Requirements
General Criteria
1
Side events must be relevant to the AFS Forum mandate and contribute to the broader objectives of the Africa Food Systems Forum, with a clear link to food systems transformation on the continent.
2
All panels must be diverse with emphasis on women and youth. Organizers are expected to actively recruit diverse speakers and ensure balanced representation across gender, age, geography, and sector.
3
Side events must reflect the AFS Forum theme: Innovate, Accelerate and Scale: Delivering Food Systems Transformation in a Digital and Climate era. Proposals that do not align with this theme will not be considered.
4
Side events should maximize interaction - between 30–50% of total event time should be allocated to audience interaction. A maximum of 4 speakers is recommended to allow meaningful dialogue and Q&A.
5
The partner should bring at least 3–4 partners from the AFS Forum Partners Group to participate in or co-organize the event, strengthening the collaborative nature of the programming.
6
Events should provide solutions and answers to challenges facing Africa's food systems. Panels focused solely on problem framing without actionable outcomes are discouraged.
7
If two applications are received on a similar theme, organizers may be asked to merge their sessions. The AFS Forum Secretariat reserves the right to facilitate such mergers in the interest of programme quality.
8
Slot availability is limited. Acceptance will be based on the quality and relevance of the proposal, diversity of panelists, and alignment with the summit theme. Early submission is strongly encouraged.
9
The AFS Forum Secretariat will assign time slots and session rooms. Organizers may state preferences but cannot be guaranteed specific times or locations.