Africa Food Systems (AFS) Forum 2026 Summit Launch in Kigali, Rwanda: Celebrating 20 Years of Food Systems Transformation in Africa @Unknown

The Africa Food Systems Forum has officially announced the launch of the AFS Forum 2026 Summit, marking a significant milestone: 20 years of advancing food systems transformation across Africa.

The upcoming summit will bring together policymakers, agricultural experts, investors, entrepreneurs, and development partners to explore solutions for strengthening Africa’s agri-food sector.

This year’s gathering will focus on building resilient food systems that support economic growth, job creation, and food security across the continent.

Theme for 2026: Investing in Africa’s Agri-Food Systems

The central theme for the 2026 summit is:

“Investing in Africa’s Agri-Food Systems: Nourishing Nations, Growing Jobs, Building Resilience.”

The theme reflects a growing recognition that agriculture and food systems are not only critical for addressing hunger but also for driving economic development, employment opportunities, and climate resilience.

Discussions will focus on increasing investment in agriculture, strengthening value chains, improving food production systems, and empowering farmers, youth, and agribusiness innovators.

Event Details

The AFS Forum 2026 Summit will take place in Kigali, Rwanda, at the Kigali Convention Centre, one of the region’s leading conference venues.

Event information:

• Date: 31 March 2026
• Time: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
• Location: Kigali Convention Centre, Kigali, Rwanda

The summit is expected to attract leaders from across Africa and around the world who are committed to shaping the future of food systems on the continent.

About the Africa Food Systems Forum

The Africa Food Systems Forum is widely regarded as the premier platform for agricultural transformation in Africa. The forum convenes governments, private sector leaders, farmers, development organisations, and researchers to identify solutions that strengthen food systems and support sustainable agricultural growth.

Over the years, the forum has become a critical space for sharing knowledge, mobilising investment, and driving coordinated action across the continent’s agriculture sector.

Forum by the Numbers

The forum’s impact over the years is reflected in its growing global participation:

• 15 summits held to date
• 54,000+ delegates who have participated in discussions and initiatives
• Representation from 104 countries
• More than 35 publications produced to support knowledge sharing and policy development

Key Focus Areas of the Forum

The forum’s work is structured around three major pillars designed to advance food system transformation.

1. The Annual Summit

The flagship summit brings together diverse stakeholders to discuss policy priorities, investment opportunities, and collaborative strategies to improve food systems across Africa.

2. Technical Assistance

The forum supports governments, organisations, and partners through technical expertise and advisory services aimed at improving agricultural systems and food policies.

3. Financing Platform

A dedicated financing platform helps mobilise investments into agriculture and agri-food systems, ensuring that innovative projects and initiatives receive the resources needed to scale.

A Brief History of the Forum

The origins of the forum date back to 2006, when Yara International organised the first African Green Revolution Conference in Oslo, Norway. The conference aimed to foster partnerships between governments, businesses, and development institutions to stimulate agricultural investment in Africa.

Between 2010 and 2021, the event evolved into a major continental gathering known as the Africa Green Revolution Forum, hosted in different African regions each year.

In 2022, the initiative was officially rebranded as the Africa Food Systems Forum, reflecting a broader vision that extends beyond agriculture to encompass the entire food system—from production and processing to distribution and consumption.

Today, the forum operates year-round, promoting dialogue, partnerships, and policy action aimed at achieving sustainable food security across Africa.

Why the 2026 Summit Matters

Africa’s food systems face several pressing challenges, including climate change, population growth, supply chain disruptions, and limited access to finance for farmers and agribusinesses.

The AFS Forum 2026 Summit aims to address these challenges by bringing together stakeholders who can collaborate on solutions such as:

• Increasing agricultural investment and innovation
• Strengthening climate-resilient farming practices
• Supporting youth participation in agribusiness
• Expanding regional and global agricultural trade

By connecting decision-makers and innovators, the forum seeks to accelerate progress toward a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient African food system.

A Platform for Collaboration and Impact

As the Africa Food Systems Forum celebrates two decades of driving agricultural transformation, the 2026 summit represents both a celebration and a call to action.

Through partnerships, knowledge sharing, and investment, the forum continues to shape a future where Africa’s food systems can nourish communities, create jobs, and strengthen economic resilience across the continent.

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