoting diverse crops and diets

Moderator: Mr. Paul Newnham

  • Chef Kiran Jethwa (Kenya)
  • Chef Ska Moteane (Lesotho)


13:30 - 13:45

Go to session

Participatory Event

Stretch your world and immense yourself in an engaging virtual experience, where you will have an opportunity to share, learn and interact with other participants.

Meet the Author

Food Entrepreneurs in Africa: Scaling Resilient Agriculture Businesses, Routledge 2021 Entrepreneurs are the lifeblood of the agriculture and food sectors in Africa, which is projected to exceed a trillion dollars by 2030. This book captures the author’s personal experiences and her engagement with over 80 successful African entrepreneurs. It explores how entrepreneurs can develop scalable business models, attract and retain talent, leverage innovation & technology to leapfrog and adapt to climate change, raise patient and catalytic financing, build strong brands, shape their ecosystem and grow resilient businesses that can withstand future shocks and stresses. Engage Ms. Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli as she unpacks her experiences while penning this great resource that is a must have for budding entrepreneurs.

Ms. Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli


13:00- 13:45

Go to session

AGRF Press Briefing (Media Only)

Stretch your world and immense yourself in an engaging virtual experience, where you will have an opportunity to share, learn and interact with other participants.

Meet the Author

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 agriculture forward. And as part of the contributions to the UN Food Systems Summit (UNFSS), the 2021 AGRF Summit is expected to yield tangible and concrete outcomes in four areas: Equitable & Inclusive Livelihoods, Build Forward Better, Healthy People and Planet, and Sustainable Food Systems.
year’s AGRF Summit aims to elevate the single coordinated African voice to the UNFSS and identify immediate actions and steps that need to be taken to accelerate progress and recovery towards inclusive agricultural transformation.
Fascinating headliners and thought-provoking sessions will inspire each day’s discussions and activities. The daily AGRF press briefings will engage food systems experts, and agriculture specialists will inspire action on African food systems.


13:45 - 14:00

Go to session

Commitments Showcase

These will be 15-minute highlights from key stakeholders and actors in the space highlighting initiatives and commitments to transform food systems and accelerate Africa’s delivery of the 2030 targets.

4K Club Commitment

Africa is the world’s youngest continent with nearly 60% of our population being under the age of 25 years. Our young people must take charge of their future, and this includes being able to feed themselves with nutritious and safe diets that will nourish them and promote the health and wealth of our people. Come witness our host, Kenya, showcase its 4K Commitment that will reach over 10 million young people from their formative years, inculcating a positive mindset towards agriculture. 4K will ensure school-going children transition with the necessary skills to be the next generation of agri-preneurs that will feed the continent. As a global leader in school meals, Kenya is also playing a leadership role on the School Meals coalition of the United Nations Food Systems Summit. There is no better time than this to put young people on the forefront of the continent’s food systems agenda.

  • H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta, President, Kenya; Patron, 4K Club


14:00 - 14:45

Go to session

PLENARY & HEADLINERS

Africa Agriculture Status Report (AASR) Launch

This year's Africa Agriculture Status Report (AASR) focuses on unpacking the concept of sustainable and resilient agri-food systems. Key topics covered in the report include digital transformation, job creation, market opportunities, global sustainability, enhancing nutritional quality of food products and regreening Africa through ecosystem restoration.

Moderator: Mr. Kinyua M'Mbijjewe, Corporate Affairs Director, Monsanto Kenya Ltd

Introducing the AASR Context: Mr, Andrew Cox, Chief of Staff and Strategy, AGRA

Keynote Presentations

  • Prof. Joachim von Braun, Chair of the UNFSS Scientific Group
  • Dr. Beth Dunford, Vice President Agriculture, Human and Social Development, African Development Bank
  • Prof. Lulama Traub, ReNAPRI
  • Dr. Mandefro Nigussie, CEO of ATA, Ethiopia

Sequence 2 Overview of the AASR
Panel Discussion

  • Mr. Wandile Sihlobo, Chief Economist / Advisor to President of South Africa
  • Prof. Adesoji Soji Adelaja, Michigan State University
  • Hon. Lobin Lowe, Minister of Agriculture, Malawi
  • Dr. Lawrence Haddad, Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN)
  • Prof. Louise Fox, Brookings Institute
  • Ms. Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli, Co-founder & Managing Partner, Sahel Consulting
Remarks: Dr. Agnes Kalibata, President of AGRA and UN Secretary General’s Special Envoy on Food Systems Summit

AASR 2021 book launch: Prof. Joachim von Braun, Chair of the UNFSS Scientific Group


14:45 - 15:00

Go to session

Commitments Showcase

These will be 15-minute highlights from key stakeholders and actors in the space highlighting initiatives and commitments to transform food systems and accelerate Africa’s delivery of the 2030 targets.

Dairy Nourishes Africa (DNA)

DNA is a public-private partnership that leverages the collective strength of the dairy sector to address critical global issues. In this commitment showcase, see how the world’s leading dairy companies are collaborating with local communities, governments, and other stakeholders to execute outcome-oriented projects designed to create opportunities for small dairy enterprises to grow into local champions.

DNA’s work harnesses the proven power and promise of dairy to deliver nutritional, societal, economic, and environmental imperatives that create resilient, food secure, economically, and environmentally sustainable communities. Providing the highest quality nutrition with the shortest supply chain, dairy plays an essential role in COVID-19 recovery.

The Dairy Nourishes Africa initiative aims to contribute to the achievement of several SDGs - SDG Goal 2: Zero Hunger in particular - as it relates to ending hunger, providing nutritious food, ending stunting, and promoting sustainable agriculture. DNA is also committed to improving environmental sustainability of the dairy farms and enterprises with whom they work, facilitating women’s active participation throughout the value chain, and creating bright future careers for youth.

  • Margaret Munene, CEO, Palmhouse Dairies Ltd.
  • Vikki Tam, Partner, Head of Global Social Impact Practice, Bain and Company
  • Jay Waldvogel, Senior Vice President of Strategy and International Development, Dairy Farmers of America
  • Gladness Ndosi, Smallholder Farmer
  • Dr. Deo Temba, Grande Demam Founder and Veterinarian
  • Japhet Mwakila, Grande Demam Marketing Manager


15:00 - 16:45

Go to session

Plenary: Ensuring Equitable Livelihoods and Living Incomes

Inequality and power imbalances – at household, community, national and global levels – are consistently constraining the ability of food systems to deliver poverty reduction and sustainable, equitable livelihoods. This plenary session will discuss the most effective approaches to sustainably eradicate poverty and inequality and improve livelihoods.

Ms. Nozipho Tshabalala, Chief Executive officer, The Conversation Strategist

Sequence 1: Keynote Remarks

  • Ms. Michelle Nunn, Chairperson, UNFSS Action Track 4, Advance Equitable Livelihoods, & President and Chief Executive Officer, CARE USA
  • Hon. Prof. Hamadi Iddi Boga, Principal Secretary, State Department for Agricultural Research, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries (Kenya)
  • Dr. Mark Schneider, CEO, Nestlé
  • Dr. Susan Chomba, Director of Vital Landscapes for Africa, World Resources Institute

Sequence 2: Panel Discussion

  • Hon. Olegaria dos Anjos Banze, Vice-Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mozambique
  • Mr. Sean Granville-Ross, Regional Director, Africa of Mercy Corps
  • Mr. Fred Swaniker, Chief Executive Officer, Africa Leadership Academy
  • Mr. Gerald Chirinda, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Future Africa Investments
  • Mr. Vimal Shah, Co-Founder and Chairman of Bidco Africa
  • Prof. Kevin Urama, African Development Institute, African Development Bank Group, Senior Director
  • Mr. Fayçal Benameur, SVP of East Africa, OCP

Sequence 3: Panel Discussion

  • Hon. Ms. Lindiwe Zulu, Minister of Social Development (South Africa)
  • Ms. Blayne Tesfaye, Co-founder and CEO TruLuv
  • Dr. Simon Winter, Executive Director, Syngenta Foundation
  • Mr. Peter Njonjo, CEO Twiga Foods
  • Prof. Sheryl Hendricks, Professor and Head of Department, University of Pretoria


16:45 - 17:00

Go to session

Commitments Showcase

These will be 15-minute highlights from key stakeholders and actors in the space highlighting initiatives and commitments to transform food systems and accelerate Africa’s delivery of the 2030 targets.

International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)

Private Sector Financing Programme (PSFP), a financing facility designed to promote increased investment into small-scale agriculture. The facility offers financing directly to operating companies as well as financial intermediaries on-lending, investing or offering services to small farmers, rural poor and MSMEs.

Rural Resilience Programme (2RP)

IFAD is scaling up its impact and accelerating progress on the fight against rural poverty and hunger, fostering sustainable food system transformation and building resilience to climate change through two key programmes. Established in February 2021, the Private Sector Financing Programme (PSFP) program offers financial solutions and leverages on the Fund’s extensive experience to crowd in private sector investments know-how and innovation for the benefit of small-scale producers, women, youth and rural communities. PSFP projects are expected to be impactful, commercially viable, adhere to strict environmental and climate standards and promote good governance and coordination between public and private sector efforts. Launched in 2020, the Rural Resilience Programme (2RP) will focus on alleviating climate change drivers of food insecurity, irregular migration and land degradation. The 2RP will equip small-scale producers, landless poor and their communities with the resources needed to implement locally appropriate and proactive resilience strategies.


17:00 - 18:15

Go to session

Plenary: Food Systems Transformation – Accelerating Action

The food we eat today is unsustainable in various ways: the food system causes unacceptable environmental impacts, and it is depleting non-renewable resources. Food systems — encompassing the interlinked biophysical and human systems that span from agricultural production, through post-harvest manufacturing and distribution, to food consumption — should be engineered primarily to boost productivity in delivering healthy dietary needs supply sufficient to avoid famines in the face of human population growth. The urgency of transforming Africa’s food systems is irrefutable.

Moderator: Jeff Koinange, Citizen TV

Sequence 1
Framing Keynotes

  • Dr. Maximo Torero, Chief Economist, Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO)
  • Ms. Hanneke Faber, President, Foods & Refreshment Foods, Unilever
  • Dr. Juliette Biao, Regional Director, UNEP Africa Office

Sequence 2
Panel Speakers

  • Hon. Anne Nyaga, Chief Administrative Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock Fisheries and Cooperatives in the Government of Kenya
  • Ms. Elizabeth Nsimadala, President, Pan-African Farmers’ Organization (PAFO)
  • Mr. Nnaemeka Ikegwuonu, Founder/CEO of ColdHubs Limited
  • Mr Daniel Hailu, Regional Head for East and Southern Africa, Mastercard Foundation
  • Luis Alfredo Perez, SVP Business Unit Africa, Yara International
  • Dr. Godfrey Bahiigwa, ARBE Director, African Union African


18:15 - 18:30

Go to session

Commitments Showcase

These will be 15-minute highlights from key stakeholders and actors in the space highlighting initiatives and commitments to transform food systems and accelerate Africa’s delivery of the 2030 targets.

UPL: The Rice Race

In food security, sustainable agricultural development, and climate resilience, collaboration is the key to transformation. When we take care to listen to real food system needs and make binding food system commitments, we can catalyse radical progress.

UPL doesn’t just believe in the potential for the African continent to achieve self-sufficiency, it is actively working to make it a reality through the scaling and strengthening of the rice value chain. At last year’s AGRF, UPL’s high-level panel began the work to outline this opportunity and build a coalition to take it forward. But this year, as we look at the Pathways to Recovery, it is time to go further.

The Rice Race will bring together leading voices from seeds, sustainable agricultural inputs, farmer collectives, development finance, NGOs, processers and off-takers, to demonstrate the power of collaboration, and establish the real needs and commitments of each player as we work together to transform rice cultivation across Africa.

  • Florent Clair, Head of Partnerships for Sustainability, UPL Ltd
  • Abdoulaye Kabore, Rice Manager W&CA, UPL Ltd.
  • Ougfaly Badji, Lead Global Food Security Expert, Islamic Development Bank
  • Reji George, Vice President, OLAM International, Nigeria
  • Jai Shroff, Global CEO, UPL Ltd
  • Marcel Dreyer, Regional Head (AMEANZ), UPL Ltd.
  • Ndavi Muia, Regional Head, Middle East & Africa, ADVANTA
  • Jean-Paul Aka, General Manager, LOCAGRI
  • Fadel Ndiame, Vice President, AGRA,
  • Isaac Mungoma, Investment Manager, FarmFit Fund, IDH Kenya


18:30 - 19:15

Go to session

Insights: Can African agriculture contribute to Net Zero?

Closing out the day, Insights is a moment for voices with diverse points of view to comment on the day’s activities and bring their insights to the Program.Reflections at end of each day bringing together the varied tracks into common themes and results.

Moderator: Mr. Georgie Ndirangu, Media Broadcaster, BBC Multimedia Broadcast

  • Mr. Leonard Mizzi, Head of Unit at the European Commission, Directorate-General (DG) for International Cooperation and Development
  • Ms. Poorva Pandya, Deputy Chief Executive Officer (CEO), ETG Farmers Foundation (EFF)
  • Dr. Ruben Echeverria, Chair, Commission on Sustainable Agriculture Intensification
  • Dr. Yemi Akinbamijo, Executive Director, Forum for Agricultural Research (FARA)

08:00 - 09:45

Go to session

Experiences Mitigating COVID19’s Impacts on its Food System; Strengthening Resilience and Possible Takeaways for Africa

COVID19 Pandemic has created significant tension in the global food system since early 2020, alongside the horrific impact on the global health system. As the first country to be hit by the Pandemic, China’s own food system was under huge pressure the whole year. How did China manage to mitigate COVID19’s impact on its food system?

Moderator:
Dr. Fadel Ndiame, Deputy President, Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA)

SEQUENCE 1:
Keynote Speech:

  • H.E. Mbelwa Kairuki, Ambassador of Tanzania to China

SEQUENCE 2:

  • Dr. Fengying Nie, Director General and Research Fellow, Agriculture Information Institute, Chinese Academy of Agriculture Science
  • Prof. Zhigang Chen, Professor of School of public affairs of Zhejiang University, also the China Program Leader and Senior Research Fellow of International Food Policy Research Institute
  • Dr. Jiqin Han, Professor and Dean, School for International Education, Nanjing Agricultural University
  • Dr. Lixia Tang, Professor and Deputy Dean, School for South-South Agriculture Cooperation, China Agriculture University
  • Dr. Yuan Zhou, Head of Agriculture Policy and China Program, Syngenta Foundation for Sustainable Agriculture


10:00 - 10:45

Go to session

Good Morning AGRF

Each morning will kick start with the highlights of the upcoming day, understand the themes under discussion, and find out all the interesting places to interact with thought leaders.

Panel:

  • Ms. Wangari Kuria, Founder of a YouTube channel called – Farmer on Fire
  • Ms. Yunike Phiri, Acting Country Coordinator for the Farm to Market Alliance
  • Ms. Mwende Nyamu, CEO & Founder, Plus Fabulosity
  • Mr John Agboola, Global Hunger Fighter, Consultant, Youth & Agriculture

Global Guests:

  • Ms. Mary Ann Sayoc, Executive Director at East West Seed
  • Dr. Shenggen Fan PhD, Dean of Academy of Global Food Economics and Policy (AGFEP)/ Chair and Professor of China Agricultural University (CAU)/ Former Director General, IFPRI


10:45 - 11:00

Go to session

Food Systems Innovators

Food system innovations are fundamental and will be instrumental to ensuring that future generations are food secure and eat healthy diets. To transition towards sustainability, AGRF 2021 will be showcasing breakthrough innovations that transform the food system into one that creates value for all stakeholders.

A series of 5-minute videos played during the bridge segments, each clip will feature a different African innovator with an emphasis on women, youth, and SMEs.

Innovators:

  • Mr. Andreas Gengenbach, Co-Founder & CTO, Flamingoo Foods Company Ltd
  • Mr. Omar Coulibaly, Director General, InnoFaso
  • Mr. Fred Zamblé, Co-Founder & CEO, Seekewa


11:00 - 12:45

Go to session

PARALLEL SESSIONS

Ministerial Roundtable (closed)

CHAIRS:

The High-level Ministerial Roundtable Session will provide a platform for reflection and stocktaking on political, policy and financial and innovations the continent has achieved. The session will also focus on what is needed to advance the implementation of commitments made at the Malabo Heads of State Summit as well as meeting the SDGs in the context of food systems

Moderator: Dr David Nabarro, Special Adviser of the Secretary-General on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Climate Change

Sequence 1: Welcome and Setting the Scene
Remarks:

  • H.E. Hailemariam Dessalegn, Former Prime Minister of Ethiopia and Chairperson AGRF Partners Group
  • Dr. Ibrahim Mayaki, CEO of the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD)

Keynote Remarks:

  • H.E. Josefa Sacko, Commissioner, Department for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment (DARBE), African Union Commission

Sequence 2: Ministerial Interventions
Special Remarks:

  • Hon. Thoko Didiza - Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, South Africa, and Chair of the Africa Union Specialized Technical Committee (STC) on Agriculture, Rural Development, Water and Environment
  • Hon. Peter G. Munya, EGH, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, host Government

Remarks by Agriculture Ministers

  • Hon. Dr. Gerardine Mukeshimana, Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, Rwanda
  • H.E. Oumer Hussein Oba, Minister of Agriculture, Ethiopia
  • Hon. Lobin Lowe, Minister of Agriculture, Malawi
  • H.E. Moussa Balde, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Equipment, Senegal
  • H.E. Celso Ismael Correia Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mozambique
  • Hon. Said Hussein Iid, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, Somalia
  • Hon. Salifu Ouedraogo, Minister of Agriculture, Burkina Faso
  • Hon. Aziz Akhannouch, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Kingdom of Morocco
  • Hon. Amie Fabureh, Minister of Agriculture – Gambia
  • Hon. Prof. Adolf Mkenda, Minister of Agriculture – United Republic of Tanzania
  • Hon. Olegaria dos Anjos Banze, Vice-Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mozambique
  • Hon. Frank Kagyigyi Tumwebaze, Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries
  • Hon. Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, Minister for Food and Agriculture Ghana
  • Hon. Eugene Wamalwa, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Devolution and ASAL, Kenya

Remarks by Finance, Budget and Planning Ministers

  • Hon. Zainab Ahmed, Minister of Finance, Budget and Planning, Nigeria

Remarks by Ministers of Health

  • Hon. Mutahi Kagwe, EGH Cabinet Secretary for Health, Kenya
  • Hon. Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda, MP Minister of Health, Malawi
  • Minister of Health of Ethiopia

Remarks by Trade Ministers

  • Hon. Betty Maina, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Industrialization, Trade and Enterprise Development, Kenya
  • Hon. Alan Kyerematen, Minister of Trade & Industry, Ghana

Remarks by Environment Ministers

  • Hon. Keriako Tobiko, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Forestry, Kenya
  • Hon. Dr. Kwaku Afriyie, Minister of Environment, Science, Technology, and innovation (MESTI), Ghana
  • Hon. Barbara Creecy, Minister of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries
  • Ms. Sicily K. Kariuki, EGH, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry for Water, Sanitation and Irrigation

Remarks by National Convenors of Food Systems

  • Dr. Alfred Acakpo, Secrétaire Permanent du Conseil National de l’Alimentation et de la Nutrition, Benin
  • Mme. Julie Kasa-Kanga Tshilombo Coordonnatrice Adjointe de la Coordination des Ressources Extérieures et du Suivi des Projets Présidence de la République, Democratic Republic of Congo
  • Hon. Kemiso Mosenene, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, Kingdom of Lesotho
  • H.E. Mrs. Francess Piagie Alghali, Minister of State, Office of the Vice President, Sierra Leone
  • Hon. Prof. Adolf Mkenda, Minister of Agriculture – United Republic of Tanzania

Remarks by Global Partners

  • Hon. Wu Peng, Director-General, Department of African Affairs of the Foreign Ministry, People’s Republic of China

Remarks by All Participating Development partners

Closing Remarks:

  • H.E. Hailemariam Desalegn, Chair of the Board of Directors of AGRA and AGRF Partners

11:00 - 12:45

Go to session

Parallel Workshop – Resilience & Adaptation

Session Title: Building Agricultural Resilience to Multiple Shocks and Risks

CHAIRS

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. This session will identify and share global experiences in resilience building and showcase best practices in addressing vulnerability and risk in Africa. A platform for policy debate and influence for reducing agricultural risks and vulnerabilities will be developed.

Moderator: Dr. Ekta H. Patel, Scientist & Bioscience Communications Manager, International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)

Setting the Scene: Framing remarks

  • Prof. Saleem Huq, Director, International Centre for Climate Change and Development (ICCCAD)

High Level Remarks:

  • Ms. Natasha Santos, Vice-President of Global Stakeholders’ Strategy & Affairs at Bayer Crop Science
  • H.E. Salifu Ouedraogo, Minister of Agriculture, Burkina Faso
  • Mr. Dominique Burgeon, Director, FAO Liaison Office in Geneva and OiC of OER, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

Sequence 2: Panel Discussion

  • Mr. Ndavi Muia, Regional Head - Africa & Middle East, Advanta Seeds, Kenya
  • Dr. Dennis Garrity, Senior Fellow, ICRAF & Drylands Ambassador, UN, Nairobi
  • H.E. Prof. Fekadu Beyene, Commissioner with the Environment, Forest and Climate Change Commission of Ethiopia
  • Dr. Jane Kamau, Commercialization and Agribusiness Manager, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA)

Sequence 3: Panel Discussion

  • Ms. Jannifer Muthike, Entomologist & Youth Representative, YALTA , Kenya
  • Dr. Tilahun Amede, Head of Resilience, Climate and Soils at AGRA (Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa) (AGRA)
  • Dr. Jean Senahoun, Senior Economist for Africa, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Rome
  • Dr. Canisius K. Kanangire, Executive Director of the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF)


11:00 - 12:45

Go to session

Parallel Workshops – Rural & Market Development

African food security lies in its opportunity link markets and add value to improve the livelihoods. 80% of global multi-dimensional poverty occurs in rural areas so it is essential to see the agro-ecosystem as a continuum from the farm to value added processing to products on the grocery store shelves. Leading academics, insightful business leaders, and finance experts will help chart a course to more robust value chains on the continent. From farmers, to aggregators, processors, to retailers, this session will speak about interventions in logistics and marketing as well as the means to get integrated value chains functioning more effectively in Africa.

Moderator:

  • Ms. Thato Moagi, Agricultural Scientist and Agripreneur, South Africa

Keynote:

  • Hon. Dr. Gerardine Mukeshimana Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, Rwanda

Setting the Scene:

  • Mr. Tom Kehoe, Deputy Director, Agriculture, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Panel Discussion: Strengthening mechanisms in processing, logistics and market infrastructure

  • Prof. Siza Tumbo, Deputy PS, Ministry for Agriculture, United Republic of Tanzania
  • Mr. Ayodeji Balogun, Chief Executive Officer, AFEX Nigeria
  • Mr. Peter Njonjo, CEO & Co-Founder, Twiga Foods
  • Mr. Mauricio Adade, Vice President. DSM
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  • Ms. Atsuko Toda, Director of the Agriculture Finance & Rural Development Department of the African Development Bank
  • Dr. Holger A. Kray, Practice Manager Agriculture & Food Security, The World Bank

Panel Discussion: Strengthening Ag value chain systems.

  • Ms. Hellen Onyango, Crop Aggregator, Farm to Market Alliance
  • Ms. Michelle Kagari, One Acre Fund’s Global Director of Government Relations and Policy
  • Ms. Jo Ryan, CEO, Tru Trade
  • Ms. Khadijah Mohamed Churchill, CEO, Kwanza Tukule
  • Prof. Edward Mabaya, Research, International Programs, Cornell University
  • Ms. Ashini Patel, Program Coordinator, Fund for Rural Prosperity, KPMG Kenya

Conclusion:

  • Dr. Joe DeVries, President, Seed Systems Group, SSG: Agro-Ecosystem Development Enterprise


12:45 - 13:00

Go to session

MIDDAY

Food Systems Innovators

Food system innovations are fundamental and will be instrumental to ensuring that future generations are food secure and eat healthy diets. To transition towards sustainability, AGRF 2021 will be showcasing breakthrough innovations that transform the food system into one that creates value for all stakeholders

A series of 5-minute videos played during the bridge segments, each clip will feature a different African innovator with an emphasis on women, youth, and SMEs.

Innovators:

  • Ms. Blayne Tesfaye, Co-Founder & Managing Partner, TruLuv Granola
  • Mr. Tantoh Nforba, Farmer, Save Your Future Association (SYFA)
  • Mr. Bakary Doumbia, Rice Farmer


13:00 - 14:00

Go to session

Networking Exhibition

The AGRF 2021 networking exhibition allows participants to connect directly in a live, virtual booth or meeting space for introductions and deal -making. Delegates can arrange multiple high-quality, investment-focused meetings and benefit from attending the free-flowing and structured networking events, workshops, and exhibitions


13:00 - 14:00

Go to session

AGRF Press Briefing (Media Only)

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 agriculture forward. And as part of the contributions to the UN Food Systems Summit (UNFSS), the 2021 AGRF Summit is expected to yield tangible and concrete outcomes in four areas: Equitable & Inclusive Livelihoods, Build Forward Better, Healthy People and Planet, and Sustainable Food Systems.

This year's AGRF Summit aims to elevate the single coordinated African voice to the UNFSS and identify immediate actions and steps that need to be taken to accelerate progress and recovery towards inclusive agricultural transformation.

Fascinating headliners and thought-provoking sessions will inspire each day's discussions and activities. The daily AGRF press briefings will engage food systems experts, and agriculture specialists will inspire action on African food systems.


13:00 - 14:00

Go to session

Pitch AgriHack Competition

CHAIRS:

This session seeks to inspire young people in Africa to leverage ICT innovation to transform the agrifood sector in Africa. The Pitch AgriHack competition aims to promote ICT innovation and entrepreneurship in agriculture in African countries. With support from Heifer International, the 2021 Pitch AgriHack Competition targets African businesses that bring technological innovation to the agriculture industry. The competition will identify and amplify efforts by young innovators to build resilience beyond COVID-19 through digital agriculture products and services. These innovations should be scalable and generate measurable impact in Africa’s food systems. Winners of the competition will receive funding and continued support to scale up their innovations into products that can help transform the entire sector.

MC: Ms. Bonolo Monthe, MD Maungo Craft & 2019 GoGettaz Grand Prize Winner

Special remarks:

  • Ms. Adesuwa Ifedi, Senior Vice President, Africa Programs, Heifer International
  • Ms. Jennifer Baarn, Acting Managing Director AGRF and Head of Partnerships, AGRA

Judges:

  • Ms. Ebunoluwa Bolodeoku, Head Transformation, Africa – Heifer International
  • Mr. Elisee Kamanzi, Country Director, Rwanda, Heifer Africa
  • Mr. William Matovu, Country Director Uganda, Heifer Africa
  • Mr. Ken Lohento, – Digital Innovation Strategy Consultant, FAO
  • Mr. Nixon Gecheo, Senior Program Officer – Digital Systems & Solutions for Agriculture, AGRA
  • Ms. Barbra Muzata, Communications and Brand Leader, Africa Middle East, Corteva
  • Ms. Grace Vuhya Obeda, Principal Youth Employment Expert, African Development Bank
  • Ms. Hafou Touré-Samb, SME Development and Finance Specialist, African Development Bank


14:00 - 15:30

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PLENARY & HEADLINERS

GoGettaz Agriprenueur Cheetah’s Chase

Generation Africa is proud to bring together young entrepreneurs, innovators, movers and shakers in Africa’s agri-food sector and present inspiration from 10 young agripreneurs competing for this year’s prestigious GoGettaz Agripreneur Prize. The session will feature key messages from Generation Africa Steering Committee (Steerco) members, Generation Africa Steerco Co-Chairs and Generation Africa Co-Catalysts.

MC: Ms. Sherrie Silver, UN IFAD Advocate for Rural Youth, Emcee for Generation Africa

Co-MC: Ms. Ada Osakwe, Founder of Agrolay Ventures and Generation Africa Ambassador

Judges:

  • Ms. Ellen Katherine Rasmussen, EVP Scalable Enterprises, NORFUND
  • Ms. Winnie Wanjiku Karanu, Microsoft, Insight Management Consultants
  • Ms. Barbra Muzata, Communications and Brand Leader, Africa Middle East, Corteva AgriScience
  • Mr. Thierno Mountaga Diarra, Principal Solutions Architect, African Development Bank
  • Mr. Ishmael Sunga, CEO, Southern African Confederation of Agricultural Unions (SACAU)
  • Mr. Paul Brown, Co-Director, Master of Business Creation Program, University of Utah


15:30 - 18:00

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President’s Summit

The President’s Summit is the highest-level moment of the AGRF, comprised of Heads of State & Government, eminent persons, and hundreds of leaders and stakeholders present from across Africa’s agriculture and agribusiness sectors. This AGRF 2021 Presidential Summit will be convened under the leadership of H.E. Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta, President of the Republic of Kenya. It will focus on the gains that have been made in Africa’s agriculture landscape. Leaders will speak on bold steps they are already taking in putting in place major policy and political decisions to drive food systems transformation across their own countries and within their regions.

Opening Ceremony

The Opening Ceremony will launch the hybrid (physical and virtual) 2021 AGRF. The theme of the summit, Pathways to Recovery and Resilient Food Systems, will be highlighted with a call to unlock new commitments to the future of African food systems. The Opening Ceremony will also set the stage for the single coordinated African voice to the UN Food System Summit.

Africa Food Prize 2021

The Africa Food Prize is the preeminent award that recognizes an outstanding individual or institution that is leading the effort to change the reality of farming in Africa—from a struggle to survive to a business that thrives.

The US $100,000 worth prize celebrates Africans who are taking control of Africa’s agriculture agenda. This year, the ceremony will put a spotlight on bold initiatives and technical innovations that can be replicated across the Continent to create a new era of food security and economic opportunity for all Africans.

GoGettaz Agriprenueur Prize

Generation Africa brings partners together to strengthen the ecosystem for young agripreneurs across the continent. The GoGettaz Agripreneur Prize aims to find Africa’s brightest young agrifood entrepreneurs. Two winners, one woman and one man, with scalable and impactful business or social ventures will be announced and will each receive US$50,000 for their businesses.

VALUE4HER Award

VALUE4HER is AGRA’s continental program, aimed at increasing the performance of women agri-enterprises, through access to markets and trade, finance and investments, knowledge and skills, networking and building women’s collective voice. The program VALUE4HER is powered by VALUE4HERConnect, Africa’s first women in agribusiness integrated digital resource, designed to assist women agri-enterprises transcend gender and market entry barriers, built upon digital technologies capabilities to connect, amplify, and deliver customized service. Winners of the VALUE4HER Innovation Grant (IG) will be announced and each qualifying agribusiness will receive USD 9,000.

Sequence 1: Welcome and Setting the Scene
Welcome Heads of State Procession – Moderator: Mr. Jeff Koinange, Citizen TV.

Video Presentation

Welcome Remarks: Dr. Agnes Kalibata, President, President of AGRA and UN Secretary General’s Special Envoy on Food Systems Summit

Framing Remarks: H.E. Hailemariam Desalegn, Former Prime Minister of Ethiopia and Chairperson AGRF Partners Group

Special Remarks: H.E. Amina J. Mohammed, Deputy-Secretary General, United Nations

Moderator of Presidential Panel: Dr. Vera Songwe, Director General UNECA

Sequence 2: President’s Address and Heads of State Panel Discussion

  • Introduction of H.E. President by Hon. Peter G. Munya, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, and Cooperative (Kenya)
  • President’s Address – H.E. Hon. Uhuru Kenyatta, C.G.H, President of the Republic of Kenya on Pathway to Recovery and Building Resilient Food Systems

Heads of States and Governments Panel Discussion

Each Head of State and Government will have the opportunity to respond to four questions about what they are doing to improve their food systems in the wake of the African Union deadlines by 2025 and UN by 2030.

  • H.E. President Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta, Kenya
  • H.E. President Paul Kagame, Rwanda
  • H.E. President Roch Marc Christian Kaboré , Burkina Faso
  • H.E. Dr. Phillip lsdor Mpango, Vice President of the United Republic of Tanzania
  • H.E. President Ismail Omar Guelleh, Djibouti
  • H.E. President Yoweri Museveni, Uganda
  • H.E. President Lazarus Chakwera, Malawi
  • H.E. President Kais Saied, Tunisia
  • H.E. President Geingob, Namibia

Sequence 3: Leaders Panel: The Great Debate

Moderator: Mr. Jeff Koinange, Citizen TV

Speakers:

  • H.E. Amina J. Mohammed, Deputy Secretary- General, United Nations
  • Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, – President – Africa Development Bank
  • Dr. Gilbert F. Houngbo, President, International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)
  • Mr. Strive Masiyiwa, Chief Executive Officer, Econet
  • Mr. Svein Tore Holsether, President and Chief Executive Officer,
  • Dr. Hajia Salamatu Garba, WOFAN, Executive Director/ Founder - WOFAN & UNDP-GEF Project/ Senior Gender Specialist
  • Hon. Josefa Sacko, Commissioner, Rural Economy and Agriculture, African Union Commission

Sequence 4: Awards Ceremony: Africa Food Prize, GoGettaz, VALU4HER

Awards Ceremony

Moderated by Mr. Jeff Koinange, Citizen TV

Video remarks:

  • Mr. Strive Masiyiwa, Chief Executive Officer, Econet
  • Mr. Svein Tore Holsether, President and Chief Executive Officer, Yara

Awards presented by:

  • Hon. Josefa Sacko, AU Commissioner (DARBE)
  • Prof. Margaret Kobia, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Public Service and Gender
  • H.E. President Obasanjo, Africa Food Prize Chair and Former President of Nigeria
  • Dr. Agnes Kalibata, President of AGRA and UN Secretary General’s Special Envoy on Food Systems Summit


18:00 - 18:15

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Commitments Showcase

These will be 15-minute highlights from key stakeholders and actors in the space highlighting initiatives and commitments to transform food systems and accelerate Africa’s delivery of the 2030 targets.

African Development Bank

$15B Facility for Financing Food and Nutrition Security in Africa (FFFNSA) The AfDB’s $15 billion Facility for Financing Food and Nutrition Security in Africa (FFFNSA) could be catalytically used to invest in building adaptation and resilience of the African food systems and nutrition across the continent. The proposed multi-donors Facility will have four pillars: i) Scaling proven food production technologies; ii) Creation of an enabling environment for enhancing agricultural production; iii) Building of critical backbone infrastructure linking production areas to markets; iv) Crowding in private sector investments and access to finance; and v) support to the SEAF) on famine and drought. The principal objective of the FFFNSA is to build a sustainable and resilient African food system that provides nourishing, affordable and safe food to all Africans. It also builds on the objectives of the AfDB Feed Africa strategy and its support to the four specific goals of CAADP viz.: a) contribute to eliminating extreme poverty in Africa by 2025; b) end hunger and malnutrition in Africa by 2025; c) make Africa a net food exporter; and d) move Africa to the top of export-orientated global value chains where it has comparative advantage.

  • Dr. Beth Dunford, Vice President for Agriculture, Human and Social Development, African Development Bank


18:15 - 19:00

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Insights: The Path to Resilience; priorities towards 2030

Closing out the day, Insights is a moment for voices with diverse points of view to comment on the day’s activities and bring their insights to the Program.Reflections at end of each day bringing together the varied tracks into common themes and results.

Moderator: Ms. Femi Oke, Co-Founder, Moderate The Panel

  • Ms. Maura Barry, Senior Deputy Assistant Administrator for the Bureau for Resilience and Food Security, USAID
  • Dr. Nakumolo Covic, Senior Research Coordinator at the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) for the CGIAR Research Program on Agriculture for Nutrition and Health (A4NH)
  • Mr. Ziad Hamoui, National President - Ghana, Borderless Alliance
  • Dr. Manuel Otero, Director General, Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA)


19:00 - 21:00

Gala Dinner (by invitation only)

A celebration of fellowship on the continent in the beautiful setting of Nairobi. The event will capture the momentum of the Presidential Summit and the future of Africa through its great minds, energetic leaders, and action-oriented partners.


10:00 - 10:45

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Good Morning AGRF

Each morning will kick start with the highlights of the upcoming day, understand the themes under discussion, and find out all the interesting places to interact with thought leaders.

Panel:

  • Ms. Wangari Kuria, Founder of a YouTube channel called - Farmer on Fire
  • Ms. Yunike Phiri, Acting Country Coordinator for the Farm to Market Alliance
  • Ms. Mwende Nyamu, CEO & Founder, Plus Fabulosity
  • Mr. John Agboola, Global Hunger Fighter, Consultant, Youth & Agriculture

Global Guest:

  • Mr. Daniel Vennard, Chief Sustainability Officer at Syngenta
  • Mr. Divine Ntiokam, Managing Director, Climate Smart Agriculture Youth Network Global (GCSAYN)


10:45 - 11:00

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Food Systems Innovators

Food system innovations are fundamental and will be instrumental to ensuring that future generations are food secure and eat healthy diets. To transition towards sustainability, AGRF 2021 will be showcasing breakthrough innovations that transform the food system into one that creates value for all stakeholders.

A series of 5-minute videos played during the bridge segments, each clip will feature a different African innovator with an emphasis on women, youth, and SMEs.

Innovators:

  • Ms. Elizabeth Gulugulu, Programs Manager, African Youth Initiative on Climate Change (AYICC)
  • Ms. Evelyne Wangari Kuria, Founder and CEO, Farmer on Fire
  • Mr. Tabi Joda, Team Lead, One Billion Trees for Africa


11:00 - 12:45

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Youth Town Hall

The youth townhall is an annual event of the AGRF, curated and organized by the AGRA through its Gender and Inclusiveness Unit and AGRF’s Generation Africa platform, in collaboration with relevant ecosystem partners. The event is conducted under the Youth entrepreneur platform of the AGRF. The Youth townhall provides a unique platform for young people to present their issues, challenges, aspirations to Governments and stakeholders for policy consideration as well as interact with various ecosystem players and their peers.

This year’s youth townhall will spotlight 4-K Clubs, a new policy recently approved by Kenyan government, with the aim of returning agricultural learning and clubs in schools, both at primary and secondary schools’ levels in Kenya. At the youth Townhall for AGRF 2021, an agreement has been made with stakeholders to create awareness about the 4-K club’s policy, bolster its implementation in Kenya and inspire other governments in Africa to replicate this policy. The event will be hosted in a hybrid format in Kenya and presided over by H.E. Hon Uhuru Kenyatta, the President of the Republic of Kenya who is also the Patron of the 4-K Club.

Moderator: Mr. Georgie Ndirangu, Media Broadcaster, BBC Multimedia Broadcast

Sequence 1:

  • Children and Youth in Agriculture: Hon. Anne Nyaga - Chief Administrative Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperatives
  • 4-K Club Presentation: In School Youth Representative Skit/Poem presentation
  • Opening Remarks & Introduction of the President: H.E. Hailemariam Dessalegn, Former Prime Minister of Ethiopia and Chairperson AGRF Partners Group
  • Introduction of H.E. Hon. Uhuru Kenyatta: Hon. Peter G. Munya EGH (Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture) will introduce the President
  • H.E. President’s Speech: H.E. Hon. Uhuru Kenyatta, President, Republic of Kenya and Patron 4K Club

Structured questions to the president: 3 Youth representatives

  • Mr. Joseph Mathenge, Founder, G-Star Youth Group (Kenya)

Sequence 2: Ministerial Interactive Session

  • Hon. Rosemary Mbabazi - Minister for Youth in Rwanda
  • 2 Youths from across the continent
  • Ms. Ify Umunna, Co-Founder/Co-CEO (ICT & Programs), Nourishing Africa (Nigeria)
  • Mr. Diego Dieudonné Twahirwa, Gashora Farms, Rwanda
  • Hon. Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, Minister for Food and Agriculture Ghana
  • Youths from across the continent
  • Mr. Kofi Kisiedu Acquaye, YPARD Africa Coordinator
  • Ms. Dorcas Omole - Youth in Ag (Nigeria)

Sequence 3: Youth Call to Action Youths across the continent have a call to action for 2030

  • Mr. Bertin Fokou, Founder, Manager and Business Developer, WhatsNear (Cameroon)
  • Mr. Aloys Ntezimana, Pan African Movement (Rwanda)
  • Mr. Mike Nkhombo Khunga - a Global Youth Advocate for Nutrition and the vice chair of the UN Food System Summit Action Track 5 (Malawi)
  • Ms. Sharon Olang, Member, Lake Region CSO Network


11:00 - 12:45

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Parallel Workshops – Food Systems & Nutrition

Session Title: Africa’s Solutions towards safe and nutritious food for all.

Healthy diets are currently out of reach for an estimated three billion people worldwide. This session seeks to identify innovations and strategies that are helping Africa improve the availability, access and affordability of nutrient rich food that is sustainably produced. Mechanisms for scaling up of these successful innovations and strategies will be highlighted.

Moderator:

  • Ms. Betty Kibaara, Director, Food Initiative, The Rockefeller Foundation, Kenya

Sequence 1:
Keynote Presentations

  • Mrs. Nane Annan, Board Member and Nutrition Advocate, Kofi Annan Foundation

Sequence 2: Panel Discussion

  • Mr. Larry Umunna, - Regional Director, West Africa, Technoserve
  • Ms. Patience Mukweza, Operations Executive, Food Solutions, a subsidiary of Beams & Rays Packaging, Zimbabwe
  • Dr. Dorothy Nakimbugwe, Director, Nutreal Ltd & Associate Professor, Department of Food Technology & Nutrition at Makerere University, Uganda
  • Ms. Tei Mukunya Oundo, CEO, Nature Lock, Kenya
  • Ms. Isabel Dimitrov, Cargill
  • Ms. Lauren Landis, World Food Program Kenya, Representative and Country Director


11:00 - 12:45

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Parallel Workshops – Getting to Zero: Sustainable Productivity Platform

Session Title: Leveraging Innovation in Africa’s Input Systems to Build Resilience and Enhance Sustainable Productivity

In line with the theme of AGRF 2021 on forging pathways to recovery and resilient food systems, this session highlights innovative models that aid to build the resilience of input systems for Africa’s sustainable productivity. Moreover, it identifies areas of convergence and best models that future proof input systems from disruptions including climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic as well as trade and market distortions. The outcome of the session will be recommendations for action for the next 10 years towards innovation in sustainable productivity and a transformative agenda of Africa’s input systems in the context of an inclusive, resilient and sustainable food system.

Moderator: Dr. Wanjiru Kamau-Rutenberg, Executive Director, Rise

Fireside Chat:

  • Dr. Naoko Ishii, Executive Vice President, Professor, Institute for Future Initiative/ Director, Center for Global Commons, University of Tokyo/ Former CEO, GEF
  • Dr. Segenet Kelemu, Director General & CEO of the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE)

Sequence 1: Setting the Scene

  • Mr. George Kubai, Managing Director, Agriculture Finance Corporation
  • Mr. Jason Scarpone, President & CEO, AFAP

Sequence 2: Panel Discussion

  • Dr. Martin Fregene, Director, Agriculture & Agroindustry, AFDB (to speak on the Africa Fertiliser Finance Mechanism
  • Ms. Rose Goslinga, Co-founder and Co-CEO, Pula Advisors
  • Mr. Okisegere Ojepat, CEO, Fresh Produce Consortium of Kenya (FPCK)
  • Mr. Peter Veal, Operations Lead, Africa Venture Team, Syngenta
  • Mr. Piwai Nigel Chikasha, – Managing Director, Alley Capital Group & GoGettaz Awards Finalist

Closing Remarks

  • Dr. Edward Mabaya, Research Professor, Department of Global Development, Cornell University


12:45 - 13:00

Go to session

Food Systems Innovators

Food system innovations are fundamental and will be instrumental to ensuring that future generations are food secure and eat healthy diets. To transition towards sustainability, AGRF 2021 will be showcasing breakthrough innovations that transform the food system into one that creates value for all stakeholders

A series of 5-minute videos played during the bridge segments, each clip will feature a different African innovator with an emphasis on women, youth, and SMEs.

Innovators: Borlaug Field Award

World Food Prize Foundation Announces the 2021 Borlaug Field Award Recipient

The Norman E. Borlaug Award for Field Research and Application, endowed by the Rockefeller Foundation, annually recognizes a young scientist under the age of 40 who best emulates the intellectual courage, stamina and determination demonstrated by Dr. Borlaug while he was developing miracle wheat in Mexico. In 2021, the World Food Prize Foundation celebrates the tenth anniversary of awarding the prestigious “Borlaug Field Award” by naming its tenth recipient. We invite you to join the World Food Prize Foundation President, Barbara Stinson, as we look back at the ten-year history of the award and announce the 2021 Recipient of the $10,000 Borlaug Field Award.


13:00 - 13:45

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Networking Exhibition

The AGRF 2021 networking exhibition allows participants to connect directly in a live, virtual booth or meeting space for introductions and deal-making. Delegates can arrange multiple high-quality, investment-focused meetings and benefit from attending the free-flowing and structured networking events, workshops, and exhibitions.


13:00 - 13:30

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Participatory Events

Stretch your world and immense yourself in an engaging virtual experience, where you will have an opportunity to share, learn and interact with other participants.

Chef Chat with Chefs' Manifesto

Chefs are influencers, artisans, and part of the food system. They can encourage food use well beyond the customers they serve and the books they write. AGRF 2021 and the Chef’s Manifesto of the SDG2 Advocacy Hub will bring together some of Africa’s biggest food influencers to spark interest in African cuisine sourced from African products with an emphasis on diverse healthy diets.

The purpose of this collaboration between the Chefs’ Manifesto and AGRF is to continue to connect the consumption side of food with the production side. It is also to create exciting and stimulating content that amplifies key messages of Good Food For All and shows the link to the AGRF’s Action Tracks.

These chefs will foster commitments to:

  • Nutritious food that is accessible and affordable
  • African cuisines
  • Celebrating African ingredients and products from across the continent
  • Promoting diverse crops and diets

Moderator: Mr. Paul Newnham

  • Chef JJ Johnson (USA)
  • Chef Zoe Adjonyoh (Ghana)


13:00- 13:30

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Participatory Event

Urban Food Systems Including Green Cities in Africa

Greening Cities: A Pathway to Resilient Urban Food Systems in Africa

Cities are growing fast, facing major challenges. Over two thirds of the global population will live in cities and towns by 2050; 90 percent of this urbanization happen in Africa and Asia, threatening to spark major climate, environment, poverty and food crises. The COVID-19 pandemic is exacerbating these challenges. But we can turn crisis into opportunity by supporting cities to develop urban and peri-urban agriculture and forestry in a greener, inclusive, efficient, sustainable and holistic way.

This side event aims to bring together decision makers, researchers, extension professionals, community organizers and change makers in urban food systems to share and gain knowledge on urban food systems challenges in Africa and their role in food security. It also aims to create a framework for discussion on how to harness urban food systems for sustainable development and human well-being. It will provide linkage between urban food system and FAO Green Cities Initiative so that to promote significant actions and commitments towards sustainable urban green transition, exchanging perspectives of local governments representatives and various urban food systems stakeholders.

Moderator: Mr. Gouantoueu Robert Guei, Sub Regional Coordinator, FAO West Africa


13:30 - 13:45

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Participatory Event

One Discussion – CGIAR

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought the complex interlinkages between human, animal, and environmental health into stark relief, especially in Africa. Here, rapid and intense population growth will burden the environment as cities expand; demand for food increases; and people, wildlife, and livestock are put in ever closer proximity, increasing risks of zoonotic disease emergence and transmission. Taking a “One Health” approach, or addressing the challenges that emerge where human, animal, and environmental health intersect in a multisectoral, multidisciplinary way, will be critical to pandemic recovery and building resilient food systems. CGIAR, through an emerging portfolio of One Health research initiatives as well as ongoing work including its COVID-19 Hub, is engaged with partners at the forefront of this effort.

This session will provide a lively glimpse into some of that work and engage scientists with audience members to identify solutions for some of the biggest health and food security challenges facing Africa today.

Moderator: Vivian Atakos, Regional Communication Specialist, International Potato Center (CIP)
Panel:

  • Steve Staal, Editor Global Food Security, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)
  • Aminou Arouna, Program Leader & Impact Assessment Economist, AfricaRice Centre
  • Dina Najjar, Gender Scientist, International Center for Agricultural Research in Dry Areas (ICARDA)


13:00 - 13:45

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AGRF Press Briefing (Media Only)

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 agriculture forward. And as part of the contributions to the UN Food Systems Summit (UNFSS), the 2021 AGRF Summit is expected to yield tangible and concrete outcomes in four areas: Equitable & Inclusive Livelihoods, Build Forward Better, Healthy People and Planet, and Sustainable Food Systems.

This year's AGRF Summit aims to elevate the single coordinated African voice to the UNFSS and identify immediate actions and steps that need to be taken to accelerate progress and recovery towards inclusive agricultural transformation.

Fascinating headliners and thought-provoking sessions will inspire each day's discussions and activities. The daily AGRF press briefings will engage food systems experts, and agriculture specialists will inspire action on African food systems.


13:45 - 14:00

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Commitments Showcase

These will be 15-minute highlights from key stakeholders and actors in the space highlighting initiatives and commitments to transform food systems and accelerate Africa’s delivery of the 2030 targets.

IKEA Foundation & Rockefeller Foundation Historic $1 Billion Distributed Renewable Energy (DRE) Initiative

While funding to support energy transition has increased at a global level, many organizations struggle to identify viable, investment-ready projects. As a result, many emerging economies still depend on unreliable and polluting energy sources. Join IKEA’s CEO Per Heggenes and the Rockefeller Foundation CEO Dr. Rajiv J. Shah at the AGRF 2021 Summit as they showcase their historic $1 Billion Initiative to Catalyze Investments in Distributed Renewable Energy (DRE). Africa is set to benefit from half of this fund, $0.5 billion. This single largest distributed renewable energy initiative aims to reduce 1 billion tons of greenhouse gas emissions and improve 1 billion lives by kick-starting post-pandemic economic recovery and enabling emerging economies to leapfrog to renewable energy. It will deliver clean and reliable power to the 800 million people worldwide who lack electricity, and a further 2.8 billion who have unreliable access. The initiative will be operated through a new global platform will oversee the organizations’ combined matching funds.

  • Mr. Per Heggenes, CEO, IKEA Foundation
  • Dr. Rajiv Shah, President, Rockefeller Foundation


14:00 - 14:45

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Food Systems Pathways Perspectives from Regional Dialogues: East

This session will focus on sharing regional perspectives on current and emerging food systems trends. What are the drivers to transition into the new food systems? What are the opportunities we should be harnessing? What will it take?

Moderator: Ms. Thule Lenneiye, Coordinator, ATO

Regional Overview:

  • Hon. Christophe Bazivamo, Deputy Secretary, General Productive & Social Sectors, East African Community

Country presentation on key priorities for go forward action:

  • Hon. Harry Kimtai, Principal Secretary State Department for Livestock, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Irrigation, Kenya
  • Prof. Siza Tumbo, Deputy PS, Ministry for Agriculture, United Republic of Tanzania.

Stakeholder Reflections:

  • Ms Maggie Kamau-Biruri, Head of Partnerships and Resource Mobilization, HarvestPlus


14:00 - 14:45

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Food Systems Pathways Perspectives from Regional Dialogues: South

This session will focus on sharing regional perspectives on current and emerging food systems trends. What are the drivers to transition into the new food systems? What are the opportunities we should be harnessing? What will it take?

Moderator:

  • Dr. Elizabeth Mkandawire, Network and Research Manager, FSNet-Africa, University of Pretoria

Country presentation on key priorities for go forward action:

  • Mr. Momade Nemane, National Director for Cooperation and Market, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MADER), Mozambique
  • Dr. Rodwell Mzonde, Director of Planning, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Malawi

Stakeholder Reflections:

  • Dr. Simon Mwale, Programmes and Grants Manager, Centre for Coordination of Agriculture Research and Development for Southern Africa (CCARDESA)


14:00 - 14:45

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Food Systems Pathways Perspectives from Regional Dialogues: Central

This session will focus on sharing regional perspectives on current and emerging food systems trends. What are the drivers to transition into the new food systems? What are the opportunities we should be harnessing? What will it take?

Moderator:

  • Mr. Helder Muteia, FAO Coordinator for Central Africa Sub-Region

Regional Overview:

  • Mme. Julie Kasa-Kanga Tshilombo, Coordonnatrice Adjointe de la Coordination des Ressources Extérieures et du Suivi des Projets Présidence de la République, Democratic Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo

Stakeholder Reflections:

  • Mr. Divine Ntiokam, Managing Director, Climate Smart Agriculture Youth Network Global (GCSAYN)


14:00 - 14:45

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Food Systems Pathways Perspectives from Regional Dialogues: West

This session will focus on sharing regional perspectives on current and emerging food systems trends. What are the drivers to transition into the new food systems? What are the opportunities we should be harnessing? What will it take?

Moderator:

  • Dr. Abdou Tenkouano, Executive Director CORAF, Senegal

Regional Overview:

  • Mr. Sékou SangaréCommissioner for Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)

Country presentation on key priorities for go forward action:

  • Mme. Halimata Cisse Sylla, Chargée d'Etudes, Secrétariat général/MAAH, Burkina Faso
  • Mrs. Olushola Idowu, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance and Planning, Nigeria

Stakeholder Reflections:

  • Ms. Onyaole Patience Koku, Replenish Farms CEO


14:00 - 14:45

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Food Systems Pathways Perspectives from Regional Dialogues: North

This session will focus on sharing regional perspectives on current and emerging food systems trends. What are the drivers to transition into the new food systems? What are the opportunities we should be harnessing? What will it take?

Moderator:

  • Dr. Medhat El-Helepi, United Nations Economic Commission For Africa (UNECA)

Country presentation on key priorities for go forward action:

  • H.E. Ehab Badawy, Assistant Minister for Multilateral Affairs and International Security, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
  • Redouane Arrach, Director of Strategy and Statistics, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Rural Development, Water and Forestry

Stakeholder Reflections:

  • Mr. Fayçal Benameur, Senior Vice President of East Africa, OCP
  • Br Momodou Ceesay, Senior Sector Lead in Agriculture and Rural Development Islamic Development Bank


14:45 - 15:00

Go to session

Commitments Showcase

These will be 15-minute highlights from key stakeholders and actors in the space highlighting initiatives and commitments to transform food systems and accelerate Africa’s delivery of the 2030 targets.

Centre for African Leaders in Agriculture (CALA)

AGRA’s Centre for African Leaders in Agriculture has been established to provide African Agriculture sector leaders with the practical skills to navigate, coordinate and solve agriculture challenges and therefore improve the implementation of national sector priorities. CALA was set up with funding from the German Development Cooperation (GIZ) through the KfW Development Bank and led by AGRA in collaboration with the African Management Institute (AMI), the Centre’s lead implementer and learning partner, and USAID’s Policy LINK. CALA’s inaugural Advanced Leadership Programme: Collaborative Leadership for Africa’s Food Security and Sustainability includes 80 leaders from government, the private sector and civil society from Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda. Over the first three years (2021 -2023), CALA will enable two cohorts of 160 established and emerging leaders to enhance their capacity to deliver on national agriculture transformation initiatives by providing coaching, engagement in Action Learning Projects based on participants’ work, an online learning series, the attendance of the participants in four leadership forums as well as in the African Green Revolution Forum.

  • Thierry Ngoga, AGRA’s Head of Policy and State Capability
  • Nungari Mwangi, CALA
  • Brenda Wandera, Program Lead for CALA at the African Management Institute (AMI)
  • Carla Le Roux, Senior Learning Designer, AMI
  • Robert Ouma, Regional Head, Policy LINK


15:00 - 16:45

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Plenary: Delivering Healthy Diets for People and Planet

Dietary habits are changing in ways that harm human well-being and the planet. Shifting towards a more sustainable diet is critical to improving health while reducing global warming and other environmental impacts. This plenary session will discuss opportunities to shift current trends in all forms of malnutrition, prioritizing nutritious food availability and affordability for all.

Moderator: Ms. Nozipho Tshabalala, Managing Director, Akwande Communications

Framing Remarks: Dr. Gunhild A. Stordalen, Founder and Executive Chair - EAT Forum

  • Dr. Gerda Verburg, Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Movement, Assistant Secretary-General
  • H.E. Ambassador Josefa Sacko, Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment (ARBE), African Union Commission
  • Prof. Sheryl Hendriks, Professor and Head of Department, University of Pretoria
  • Mr. Tony Simons, Executive Director, CIFOR-ICRAF
  • Dr. Evan Girvetz, Principal Scientist and Global Program Leader, Finance, and Investments for Climate Action, Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT)


16:45 - 17:00

Go to session

Commitments Showcase

These will be 15-minute highlights from key stakeholders and actors in the space highlighting initiatives and commitments to transform food systems and accelerate Africa’s delivery of the 2030 targets.

Corteva

Corteva Agriscience is committed to advancing sustainable agriculture to enrich lives and our planet for generations to come. We’ve established 14 goals to achieve by 2030 to help increase the resilience of our global food system. We're in it for good: A mission with purpose


17:00 - 18:00

Go to session

The Elders Council

A pace setting session involving eminent leaders from Africa and around the world discussing the status of food systems in Africa and the urgent need to build resilient systems. Immediate actions and steps that need to be taken to accelerate progress and recovery towards inclusive agricultural transformation will be highlighted.

Moderator:

  • Dr. Ibrahim Mayaki, Former Prime Minister, Niger
  • Dr Apollos Nwafor, Vice President, Policy and State Capability, AGRA
  • H.E. Hailemariam Dessalegn, Former Prime Minister of Ethiopia and Chairperson AGRF Partners Group

Sequence 1: A moderated fire side chat with former Heads of State and Government chaired by H.E. Hailemariam Dessalegn, Former Prime Minister of Ethiopia and Chairperson AGRF Partners Group

Sequence 2: A moderated fire side chat with former Heads of State and Government chaired by H.E. Dessalegn

  • H.E. Olusegun Obasanjo, Former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
  • H.E. Dr. Jakaya M. Kikwete, Former President of the United Republic of Tanzania
  • H.E. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Former President of Liberia
  • H.E. John K. A. Kufuor, Former President of Ghana
  • H.E. Lionel Zinsou, Former Prime Minister of Benin


18:00 - 18:15

Go to session

Commitments Showcase

These will be 15-minute highlights from key stakeholders and actors in the space highlighting initiatives and commitments to transform food systems and accelerate Africa’s delivery of the 2030 targets.

Equity Bank


18:15 - 19:00

Go to session

Insights: Are we walking the path to change?

Closing out the day, Insights is a moment for voices with diverse points of view to comment on the day’s activities and bring their insights to the Program. Reflections at end of each day bringing together the varied tracks into common themes and results.

Moderator: Ms. Femi Oke, Co-Founder, Moderate The Panel

  • Ms. Betty Kiplagat, Head of Government Affairs at Corteva Agriscience in Africa Middle East, Corteva
  • Dr. Ismahane Elouafi, Chief Scientist, FAO
  • Dr. Jean Lebel, President, International Development Research Centre, Canada
  • Mr. Frank Braeken, Partner, Black Volta Ventures/ Board Member, AGRA
  • Dr. Joao Campari, Global Leader, Food Practice, WWF
  • Dr. Usha Zehr, Director and Chief Technology Officer at Maharastra Hybrid Seeds Company (MAHYCO), Board Member, AGRA


09:45 - 10:00

Go to session

Future Food Systems

Food Systems Innovators

Food system innovations are fundamental and will be instrumental to ensuring that future generations are food secure and eat healthy diets. To transition towards sustainability, AGRF 2021 will be showcasing breakthrough innovations that transform the food system into one that creates value for all stakeholders.

A series of 5-minute videos played during the bridge segments, each clip will feature a different African innovator with an emphasis on women, youth and SMEs.

Innovators:

  • Ms. Chinenye (Juliette) Ejezie, Agribusiness Lead at the GCSAYN Secretariat
  • Mr. Zacheaus Kafeero, Katikamu Empowered Youth Development Group & Current Youth Lead Ambassador
  • Mr. Nshimiyimana Alexandre, Founder and Managing Director, Sanit Wing Ltd


10:00 - 10:45

Go to session

Good Morning AGRF

Each morning will kick start with the highlights of the upcoming day, understand the themes under discussion, and find out all the interesting places to interact with thought leaders.

Panel:

  • Ms. Wangari Kuria, Founder of a YouTube channel called - Farmer on Fire
  • Ms. Yunike Phiri, Acting Country Coordinator for the Farm to Market Alliance
  • Ms. Mwende Nyamu, CEO & Founder, Plus Fabulosity
  • Mr. John Agboola, Global Hunger Fighter, Consultant, Youth & Agriculture

Global Guest:

  • Ms. Lauri Hanover, SVP Community Agriculture, Netafim
  • Mr. Komla Bissi, Senior Advisor on Agricultural Trade and Value Chains, Afcfta


10:45 - 11:00

Go to session

Food Systems Innovators

Food system innovations are fundamental and will be instrumental to ensuring that future generations are food secure and eat healthy diets. To transition towards sustainability, AGRF 2021 will be showcasing breakthrough innovations that transform the food system into one that creates value for all stakeholders.

A series of 5-minute videos played during the bridge segments, each clip will feature a different African innovator with an emphasis on women, youth and SMEs

Innovators:

  • Mr. Fessou Atasse Tevi, CEO, Give Smile Solutions
  • Mr. Bertin Fokou, Founder, WhatsNear
  • Ms. Chigozie Bashua, CEO, The Nut Place


11:00 - 12:45

Go to session

Parallel Workshops – AgTech & Digitalization

Accelerating Digital Innovation for Africa’s Food Systems’ Resilience

Although COVID 19 has worsened the existing fault lines in Africa’s food and agriculture sector, it has also accelerated a digital revolution that has fast-tracked the continent's progress in creating more efficient, equitable and environmentally friendly ways to feed the continent’s populace and the globe. To build on this digital transformation opportunity and the rapid integration of digital and innovative technologies within every stage of the agricultural value-chain, it would be important for innovators to ensure that all these innovative solutions address the incidence of needs of African farmers, agribusinesses, policy makers and researchers involved.

This session will focus on concrete outcomes to increase the innovation sustainability of digital solutions for African Agriculture.

Moderator:

  • Mr. Akintunde Akinwande, Head Business Development and Digital Projects , OCP Africa, Central Region

Fireside Chat: Matching digital Solutions to Farmers’ Needs

  • Hon. Joe Mucheru, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of ICT, Innovation and ICT Affairs
  • Mr. Dan Haglund, Advisor, FCDO
  • Ms. Maura Barry, Senior Deputy Assistant Administrator, USAID

Sequence 1: Leveraging Digital Innovations to Accelerate Food Systems

  • Mr. Daniel Asare-Kyei, CEO, Esoko, Ghana
  • Mr. Brian King – Coordinator, CGIAR Platform for Big Data
  • Mr. Etienne Niyigaba, Agriculture Extension Advisor, Hinga Weze Project in Rwanda
  • Ms. Leesa Shrader – Program Director, AgriFin Accelerate (AFA), Mercy Corps
  • Mr. Dexter Tangocci, Co-Founder, Integrated Aerial Systems, South Africa
  • Dr. Ranveer Chandra - Managing Director, Research for Industry Partner Manager, Networking Research CTO, Agri-Food, Microsoft, USA

Moderator: Mr. Vitalis Wafula, Commercial Director, Africa, Yara East Africa, Kenya

Sequence 2: Strengthening Enabling Environments for Digital Agriculture Public Investments

  • Ms. Olekumi Afun-Ogidan, Principal Agribusiness Officer, African Development Bank
  • Mr. Boniface Akuku, Director of ICT, KALRO
  • Dr. Yifru Tafesse (DBL), Acting Chief Executive Officer, Ethiopian Agricultural Transformation Agency (ATA), Ethiopia
  • Mr. Ken Lohento, Digital Innovation Strategy consultant, FAO
  • Dr. Racine Ly, Director of Data Management, Digital Products and Technology, AKADEMIYA2063, Senegal
  • Dr. Laurette Dubé, Professor & Scientific Director, McGill University, Canada
  • Ms. Elizabeth Mudogo, Senior Manager- Digifarm, Safaricom

Closing remarks
Dr. Boutheina Guermazi, Director Digital Development, World Bank, USA


11:00 - 12:45

Go to session

Parallel Workshops – Trade

Breaking Barriers to Trade for Stronger Food and Nutrition Security in Africa

In order for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to be successfully implemented, African countries will need significant investments in building robust data systems to generate data and information for decision-making. Early warning systems for food and nutrition security are needed to provide alerts on a frequent basis, showing potential areas of surplus and deficits. This will enable different stakeholders to prepare in averting crises, and especially for the private sector to move food from areas of surplus to areas of deficit. To contribute toward the AGRF 2021 outcomes, the Food Trade Coalition for Africa will host two sessions during the AGRF 2021 Summit focused on 1) Removing Barriers to Regional Trade in Food Staples and 2) Building Robust Data Systems: The Regional Food Balance Sheet.

Moderator:

  • Mr. Jonathan Said, Head of Inclusive Growth and Private-Sector Development Practice, Tony Blair Institute for Global Change

Sequence 1: Panel 1: Breaking the Barriers to Trade for Stronger Food and Nutrition Security in Africa

Keynote Address:

  • H.E. Wamkele Mene, Secretary General, AfCFTA Secretariat
  • Dr. Jewel Bronaugh, Deputy Secretary, US Department of Agriculture, USA

Panel Discussion:

  • Mr Lobin Lowe, Minister of Agriculture, Malawi
  • Mr. Melvin Spreij, Head, Standards and Trade Development Facility, World Trade Organization
  • Mr. Gerald Masila, Executive Director, Eastern Africa Grain Council, Kenya
  • Ms. Fatma Ben Rejeb, Chief Executive Officer, Pan African Farmer’s Organization
  • Dr. Bright Okogu, Chief of Staff to the Director General, World Trade Organization

Sequence 2: Panel 2: Building Strong Food Systems through Inclusive Data Sharing

Moderator:

  • Dr. Nalishebo Meebelo, Senior Program Coordinator, ReNAPRI

Keynote Address:

  • Hon. Alan Kyerematen, Minister of Trade and Industry; Ghana
  • Hon. Adan Mohammed, The Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of East African Community and Northern Corridor Development, Kenya
  • H.E Chileshe Kapwepwe, Secretary General, COMESA, Zambia

Panel Discussion:

  • Dr. Ade Freeman, Regioal Programme Leader, Regional Office for Africa, FAO
  • Mr. Mansoor Ahmad, Team Lead - Africa Agribusiness Investment & Regional Food Trade, Foreign and Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)
  • Dr. Beth Dunford, Vice President for Agriculture, Human and Social Development, African Development Bank


11:00 - 12:45

Go to session

Parallel Workshops – Generation Africa

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

Generation Africa is taking this bold step of proactively examining the state of the ecosystem supporting young Agripreneurs and prescribing the effective interventions to achieving a strong support structure. The overall objective is to achieve well organized and coordinated national ecosystems supporting youth through their entrepreneurship journey across Africa. This will enable easy entry for youth in the food systems and promote their chances of success. In the end, healthy ecosystems will reduce the rate of youth unemployed and under-employed by encouraging and increasing the youth participation in agribusiness as self-employed and employers of fellow youth.

The Ecosystem Development Framework (EDF) initiative will help countries shift from information and studies to a framework approach to strengthen the collaboration and coordination of youth support. This will ease entry for youths into agricultures as well as promote success in their ventures.

Moderator:

  • Dr. Simon Winter CHBS, Executive Director, Syngenta Foundation for Sustainable Agriculture

Keynote Remarks:

  • Hon. Rosemary Mbabazi, Minister for Youth and Culture, Rwanda
  • Ms. Solange Tetero, Director General, Youth Empowerment, , Ministry of Youth of Rwanda
  • Mr. Pierre Ferrari, President and Chief Executive Officer – Heifer International
  • Dr. Donal Brown, Associate Vice-President, Program Management Department-IFAD
  • Ms. Jane Lowicki-Zucca, Senior Youth Advisor & Program Officer, Inclusive Development Division – USAID
  • Mr. Edson Mpyisi, Chief Financial Economist/Coordinator, Enable Youth – African Development Bank (AfDB)
  • Ms. Elizabeth Berthe, Associate Director, MSC Microsave
  • Mr. Eric Onchanga, Founder of IrriHub, Youth GoGettaz
  • Mrs. Fernanda Lopes Larsen, Executive Vice President Africa & Asia, Yara International


12:45 - 13:00

Go to session

Food Systems Innovators

Food system innovations are fundamental and will be instrumental to ensuring that future generations are food secure and eat healthy diets. To transition towards sustainability, AGRF 2021 will be showcasing breakthrough innovations that transform the food system into one that creates value for all stakeholders.

A series of 5-minute videos played during the bridge segments, each clip will feature a different African innovator with an emphasis on women, youth and SMEs.

Innovator: Heifer International

Africa’s greatest asset, her youth population is rapidly growing and expected to double by 2050.

We understand that youth engagement in agriculture will be essential to recovering from the economic impact of the pandemic, both to rejuvenate the continent’s agri-food system and develop economic opportunities for young Africans. Furthermore, this engagement will bring about the strategic shift needed to secure a sustainable and dynamic future for Africa’s smallholder farmers and Africa’s agricultural sector.

For this reason, Heifer is working with young African entrepreneurs to catalyze ground-up innovation from the youth, creating social businesses that address challenges faced by smallholder farmers at scale, and elevating agriculture as a desirable career. The passion and energy of young Africans can become the driving force of agricultural transformation and job creation in Africa. We are committed to addressing smallholder farmers challenges in Africa and providing a new incentive for young Africans to be bold, innovative and creative in solving food system issues across the continent.


13:00 - 13:45

Go to session

Networking Exhibition

The AGRF 2021 networking exhibition allows participants to connect directly in a live, virtual booth or meeting space for introductions and deal-making. Delegates can arrange multiple high-quality, investment-focused meetings and benefit from attending the free-flowing and structured networking events, workshops, and exhibitions.


13:00 - 13:30

Go to session

Participatory Events

Stretch your world and immense yourself in an engaging virtual experience, where you will have an opportunity to share, learn and interact with other participants.

Chef Chat with the Chefs’ Manifesto

Chefs are influencers, artisans, and part of the food system. They can encourage food use well beyond the customers they serve and the books they write. AGRF 2021 and the Chef’s Manifesto of the SDG2 Advocacy Hub will bring together some of Africa’s biggest food influencers to spark interest in African cuisine sourced from African products with an emphasis on diverse healthy diets.

The purpose of this collaboration between the Chefs’ Manifesto and AGRF is to continue to connect the consumption side of food with the production side. It is also to create exciting and stimulating content that amplifies key messages of Good Food For All and shows the link to the AGRF’s Action Tracks.

These chefs will foster commitments to:

  • Nutritious food that is accessible and affordable
  • African cuisines
  • Celebrating African ingredients and products from across the continent
  • Promoting diverse crops and diets

Moderator: Mr. Paul Newnham

  • Chef Coco Reinarhz (Burundian, based SA)
  • Chef Pinky Maruping (SA)


13:00 - 13:45

Go to session

Participatory Event

Launch of 2021 Africa Agriculture Trade Monitor (AATM)

African countries have diversified both their exports and trade partners over the last decade, but African agricultural trade still suffers from structural problems as well as exogenous shocks. Against this backdrop, the 2021 Africa Agriculture Trade Monitor (AATM) analyzes continental and regional trends in African agricultural trade flows and policies. The report reveals that many African countries continue to enjoy the most success in global markets with cash crops and niche products.

The AATM is produced as a collaborative effort between AKADEMIYA2063 and the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Session participants will discuss the research findings and policy recommendations of the 2021 AATM, an annual publication dedicated to addressing intra-African agricultural trade and informing AfCFTA implementation.

  • Ms. Sara Mbago-Bhunu, Director, East and Southern Africa Division, International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)
  • Dr. Godfrey Bahiigwa, Director, Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment, African Union Commission, Ethiopia
  • Dr. James Oehmke, Acting Division Chief, Bureau for Resilience and Food Security, U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), USA
  • Dr. Ousmane Badiane, Executive Chairperson, AKADEMIYA2063, Senegal
  • Mr. Yves Bernard Ningabire, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Trade and Industry, Rwanda
  • Dr. Johan Swinnen, Director General, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) & Global Director, Systems Transformation, CGIAR, USA
  • Dr. Silver Ojakol, Chief of Staff, African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, Ghana
  • Dr. Maximo Torero Cullen, Chief Economist, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Italy
  • Dr. Heike Hoeffler, Project Lead, Agricultural Trade, Agribusiness, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), Germany


13:00 - 13:45

Go to session

AGRF Press Briefing (Media Only)

Launch of 2021 Africa Agriculture Trade Monitor (AATM)

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 agriculture forward. And as part of the contributions to the UN Food Systems Summit (UNFSS), the 2021 AGRF Summit is expected to yield tangible and concrete outcomes in four areas: Equitable & Inclusive Livelihoods, Build Forward Better, Healthy People and Planet, and Sustainable Food Systems

This year's AGRF Summit aims to elevate the single coordinated African voice to the UNFSS and identify immediate actions and steps that need to be taken to accelerate progress and recovery towards inclusive agricultural transformation. Fascinating headliners and thought-provoking sessions will inspire each day's discussions and activities. The daily AGRF press briefings will engage food systems experts, and agriculture specialists will inspire action on African food systems.


13:30 - 14:00

Go to session

Commitments Showcase

These will be 15-minute highlights from key stakeholders and actors in the space highlighting initiatives and commitments to transform food systems and accelerate Africa’s delivery of the 2030 targets.

AGRA, WBCSD, CropLife, & AFAP: Deal Room Letters of Intent Signing


14:00 - 15:45

Go to session

Walking the Path to 2030: Commitments Framework

The pathways to transformed food systems demand more vision, resources, creativity, and energy. Collectively we must better align the nutritional needs of our people with the livelihoods of our rural population and fate of our planet. Putting this into action takes will. It also demands accountability. Hear from those working in the Deal Room to fund new entrepreneurship in Africa; those who are investing in the infrastructure to develop our continent; those who providing nutrition in new ways; and the innovators who are leading us to better resilience. This is the future of food systems and arriving there before 2030 is essential.

Moderator: Mr. Jeff Koinange, Citizen TV. Video Presentation

  • H.E. Amb. Kamau Macharia, MBS, Principal Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
  • Ms. Maura Barry, Senior Deputy Assistant Administrator for the Bureau for Resilience and Food Security, USAID
  • Dr. Beth Dunford, Vice President for Agriculture, Human and Social Development, African Development Bank
  • Mr. Leslie Maasdorp, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, New Development Bank
  • Dr. Kundhavi Kadiresan, Managing Director for Global Engagement and Innovation, CGIAR
  • Mr. Kunal Prasad, COO and CoFounder, CropIn
  • Dr. Roy Steiner, Managing Director of Food Initiative at The Rockefeller Foundation
  • Mr. Jai Shroff, Global CEO, UPL
  • Mr. Dominik Ziller, Vice President, IFAD

Concluding Remarks: H.E. Hailemariam Desalegn, Former Prime Minister of Ethiopia and Chairperson AGRF Partners Group


15:45 - 16:00

Go to session

Commitments Showcase

These will be 15-minute highlights from key stakeholders and actors in the space highlighting initiatives and commitments to transform food systems and accelerate Africa’s delivery of the 2030 targets.

AGRA Value Chains


16:00 - 17:15

Go to session

Call to Action: Implementation and Governance & Closing Ceremony

As a continent, Africa has several frameworks and commitments which most countries are signatories to including the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Malabo framework, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Africa’s Agenda2063 to name just a few. Despite these lofty and well-crafted programs and frameworks, implementing these commitments, frameworks and declarations for economic growth and shared prosperity has been one that will be classified as collective and collaborative failure due to the lack of collaborative leadership and coordination.

It is time to walk the talk and deliver economic growth, sustainable development and resilient food system through collaborative coordination, transformative governance framework, the right institutional architecture, sector governance and adequate public expenditure that catalyses private sector investments.

This session will therefore afford leaders from the private sector, farmers, civil society, development partners and government (Executive and Legislative branches, national and sub-national), the opportunity to discuss how best to walk the talk, strengthen integrated policy processes, ensure inter-agency collaboration and coordination, engagement of all stakeholders (private sector) and deliver a transformative food system for the continent.

Moderator: Ms. Jennifer Baarn, Acting Managing Director AGRF and Head of Partnerships, AGRA

Sequence 1: Delivering economic growth, sustainability and resilience by 2030

  • Dr. James Nyoro, Governor, Kiambu County, Kenya
  • Mr. Erik Fyrwald, CEO and Executive Director, Syngenta
  • Dr. Godfrey Bahiigwa, ARBE Director, African Union African
  • Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, Deputy Governor, Kaduna State Government
  • Ms. Lucy Muchoki, CEO, Pan-African Agribusiness and Agroindustry Consortium (PanAAC)
  • Hon. Christophe Bazivamo, Deputy Secretary General, Productive and Social Sectors, East African Community

Sequence 2: Closing Ceremony

  • Ms. Jennifer Baarn, Acting Managing Director AGRF and Head of Partnerships, AGRA
  • Dr. Agnes Kalibata, President of AGRA and UN Secretary General’s Special Envoy on Food Systems Summit
  • Hon. Peter G. Munya, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, and Cooperative (Kenya)
  • H.E. Hailemariam Desalegn, Former Prime Minister of Ethiopia and Chairperson AGRF Partners Group


Keynote Speakers


H.E Hailemariam Dessalegn

Board Chair - AGRA

Dr. Agnes Kalibata

President- AGRA

Dr. Adewale Oparinde

Founder and CEO of EZ-farming

H.E. Ambassador Josefa Leonel Correia SACKO

Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Development, African Union Commission (AUC)

Dr. Andreas Schlueter

Co-Founder and CTO, Flamingoo Foods

Dr. Andrew Wardell

Principal Scientist, Value Chains, Finance and Investment, Center for International Forestry (CIFOR)

Atsuko Toda

Director, Agricultural Finance and Rural Infrastructure Development Department at the African Development Bank

Prof. Barhoum Kharbouch

CEO and Founder, LOMBRISOL

Dr. Beth Dunford

Vice President for Agriculture, Human and Social Development African Development Bank

Dr. Chinwe Effiong

Assistant Dean for the Global Youth Advancement Network

David Nabarro

Curator of Food Systems Dialogues and 4SD Strategic Director

Dr. Donal Brown

Associate Vice-President, Programme Management Department, International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)

Dr. Ekta H. Patel

Scientist & Bioscience Communications Manager, International Livestock Research Institute

Dr. Fadel Ndiame

Deputy President, AGRA

Dr. Felix Kwame Yeboah

Assistant Professor of International Development at Michigan State University

Dr. Harold Roy-Macauley

Regional Director, East and Southern Africa, One CGIAR

Dr. Irene Annor-Frempong

Director for Research and Innovation, Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa’ (FARA)

Dr. Ismahane Elouafi

Chief Scientist, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), United Nations

Dr. Jemimah Njuki

Director for Africa, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) & Leader, Gender Equality and Women Empowerment, United Nations Food System Summit (UNFSS)

Dr. Johan Swinnen

Director General, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI)

Hon. Joseph Mucheru, MBS, EGH

Cabinet Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Communications and Technology, Kenya

Hon. Karina Gould

Minister of International Development

Prof. Kevin Chika Urama

Senior Director of the African Development Institute at the African Development Bank Group

Dr. Kwesi Atta Krah

Director, Country and Regional Engagement, at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA)

Dr. Lawrence Haddad

Executive Director, Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN)

Hon. Lobin Clarke Lowe

Minister of Agriculture, Member of Parliament for Lilongwe Central, MCP

Dr. Mandefro Nigussie

Chief Executive Officer, Agricultural Transformation Agency of Ethiopia

Dr. Máximo Torero Cullen

Chief Economist, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

Hon. Michael J. Z. Katambo

Minister of Agriculture, Government of Zambia

H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat

African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson

Dr. Nalishebo Meebelo

Head, Secretariat of the Regional Network of Agricultural Policy Research Institutes (ReNAPRI)

Dr. Obiageli “Oby” Katryn Ezekwesili

Senior Economic Adviser, Africa Economic Development Policy Initiative

Hon. Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto

Chief Economic Advisor - International Coffee Organization (ICO)

Dr. Patience B. Rwamigisa

Commissioner for Agricultural Extension Coordination, Directorate of Agricultural Extension Services, Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Uganda

Rajiv Shah

President, Rockefeller Foundation

Dr. Redouane Choukrallah

Professor and Head of the Salinity and Plant Nutrition Laboratory, Institute of Agronomy and Veterinary Hassan II

Prof. Richard Mkandawire

Africa Director of the Alliance for African Partnership (AAP), and Chairperson, Malawi’s National Planning Commission

Dr. Robert Gouantoueu Guei

Sub-Regional Coordinator for West Africa, Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO)

Dr. Shadrack Moephuli

Chair of South Africa’s National Advisory Council on Innovation (NACI)

Simon Winter

Executive Director Syngenta Foundation for Sustainable Agriculture

Dr. Susan Chomba

Director of Vital Landscapes at the World Resources Institute (WRI) Africa

Dr. Theo De Jager

President of the World Farmers’ Organisation

Hon. Thokozile Didiza

Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development

Plenary Speakers


Abebe Haile-Gabriel

FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Africa

Ade Freeman

Regional Programme Leader, FAO Africa Regional Office

Adesoji (Soji) Adelaja

John A. Hannah Distinguished Professor in Land Policy at Michigan State University (MSU)

Aggie Asiimwe Konde

Vice President, Program Innovation and Delivery at AGRA

Alice Ruhweza

Regional Director for Africa at the WWF

Aloys Ntezimana

Managing Director, Feel Africa Ltd

Amina J. Mohammed

United Nations Deputy Secretary-General

Ammad Bahalim

Senior Program Officer, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Andrew Cox

Chief of Staff & Strategy, AGRA

Atinuke Lebile

Co-Founder and COO, CATO Foods

Ayodeji Balogun

Chief Executive Officer, AFEX Commodities Exchange Ltd.

Bertin Fokou

Co-Founder, Ditex Ltd.

Betty Kibaara

Director, Food Initiative at The Rockefeller Foundation, Africa Region Office

Blayne Tesfaye

Co-Founder, TruLuv Granola

Brigid Letty

Agricultural Development Specialist, Institute of Natural Resources NPC (INR)

Brigitha Faustin

Founder OBRI Tanzania

Catherine Mloza Banda

Regional Program Officer-East & Southern Africa, Farm Radio International

Chidinma Eriobu

Founder & CEO, Phronesis Foods Nigeria Ltd.

Chigozie Bashua

CEO and Founder of the Nut Place

Chinenye Juliet Ejezie

Agribusiness Lead, GCSAYN Secretariat

Coco Reinarhz

Chef

Daniel Asare-Kyei

Chief Executive Officer, Esoko

Dexter Tangocci

Co-founder, CTO and Geo-spatial analyst, Integrated Aerial Systems

Djalou Franco

Senior Business Advisor, Rikolto (EA)

Donald Mavindidze

HarvestPlus, African Regional Director

Dorcas Omole

Research Fellow, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture and Co-Founder, EnableAgWomen

Douglas Steinberg

Practice Director, Building Resilient Communities, NCBA CLUSA

Edidah Lubega Ampaire

Senior Programme Specialist, International Development Research Centre (IDRC)

Edith Wheatland

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Rockland Farms, Rockland Meat and Eco Feed

Edson Mpyisi

Coordinator of the ENABLE Youth Program, African Development Bank (AfDB)

Edward (Ed) Mabaya

Research Professor in the Department of Global Development, International Professor in College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and Senior Research Associate in the Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management at Cornell University

Elizabeth Berthe

Partner, MicroSave Consulting Africa

Elizabeth Gikebe

Founder and CEO, Mhogo Foods

Elizabeth Nsimadala

President, Panafrican Farmers Organisation (PAFO)

Ellen Cathrine Rasmussen

EVP for Scalable Enterprises, EVP

Ertharin Cousin

Distinguished Fellow, Global Food and Agriculture, Chicago Council on Global Affairs

Etienne Niyigaba

Agriculture Extension Advisor and Founder of Youth Engagement in Agriculture Network (YEAN)

Ewurabena Yanyi-Akofur

Director of Programs at Heifer Project International

Fadja Barry

Co-Founder GoMarkit

Fatma Ben Rejeb

Chief Executive Officer, Pan-African Farmers’ Organization (PAFO)

Fernanda Lopes Larsen

Executive Vice President, Africa & Asia, Yara International

Fred Swaniker

Founder & CEO, African Leadership Group

George Okeyo-Apaka

Programs Lead, Agriculture Mastercard Foundation

Georgie Ndirangu

BBC Broadcast Journalist

Gerald Chirinda

Founder and CEO, Future Africa Investments Limited

Gerald Makau Masila

Executive Director/CEO, Eastern Africa Grain Council

Gerda Verburg

UN Assistant Secretary-General and SUN Movement Coordinator

Gilbert F. Houngbo

President, International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)

Graça Machel

Founder, Graça Machel Trust

Grace Nanyonjo

Gender Specialist and Coordinator, National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO)

Gunhild A. Stordalen

Founder and Executive, EAT

Hellen Akinyi Onyango

Cereal Grain Aggregator

Ifeoluwa Olatayo

Founder Soupah Limited

Ify Umunna

Co-Founder & Co-CEO, Nourishing Africa Limited

Ishmael Sunga

CEO SACAU

James Wachihi Muturi

Kenya County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries

Jamie Anderson

Senior Financial Sector Specialist, Rural and Agricultural Livelihoods

Jane Onoka

IFC, Agribusiness supply chains and gender advisory

Jane Wanza Kamau

Commercialization and Agribusiness Manager, Aflasafe, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA)

Jannifer Muthike

Founder, Dudu Masters Ltd

Jason Scarpone

President and CEO, The African Fertilizer and Agribusiness Partnership (AFAP)

Jean Claude Rubyogo

Global Bean Programme Leader and Director, Pan-Africa Bean Research Alliance (PABRA)

Jeff Koinange

Show Host, Jeff Koinange Live, Citizen Tv

Jehiel Oliver

Founder and CEO of Hello Tractor

Jennifer Baarn

Acting Managing Director - AGRF

Jim Banhart

Chief Nutritionist. USAID

JJ Johnson

Chef, Founder, TV Personality and Author

Joachim Von Braun

Director of the Center for Development Research (ZEF)

João Duarte Cunha

Division Manager, Renewable Energy (AfDB)

John Ereng

Regional Rice Cluster Coordinator, Rikolto (EA)

Jonathan Said

Head of Sectoral Practices, Africa Advisory Division, Tony Blair Institute

Joseph Newton Mathenge

Advocate of the High Court of Kenya and Founding Member of the G-Star Youth Group

Joshua Zake

Executive Director, Environmental Alert

Julie Crowley

Regional Director, IDRC, Central and West Africa

Kebba Colley

Director, Inclusive Business Development, IDH

Ken Lohento

Digital Innovation Strategy Consultant, Food and Agriculture Organization

Kiran Jethwa

International Celebrity Chef and Filmmaker

Kofi Kisiedu Acquaye

Africa Coordinator, Young Professionals in Agricultural Development (YPARD) Africa

Larry Umunna

Regional Director West Africa, TechnoServe

Laurette Dubé

Founding Chair and Scientific Director, McGill Centre for the Convergence of Health Economics

Leesa Shrader

Program Director of the AgriFin Accelerate and AgriFin Digital Farmer Programs at Mercy Corps

Leticia Mpuya

Development Practitioner

Lionel Zinsou

Founder and Managing Partner, SouthBridge

Louise Fox

Senior Fellow, Brookings Institute

Mandla Nkomo

Chief Growth Officer, CGIAR Excellence in Agronomy 2030

Mansoor Ahmad MBE

Team Lead Africa Agri-business Impact Investment & Regional Food Trade at the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office

Mark Andrew Meassick

Mission Director

Mark Blackett

AMEA, Network Director

Martin Fregene

Director of Agriculture and Agro-Industry at the African Development Bank

Martine Moguem

Project Assistant, Farm Radio International

Matthew Shakhovskoy

Director, ISF Advisors

Melvin Spreij

Head, Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF) Secretariat

Mercy Ruii

Program Officer, International Development Research Centre (IDRC)

Michael von During

Technical Specialist, Smallholder and Agri-SME Finance and Investment Network (SAFIN) at International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)

Mike Nkhombo Khunga

Vice-Chair UN Food Systems Summit Action Track 5, Nutrition Advocate at Civil Society Organisation Nutrition Alliance (CSONA) Malawi, and Youth Leader for Nutrition at SUNCSN

Mwaka Mupe

Founder and CEO of Fieldarc Global

Mwandwe Chileshe

Global Citizen Campaigner

Nana Adjoa Sifa

Founder, Guzakuza

Nane Annan

Kofi Annan Foundation board member, nutrition advocate, artist, and former lawyer.

Natasha Santos

Vice President, Head of Global Stakeholder Strategy & Affairs, Bayer AG, Crop Science Division

Nathaniel Ofori

Digital Innovation Manager, Farm Radio International

Ndavi Muia

Regional Head for Africa & Middle East, Advanta Seeds International

Nienke Buisman

Head of Unit International Cooperation Policy in the European Commission, Directorate-General Research & Innovation

Nigest Haile

Founder and Executive Director, Center for Accelerated Women’s Economic Empowerment (CAWEE)

Nnaemeka Ikegwuonu

Executive Director of Smallholders Foundation Ltd

Nono Sekhoto

Lead African Leadership for Agribusiness Network

Okonkwo Ndidi Nwuneli

Ndidi Nwuneli, Managing Partner, Sahel Consulting

Ousmane Badiane

Executive Chairperson & Acting Managing Director, AKADEMIYA 2063 and Member of Mamo Panel

Patience Mukweza

Head of Research and Development, Cairns Holdings Limited

Patrick Kiao

Managing Director, ESOKO East Africa, Tanzania

Paul Ilona

HarvestPlus, Country Manager Nigeria (support)

Paul Matovu

Founder Vertical and Micro Gardening

Paul Siameh

National Director, Directorate of Agricultural Extension Services, Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Ghana

Peter Bakker

President and CEO the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD)

Peter Ballantyne

Consultant, Communications and Knowledge Management, International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)

Pinky Maruping

Chef

Redi Tlhabi

Journalist, Producer, Radio and Television Presenter, Columnist, and Author

Rein Andre Paulsen

Director, Office of Emergencies and Resilience (OER), FAO

Rex Chapota

Senior Advisor, Strategy and Growth, Farm Radio International

Rodgers Kirwa

CEO and Founder of iAgribiz Africa

Roy Peleg

Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Growing Smart

Ruben G. Echeverria

Chairperson, CGIAR Global Commission on Sustainable Agriculture Intesification (CoSAI)

Ruramiso Mashumba

Founder and Director, Mnandi Africa

Sherrie Silver

IFAD Advocate for Rural Youth

Ska Mirriam Moteane

Chef

Taziona Chaponda

Managing Director, Malawi Agricultural and Industrial Investment Corporation (MAIIC)

Tei Mukunya

Founder and CEO, Azuri Health, Kenya

Tei Mukunya Oundo

CEO and Co-Founder, Nature Lock LLP

Thato Moagi-Mugonda

Farmer and Managing Director, Black Sheep Agribusiness

Tilahun Amede

Principal Scientist – Natural Resources and Systems Agronomy at ICRISAT

Tom Kehoe

Deputy Director, Region Focus, Africa

Tracy Kimathi

Founder, Baridi

Vanessa Adams

Vice President, Strategic Partnerships & Chief of Party, Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA)

Victoria Sabula

CEO at AECF

Vimal Shah

Chairman, Bidco Africa Ltd

Wamkele Mene

Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat

William Asiko

Managing Director, Africa Regional Office, The Rockefeller Foundation

William Matovu

Heifer International, Uganda Country Director

Yassine Cherkaoui

Vice President- Strategy, Innovation and Analytics, OCP North America

Yenenesh Egu

Director of Extension, Ministry of Agriculture, Ethiopia

Yi Li

Co-founder FarmWorks

Zoe Adjonyoh

Chef, Writer, Entrepreneur, and Founder of Zoe’s Ghana Kitchen

Declaration at the 11th African Green Revolution Forum


10 September, 2021

  1. We the 8,300 participants of the Eleventh African Green Revolution Forum (AGRF) came together in Nairobi, Kenya, from 7 to 10 September 2021 to call for and plan action on building resilient food systems in Africa. We express our appreciation to the Government of Kenya for its active and leading role as host, the personal leadership of H.E. President Uhuru Kenyatta, and the direction of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Co-operatives.

  2. Here at the AGRF, we have heard a strong call for Africa and the world to change the way we produce, process, market, consume food, and reduce waste. We know that a failure to change will make it impossible to achieve the key sustainable development goal of ending hunger by 2030 on this continent. Hunger and poverty in Africa can only end with resilient food systems.

  3. We have drawn energy and inspiration from our AGRF partnership, and a diverse range of influential experts from across the African agriculture landscape. We seize the opportunity offered by the UN Food Systems Summit on 23 September and are determined to contribute to its success.

  4. We recognise the Government of Kenya’s continental leadership during the summit proceedings and recognise the transformative action to change the narrative around agriculture through the establishment of the school based agricultural clubs at the primary and school levels. Through the clubs the Government of Kenya will raise awareness of agriculture, environmental conservation from the formative ages of young children which will inevitably infiltrate into the community.

  5. This year’s AGRF has underscored and reaffirmed our understanding of what food systems are, and the criticality of food and agriculture on this continent. Indeed, COVID-19 amplified our understanding of the weaknesses in our food systems. It underscored the deep-rooted threat posed by changes to our climate, exacerbated by other external shocks and pressures that influence the way we produce, process, trade, and consume food.

  6. The threat posed by climate change must be urgently addressed. We acknowledge that continuing with ‘business as usual’ will prevent achievement of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, as well as Africa’s Agenda 2063 targets. We are resolute that Africa’s challenges be addressed directly, with solutions and pathways defined.

  7. We were joined by 6 presidents and some 20 ministers; and a ‘Council of Elders’ to support leaders on the continent. We took heart from their declared commitment to building resilient food systems, and their firm determination to translate these commitments into inclusive policy formulation, prioritization and resource allocation, and accountability.

  8. Africa’s leaders have called out, guided by the Africa Common Position Document and the UN Food System Summit areas of action, areas of urgent priority. African countries will:

    1. catalyze rapid expansion in agriculture and food productivity, with a particular focus on smallholder farmers and women;

    2. boost investment financing for Africa’s food systems;

    3. ensure access to safe and nutritious food for all;

    4. strengthen Africa’s local and regional food markets;

    5. Build resilience especially through social safety nets, and early warning systems.

  9. The #AGRF2021 affirms inclusion as critical to achieving potential and sustainability, with youth and women leading prominently across the AGRF Summit programme. Women and youth entrepreneurs were recognized and honored for their leadership and achievement on the pathway to inclusive business development and advocacy. Civil society raised their challenges and ideas directly to presidents and ministers.

  10. During the week, we saw major commitments in nutrition, innovation, renewable energy, climate change, regional food trade, and investment being made towards the transformation of food systems. Participants have committed to resilient value chain development for farm inputs, through to how we process, transport, and retail products; and manage our food waste. We also heard how important it is to invest in innovation, digital technologies, and the need for renewable energy for its future path. During the week, we saw major commitments in nutrition, innovation, renewable energy, climate change, regional food trade, and investment being made towards the transformation of food systems.

  11. This AGRF recognised the breadth of policy and financial commitments required to drive investments, from government to private sector. In the Agribusiness DealRoom, we have seen over 4,000 entrepreneurs and leaders from 89 countries present $5.1 billion investment needs. Recognizing that SMEs are key to building resilient food systems, especially those led by women and youth, 822 SMEs sought investment in the Agribusiness DealRoom. We have learned from each other and the experts at this forum.

  12. The AGRF has become a moment to celebrate talent in Africa. The Africa Food prize was awarded to International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT). The GO GETTAZ agripreneur prizes went to two bright young people. Women agripreneurs were honored through the Value4Her awards, emphasizing the need for collaboration, mutual learning and solidarity.

  13. Recognizing the urgency of addressing challenges and raising ambition to meet the demands of this and future generations to end hunger, the AGRF calls upon leaders, institutions, investors, coalitions, and individuals to accelerate action towards the 2030 SDGs, and unlock change for people, prosperity and planet by building resilient food systems.

Click to Download Declaration
General FAQs

About the AGRF 2021 Summit
2021 is a critical year for Food Systems. The AGRF 2021 Summit is a defining moment in highlighting and unlocking the political, policy, and financial commitments and innovations the continent has made and that it continues to work towards achieving. It is about advancing the commitments made at the Malabo Heads of State Summit and working hard to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. The AGRF Summit will provide a platform for governments and communities; including youth, women, civil society, and other stakeholders around the world to discuss their food systems and identify ways to strengthen them.
What are the summit action tracks?

The AGRF 2021 programme seeks to showcase solutions and elevate pathways to food systems transformation and recovery under four action tracks:

  1. Leveraging trade and competitiveness for continental economic recovery
  2. Advancing equitable livelihoods
  3. Delivering nutritious food in an affordable and environmentally sustainable way
  4. Building resilient food systems
What does the Summit hope to achieve?

The summit hopes to deliver on the following outcomes:

  1. Articulate an African vision on inclusive agricultural transformation
  2. Reflect on emerging coalitions
  3. Identify priority country-level areas for support and intervention
  4. Complement public commitments with commitments from other stakeholders
  5. Catalyse an action agenda towards the UN Food Systems Summit
Where and when will the Summit take place
The AGRF 2021 Summit will take place on September 7-10, 2021, with a pre-summit event scheduled for Sep 6, 2021. The summit will be a hybrid with a small physical participation in Nairobi and broadcast virtually. The Summit will be hosted by Kenya on behalf of the AGRF secretariate and the AGRF partners group
Who can join the Summit?
The Summit is open to everyone and its free. You can register to join virtually on https://agrf.summit.tc
How can I contribute to the AGRF 2021 Summit?
  • Recommend a speaker - AGRFProgram@agrf.org
  • Sponsor an of event during the summit – email Ann Muthoni on AMuthoni@agra.org
  • Register for the dealroom as an investor, entrepreneur or government institution - dealroom@agra.org
  • Register and get others to register - https://agrf.summit.tc
How do I become a sponsor for the AGRF 2021 Summit?
For more details on partnerships and sponsorships visit this page

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