By Rachid Bugirimfura.
From Thursday, September 2, to Sunday, September 5, 2026, Kigali is hosting the preparatory meeting for the 20th Africa Food Systems Forum (AFSF), a landmark event marking two decades of the forum’s dedicated efforts in transforming and advancing Africa’s agricultural and food sectors.
Over the past 20 years, the AFSF has evolved into a global powerhouse, convening stakeholders from over 100 countries, organizing more than 3,000 sessions, and facilitating over $200 billion in investment opportunities for nations and small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs).
This year’s theme, “Investing in Food Systems: Creating Jobs, Feeding Nations, and Building Resilience,” comes at a critical juncture as African nations embark on a new decade under the CAADP framework and seek to mobilize large-scale capital through innovative mechanisms like the New African Financial Architecture (NAFA). Dr. Telesphore Ndabamenye, Rwanda’s Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, emphasized that with declining foreign aid and rising national debt, Africa can no longer treat food system investment as an afterthought; it must be at the forefront of the continental agenda.
The forum is expected to draw over 4,500 delegates including Heads of State, ministers, CEOs, and global innovators shifting its focus from a simple investment retreat to a primary international platform for policy-making and strategic partnerships. Amath Pathe Sene, Managing Director of AFSF, noted that while the forum has successfully built the right networks, the current global climate demands a shift from dialogue to large-scale action.
This sentiment was echoed by Hailemariam Desalegn, former Prime Minister of Ethiopia and Chair of the AFSF Partners Group, who stressed that the next phase must be defined by the consistent implementation of policies and the attraction of both public and private capital. Alice Ruhweza, President of AGRA, added that the September summit in Kigali must deliver clear implementation roadmaps and measurable results, pledging AGRA’s support in tracking the decisions made. As the continent grapples with food insecurity, climate change, and rapid population growth, AFSF 2026 aims to be the ultimate catalyst for the next era of African-led agricultural prosperity through high-level dialogues and dedicated investment rooms for youth-led startups and SMEs.
