20th Annual Forum 1–4 September 2026 Kigali Convention Centre, Rwanda

Investing in Africa's Agri-Food Systems

Nourishing Nations · Growing Jobs · Building Resilience

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20th Anniversary — Two Decades of Transforming Africa's Food & Agriculture

The Africa Food Systems Forum is the continent's most important annual convening — where heads of state meet scientists, capital meets projects, and commitment becomes action.

Now in its 20th year, the Forum has catalysed billions in agricultural investment, shaped continental food policy through the Malabo Declaration, and built an unrivalled network of stakeholders committed to advancing Africa's food systems.

The 2026 edition in Kigali, Rwanda convenes under the theme Investing in Agri-Food Systems — bringing together 5,000+ delegates from 50+ countries for four days of high-impact programming, deal-making and policy dialogue.

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2026 Forum Theme

"Investing in Africa's Agri-Food Systems"

Nourishing Nations, Growing Jobs, Building Resilience

5,000+
Stakeholders
50+
Countries
200+
Speakers
4
Days of Programming
Thematic Focus Areas

Five Investment Pillars

The 2026 programme is built around five interconnected themes addressing Africa's most urgent agri-food challenges.

01
Investment & Finance
Mobilising blended finance, development banks and sovereign wealth to transform African agri-food systems at scale.
02
Food Security & Nutrition
Ending hunger and improving dietary quality through smallholder productivity, women's empowerment and healthy food environments.
03
Climate Resilience
Adapting farming systems to climate change, reducing agricultural emissions and building food system resilience against shocks.
04
Youth & Digital Innovation
Harnessing Africa's youth bulge — digital agri-tech, startups and entrepreneurship ecosystems transforming food production.
05
Trade, Markets & Value Chains
Deepening intra-African trade under AfCFTA, building regional value chains and improving market access for producers.
Full Programme →
Forum Impact

Two Decades of Measurable Change

20thAnnual Edition
5,000+Expected Stakeholders
50+Countries
200+Speakers
4Days of Programming
$Bn+Investment Pledges Catalysed
Get Involved

How to Participate

Four pathways to engage with Africa's most important food systems convening.

Register as a Delegate

RWF 190,000 for Rwanda residents, USD $400 for all other delegates. Partner organisations register through your account manager.

Register Now → Youth passes free
Join the Deal Room

Africa's premier agri-food investment platform. Pitch to investors, close deals and forge strategic partnerships.

Apply Now → Deadline: 6 July 2026
Host a Side Event

AFS partners can host side events within the Forum's five Thematic Platforms. High-quality, collaborative sessions are prioritised.

Submit a Request →
Become a Partner

Four partnership tiers from $20,000–$250,000+. Reach 5,000+ delegates, gain speaking slots and shape the Forum's agenda.

Partnership Options →
Programme Highlights

Featured Sessions

Full Programme →
1 Sep · 10:00
Day 1 · Deals & Finance
Plenary

Deals & Financing: Scaling Agri-Food Investments

Examines how blended finance can de-risk enterprises and mobilise the private capital needed to scale agri-food value chains.

2 Sep · 10:00
Day 2 · Opening
Opening Ceremony

Official Opening of the 20th Africa Food Systems Forum

Marking 20 years of the Forum, the Opening Ceremony sets the strategic tone with keynote addresses from distinguished leaders.

4 Sep · 15:30
Day 4 · Closing
Closing Ceremony

Closure at the Food Festival

The Forum closes in the Food Festival arena with cultural performances and a communique on the Kampala CAADP Declaration.

Confirmed Speakers

Thought Leaders & Changemakers

All Speakers →
H.E. Paul Kagame
President of Rwanda
Republic of Rwanda
Opening Ceremony
Dr. Adesina Akinwumi
President
African Dev. Bank
Investment & Finance
Ms. Alice Ruhweza
President
AGRA
Food Security
Dr. QU Dongyu
Director-General
FAO
Food Security
Dr. Alvaro Lario
President
IFAD
Investment & Finance
H.E. Josefa Sacko
Commissioner, ARBE
African Union
Trade & Markets
CGIAR Director General
Director General
CGIAR
Climate & Innovation
185+ more coming
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Strategic Partners & Co-Organisers

AFSF Partners
Limited Places Available

Join the Conversation
in Kigali

Register as a delegate, join the Deal Room, host a side event or become a Forum partner at Africa's most important food systems convening.

Register Now Become a Partner
Deal Room deadline: 6 July 2026