Rwanda to Host Africa Food Systems Forum 2024

Rwanda is making significant preparations to host the continent’s first major forum on food security, known as the Africa Food Systems (AFS) Forum, which is set to take place in Kigali from September 2 to 6, 2024.

This forum, which focuses on the development of agriculture on the African continent, is held annually but is uniquely hosted in Rwanda once every two years.

This year’s event will bring together over 3,000 participants from more than 70 countries across Africa and beyond, including leaders, innovators, university scholars, development agencies, agricultural and livestock associations, and private sector representatives from Africa and other parts of the world who are involved in agricultural and livestock activities.

The forum will be held under the theme, “Innovating, Speeding, and Scaling; Establishing Food Systems in an Era of Technology and Climate Change.”

During this forum, new innovations and technologies will be showcased, agricultural policies and implementation strategies will be discussed, and participants will share knowledge to collectively seek solutions to the ongoing issue of food insecurity plaguing the African continent, despite its abundant resources.

The forum will also feature exemplary business projects and investment opportunities aimed at accelerating food development in Africa, with a particular focus on the involvement of youth and women.

Jean Paul Ndagijimana, the representative of the African Green Revolution Alliance (AGRA) in Rwanda, stated that they will discuss innovation, speed in agricultural activities, and the ability to satisfy both African and international markets. He also mentioned that they will address the impact of climate change on the African continent and the strategies that can be adopted to mitigate its effects on the population.

Olivier Kamana, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources, confirmed that preparations are progressing well and that Rwanda has built expertise in hosting such major forums that bring together diverse participants from all over the world.

Kamana further emphasized that this forum will explore the necessary measures to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. He added that Rwandan farmers will have the opportunity to interact with international counterparts, especially young people who have introduced innovative approaches to advancing agriculture, thus fostering collaboration aimed at enhancing agricultural production.

Amath Pathe Sené, the Executive Director of the Africa Food Systems Forum, indicated that the forum will encourage young people to pursue careers in agriculture, highlighting that it is not just a profession for the older generation. He noted that agriculture goes beyond traditional farming and includes adding value to agricultural products and considering investments in the sector.

He underscored that African leaders should prioritize strengthening agriculture to eliminate hunger and reduce reliance on foreign aid. It is anticipated that President Paul Kagame and other distinguished dignitaries will be among the attendees at the Africa Food Systems Forum next month.