AFS 2024 highlights innovative solutions and urgent collaboration needed to address Africa’s food crisis, challenging us to act decisively.
What if redesigning Africa’s food systems could eliminate hunger across the continent? The Africa Food Systems Forum (AFS) 2024 aims to do just that. Held from September 2-6 at the Kigali Convention Center in Rwanda, this year’s event focuses on innovation, acceleration, and scaling solutions to transform food systems in the digital and climate era.
The forum brought together 5,000 attendees from 97 countries, including 381 CEOs and 37 ministers. This diverse group represents a powerful coalition of decision-makers and innovators poised to shape Africa’s agricultural future. Youth involvement is particularly notable, with 882 young participants bringing fresh perspectives. Their energy and ideas are crucial for driving economic growth and ensuring food security across the continent.
The presence of seven former heads of state and prime ministers, along with current leaders like Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame, signaled the importance of the Forum’s agenda at the highest levels of government and policy-making, highlighting the event’s political significance and lending additional weight to the proceedings. These figures bring their experience and influence to discussions on agricultural transformation and food system resilience.
With 149 journalists in attendance, the forum’s impact extends far beyond the convention center walls. Their coverage will amplify key messages and innovations to a global audience, potentially catalyzing further investment and collaboration in African agriculture.
Voices Across the Continent
The opening ceremony of the Africa Food Systems Forum (AFS) 2024 set a powerful tone for the discussions ahead. Rwanda’s Prime Minister, Hon. Édouard Ngirente, kicked off the event by highlighting its pivotal role in shaping agricultural policies and investments across Africa. His address emphasized the Forum’s influence on sustainable food systems development and its potential to drive real change.
Dr. Agnes Kalibata, President of AGRA, delivered a keynote speech that resonated with the audience. She highlighted the critical need to empower youth and women in agriculture, aligning perfectly with the Forum’s innovative theme. Dr. Kalibata shared an encouraging statistic: 40% of the current Centre for African Leaders in Agriculture (CALA) cohort consists of young people. This figure demonstrates AGRA’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of agricultural leaders.
His Excellency Hailemariam Dessalegn, AGRA Board Chair, built on these themes by stressing the importance of partnerships in advancing climate-smart and sustainable farming practices. He called for policies that would create a more favorable environment for youth participation in agriculture. Dessalegn’s remarks highlighted the crucial role of innovative solutions in transforming food systems across the continent.
Throughout the opening ceremony, speakers consistently addressed the need for collaboration and sustainable practices to address Africa’s food security challenges. They painted a picture of an agricultural sector on the cusp of transformation, with innovation and youth engagement as key drivers of change. As the ceremony concluded, it was clear that the stage had been set for deep, meaningful discussions in the days to come. The collective vision articulated by these leaders provided a robust framework for exploring solutions to some of Africa’s most pressing agricultural challenges.
Building on the momentum of the opening ceremony, the Forum turned its attention to specific national initiatives driving agricultural transformation. Sierra Leone emerged as a focal point, with Hon. Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, Chief Minister of Sierra Leone, delivering a compelling keynote address. Dr. Sengeh painted a vivid picture of Sierra Leone’s agricultural potential, positioning the nation as a future powerhouse in the production and export of key staples. He identified rice, cassava, cocoa, and coffee as strategic crops poised to fuel the country’s economic growth.
Expanding on this vision, Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, introduced the Feed Salone Flagship program. This ambitious initiative aims to revolutionize the country’s agricultural sector, targeting both domestic food security and export markets. The program’s goals are twofold: achieving self-sufficiency in food production while simultaneously attracting significant private-sector investment. Dr. Kpaka revealed that the initiative seeks to secure an estimated $1.8 billion in investment to fuel this comprehensive transformation. By showcasing the Feed Salone Flagship program, Sierra Leone demonstrated its commitment to leveraging agriculture as a catalyst for broader economic development. This approach aligns closely with the Forum’s overarching themes of innovation and scaling solutions for food system transformation.
As the Forum progressed, discussions explored specific initiatives and regional collaborations driving agricultural transformation across Africa. The Africa Agriculture Status Report 2024 brought attention to the crucial role of Medium and Small Enterprises (MSMEs) in reshaping the continent’s agro-food systems. Over the past decade, these enterprises have become key players in agricultural growth and innovation, responding to changing market dynamics and evolving consumer demands.
The ECOWAS Rice Observatory session brought attention to West Africa’s push for rice self-sufficiency. The Regional Rice Roadmap, presented during this discussion, laid out ambitious targets for increasing productivity and sustainability in the rice sector by 2035. Participants explored strategies to overcome climate change impacts, improve agronomic practices, and strengthen infrastructure. The roadmap’s vision of reducing import dependency and enhancing food security resonated strongly with attendees.
Country-specific deal rooms provided platforms for nations to showcase their agricultural potential and investment opportunities. Zambia’s session stood out, revealing the country’s vast untapped resources—42 million hectares of arable land, with only 1.5 million currently cultivated. Zambia’s water wealth, comprising 40% of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region’s total, further illustrated its potential as an agricultural powerhouse. The country’s representatives focused on attracting partnerships to drive development in irrigated agriculture, mechanization, and financial access.
Uganda’s deal room painted a picture of diverse agricultural opportunities, emphasizing key sectors like bananas, cassava, and coffee. The country’s strategy centered on developing industrial parks and enhancing value chains to boost productivity and export potential. Uganda’s presentation aimed to position the country as an attractive destination for agricultural investment, leveraging its natural resources and strategic initiatives.
A unique collaboration emerged in the form of a joint dealroom session between Burkina Faso and Mali. This strategic alliance, introduced by AGRA’s Country Director in Burkina Faso, Jules Some, and officially opened by Mali’s Minister of Agriculture, Daniel Siméon Kelema, revealed shared visions for agricultural transformation. Burkina Faso outlined key reforms, including enhancing agricultural inputs through the Burkinabè Society of Inputs and Agropastoral Materials (SOBIMAP), pursuing blended financing, and fostering public-private partnerships. Mali’s strategy focused on improving soil health, boosting productivity, advancing mechanization, and integrating irrigation systems. This collaborative approach between Burkina Faso and Mali reflected a growing trend of regional cooperation in addressing agricultural challenges. The presence of high-level officials, including H.E. Yaya Doucoure, Ambassador of Mali to Rwanda, signaled the importance placed on these joint efforts.
Throughout these sessions, a common thread emerged: the recognition that transforming Africa’s agriculture sector requires a multi-faceted approach. From empowering MSMEs and improving crop-specific value chains to unlocking untapped land resources and fostering regional collaborations, the discussions underlined the complexity and interconnectedness of the continent’s food systems.
The Forum continued to catalyze dialogue, bringing together diverse stakeholders to share insights, strategies, and opportunities. As country representatives and regional bodies presented their visions and initiatives, the collective ambition to revolutionize African agriculture became increasingly apparent. The Forum’s commitment to inclusivity and innovation was further demonstrated through its focus on youth and women in agribusiness. These sessions highlighted the transformative potential of these often underrepresented groups in shaping Africa’s agricultural future.
The Gogettaz Grand Finale emerged as a dynamic platform for young agripreneurs to showcase their innovative ventures. This event not only celebrated the ingenuity of Africa’s youth but also served as a crucial nexus, connecting promising startups with potential investors. By fostering these connections, the Forum actively contributed to the integration of youth-driven innovation into the broader agricultural ecosystem.
The Women Agri-Preneur of the Year Award (WAYA) brought attention to the pivotal role of women in agribusiness. This year’s recipient, Affiong Williams, Founder and CEO of ReelFruit, illustrated the transformative impact of female leadership in the sector. The record-breaking 1,535 applications from 44 African nations for WAYA signaled the growing prominence and ambition of women in agriculture across the continent.
Discussions throughout the Forum consistently stressed the importance of youth and women in driving agricultural innovation and leadership. Bertha Mkandawire from AGRA pointed out agriculture’s potential as a key sector for engaging Africa’s burgeoning youth population, noting an increasing trend of young Africans viewing agribusiness as a viable and attractive career path.
These initiatives and discussions collectively reinforced the Forum’s overarching message: that the future of African agriculture lies in harnessing the creativity, energy, and leadership of its youth and women. By providing platforms for recognition, networking, and investment, the AFS 2024 actively contributed to building a more inclusive and innovative agricultural sector. The Forum’s discourse expanded to encompass the critical intersection of nutrition and food systems transformation. A dedicated session looked into the complexities of food quality and its far-reaching impacts on health and productivity across Africa.
Discussions moved beyond the traditional focus on food quantity, addressing the paramount importance of nutritional quality. Speakers addressed the economic toll of malnutrition, linking it to reduced productivity and increased healthcare costs. The session painted a stark picture of the challenges faced, from micronutrient deficiencies in children to rising obesity rates among adults, underlining how these issues undermine Africa’s economic potential and workforce efficiency.
A compelling perspective was offered by Hon. Richard Nyirishema, Rwanda’s Minister of Sports, who drew a direct line between nutrition and athletic performance. His remarks drew attention to the value of indigenous foods in supporting optimal physical development, broadening the conversation to include cultural and traditional dietary practices in the pursuit of improved nutrition.
This session reinforced a key theme emerging throughout the Forum: the need for a holistic approach to food systems transformation. By placing nutrition at the core of agricultural and economic strategies, the discussions pointed towards a future where food systems not only feed but nourish Africa’s populations, driving improvements in health, productivity, and overall quality of life.
The emphasis on nutrition as both an economic and moral imperative resonated strongly, challenging attendees to consider how nutritional considerations could be more effectively integrated into policy-making and program development across the continent.
Steering the Ship Forward
The Forum’s exploration of leadership in agriculture reached a new depth with insights from the Council of the Wise. This group of former leaders, including Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, brought a wealth of experience to discussions on agro-biodiversity and mentorship. Dr. Jonathan’s remarks brought into focus a critical yet often overlooked aspect of food security: the erosion of agro-biodiversity in Africa. He drew a direct line between this loss and the continent’s nutritional challenges, emphasizing the need for visionary leadership to address these complex issues.
The Council’s focus extended beyond current challenges to the cultivation of future leaders. They stressed the importance of mentorship, particularly in guiding young innovators to leverage technology effectively in addressing food system challenges. This intergenerational approach to leadership development emerged as a key strategy for ensuring sustainable progress in African agriculture.
By addressing both the restoration of agro-biodiversity and the nurturing of young talent, the Council of the Wise provided a comprehensive vision for the future of African food systems. Their insights illustrated the multifaceted nature of agricultural leadership, encompassing environmental stewardship, technological innovation, and human capital development.
The Forum’s focus shifted to the critical role of governance in shaping Africa’s agricultural future through a high-profile Ministerial Roundtable and a session on Agriculture Parliamentarians. Dr. Ibrahim Mayaki chaired the Ministerial Roundtable, bringing together over 60 high-level officials to strategize on food systems transformation. This gathering emphasized the need for robust policy implementation and collaborative approaches to overcome challenges in the digital and climate eras. Ministers shared successful strategies and identified actionable steps to enhance food security and resilience across the continent.
Complementing the ministerial discussions, the parliamentary session demonstrated the crucial role of legislators in crafting and enforcing food systems policies. The African Food Systems Parliamentary Network (AFSPaN) advocated for gender-sensitive policies that balance agricultural productivity with social equity. Parliamentarians were called upon to bridge the gap between policy and practice, ensuring public spending aligns with food systems investment plans.
These sessions brought to light a critical theme: effective governance and policy-making are foundational to achieving sustainable transformation in Africa’s food systems. By bringing together executive and legislative leaders, the Forum fostered a comprehensive dialogue on the political and legal frameworks needed to support agricultural innovation and resilience. The emphasis on gender-sensitive policies and the integration of technology and climate considerations reflected a holistic approach to food systems governance, recognizing the interconnected nature of these challenges and opportunities.
Fueling the Green Revolution
The Forum’s exploration of agricultural transformation extended into the critical realm of finance and investment. Discussions centered on innovative funding models and strategies essential for scaling agricultural initiatives across Africa. A key focus emerged on inclusive and sustainable financing models tailored to the unique needs of women and smallholder farmers. The sessions highlighted the importance of diversifying financial instruments to support various stages of food system development, from production to market access.
Women’s role in risk management emerged as a crucial factor in food system investments. Hedwig Siewertsen outlined how women’s tendency to adopt diversified business strategies enhances sustainability and mitigates risk, a critical consideration in the volatile agricultural sector. Concrete initiatives were showcased, including Bayer’s Better Life Farming program, which empowers smallholder farmers with comprehensive skills and resources. The Norwegian Government’s announcement of a $35 million fund for agri-SMEs demonstrated a tangible commitment to bridging financing gaps and fostering innovation.
These discussions and announcements demonstrated a growing recognition of the need for tailored financial products and risk management strategies in African agriculture. By highlighting successful models and new funding opportunities, the Forum provided a roadmap for leveraging finance as a catalyst for comprehensive food system transformation.
From Words to Harvest
As the Forum drew to a close, President Paul Kagame delivered a thoughtful remark, praising the Africa Food Systems Forum’s achievements and outlining future goals. He recognized the pivotal role of the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) and its leaders, including former Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Dessalegn, the Board Chair, and AGRA President Dr. Agnes Kalibata, for their significant contributions to advancing Africa’s food systems.
Kagame emphasized that food production is central to both our economies and daily lives. In Africa, where many people rely on agriculture and agribusiness, there have been notable improvements in making food systems more resilient and productive. However, he stressed that much work remains to enhance farmers’ productivity and income. He noted that increasing productivity can lower food prices, which in turn helps reduce poverty and manage inflation.
The Forum showcased effective strategies for accelerating progress, including the adoption of digital and technological tools and the need for greater private investment in agriculture. Expressing pride in hosting the Forum in Rwanda, President Kagame viewed the event as a crucial opportunity to build on recent successes and drive long-term improvements in Africa’s food systems.
Now, the challenge lies in sustaining this momentum. Will we see the $35 million Norwegian fund catalyze a wave of agri-SME innovations? Can the insights on nutrition translate into healthier, more resilient communities? The answers depend on our collective commitment to implement the strategies discussed.
We urge you to rethink your daily habits and their impact on Africa’s food systems. The Africa Food Systems Forum 2024 has sown the seeds of progress, but the real work begins now. With the forum concluded, each of us carries the responsibility to turn discussions into action.
As we return to our respective roles, let’s carry forward the spirit of collaboration and innovation that defined AFS 2024. The future of Africa’s food security rests in our hands, shaped by the choices we make and the actions we take today.
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