Africa Food Systems Forum (AFS Forum) 2026

The Africa Food Systems Forum (AFS Forum) 2026 is Africa's premier annual platform dedicated to advancing the transformation of the continent's agri-food systems through strategic dialogue, knowledge exchange, investment mobilization, innovation, and multi-stakeholder partnerships. Recognized globally as the leading forum for African agriculture and food systems, the AFS Forum convenes Heads of State and Government, ministers, policymakers, development partners, private sector leaders, financial institutions, researchers, farmers' organizations, youth leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators, civil society organizations, academia, and international development agencies to develop practical solutions that strengthen food systems and improve livelihoods across Africa.

The 2026 edition marks a significant milestone as the Forum celebrates 20 years of driving food systems transformation in Africa. It will be held at the Kigali Convention Centre in Kigali, Rwanda, from 31 August to 4 September 2026, with a pre-summit programme taking place on 31 August 2026. The Forum will be held under the theme:

"Investing in Africa's Agri-Food Systems: Nourishing Nations, Growing Jobs, Building Resilience."

This year's theme reflects Africa's growing commitment to accelerating investments that strengthen agricultural productivity, improve nutrition, create sustainable employment—particularly for young people and women—and build resilient food systems capable of withstanding climate change, economic shocks, and other emerging challenges. As Africa enters a new decade of implementing the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP), the Forum will emphasize moving from commitments to measurable action by mobilizing finance, strengthening public-private partnerships, promoting innovation, and scaling proven solutions that improve food security and economic growth.

Over five days, participants will engage in a comprehensive programme featuring:

• High-level presidential and ministerial dialogues.

• Policy discussions on agriculture, food security, nutrition, climate resilience, and trade.

• Investment forums connecting entrepreneurs with investors and financial institutions.

• Innovation showcases highlighting emerging technologies, digital agriculture solutions, and climate-smart innovations.

• Youth and women leadership forums promoting entrepreneurship, employment, and inclusive participation.

• Business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-government (B2G) networking opportunities.

• Technical sessions led by experts from research institutions, international organizations, and the private sector.

• Exhibitions showcasing innovative products, technologies, research, and successful agricultural enterprises from across Africa.

The Forum provides a unique opportunity for participants to exchange knowledge, discover emerging trends, build strategic partnerships, attract investment, influence policy discussions, and collaborate on scalable solutions that advance sustainable agricultural development and resilient food systems across the continent. It also serves as an important platform for showcasing youth-led innovations, agritech startups, climate-smart agricultural practices, and successful business models that contribute to economic transformation and improved livelihoods.

Whether you are a policymaker, entrepreneur, researcher, investor, farmer, student, development practitioner, or youth leader, the Africa Food Systems Forum 2026 offers an unparalleled opportunity to engage with Africa's leading food systems stakeholders, explore investment and partnership opportunities, share innovative ideas, and contribute to shaping a more resilient, inclusive, and prosperous future for Africa's agri-food systems.

Registration: https://my.afs-forum.org/

Register now to secure your place at the Africa Food Systems Forum 2026. Participants are encouraged to complete their registration early, as attendance may be subject to approval and venue capacity.