Forum Programme

Partner-hosted side events ahead of the day's main sessions.

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

Research leaders examine how evidence-based "big bets" in climate resilience, digital advisory and biotech can unlock transformative investment.

Top youth agripreneurs from across the continent pitch for a share of $160,000 in prizes, culminating in the Grand Prize selection.

Explores financing for climate-resilient, high-value crops that diversify Africa's agriculture beyond staple monocultures.

Africa receives under 3% of global climate finance despite bearing some of its harshest impacts — this session explores nexus solutions linking climate, energy and rural livelihoods.

Marking the International Year of Women Farmers, this dialogue explores investment in the human capital of Africa's agri-food value chains.

Examines what's needed to translate the African Continental Free Trade Area into practical outcomes for agribusiness.

AI-powered advisory and market intelligence offer Africa a leapfrog opportunity to bypass missing physical infrastructure.

Explores how blended finance and stronger accountability can fast-track CAADP priorities beyond the previous 10% national budget allocation.

Convened by AFSPaN, Speakers of Parliament and finance committee chairs deliberate on ring-fencing agricultural budgets and expanding domestic fiscal space.

Examines how gender-lens investment and blended finance can help close Africa's estimated $42 billion gender financing gap.

An evening of networking for young food systems leaders and delegates.

Partner-hosted side events ahead of the day's main sessions.

Marking 20 years of the Forum, the Opening Ceremony sets the strategic tone for the 2026 edition with keynote addresses from distinguished leaders.

A high-level dialogue on the long-term architecture needed to build sovereign, competitive and inclusive food systems across Africa over the next two decades.

Explores South-South and triangular cooperation models — including the emerging Africa-Caribbean Economic Corridor — that mobilise investment and accelerate agricultural innovation across the Global South.

Explores concrete actions, partnerships and policy reforms to expand economic opportunity and inclusion for young people with disabilities and conflict-affected youth in agrifood systems.

Explores how the AgriConnect initiative is scaling blended finance and investment-ready pipelines on the road to reaching 300 million farmers and agribusinesses across Africa.

Aligned with the UN International Year of Women Farmers, this plenary explores the policy and financing changes needed for gender equality across food systems.

A closed-door dialogue among AU leadership and ministers on strengthening food systems resilience against geopolitical and energy shocks.

Youth leaders and policymakers align on expanding climate finance access and embedding youth leadership in decision-making.

More than 65% of Africa's productive land is degraded — this plenary explores financing and policy for soil restoration and regenerative agriculture.

Explores the cross-border investment and policy harmonisation needed to scale Africa's livestock sector regionally.

Explores blended finance and aggregation mechanisms connecting investors to scalable opportunities across crop, livestock and rural enterprise value chains.

An evening celebrating indigenous communities and their role in Africa's food systems.

A Deal Room session exploring how collaborative de-risking mechanisms can unlock capital for innovative agribusinesses.

Explores how coordinated investment in transport, logistics and storage can accelerate Africa's food corridors under AfCFTA.

Explores how targeted investment and partnerships connect farmers, SMEs and large corporations across production, finance and markets.

Examines the enabling policies, financing structures and partnerships needed to unlock greater private capital across food systems value chains.

Former heads of state and elder statesmen convene for a high-level dialogue on leadership, wisdom and resilience, marking AGRA's 20th anniversary.

Civil society leaders explore how community-led governance can de-risk agricultural investment as traditional ODA declines sharply.

Young African leaders directly engage H.E. Paul Kagame with solution-oriented questions, positioning youth as co-architects of Africa's agricultural future.

Heads of state and partners advance the Kampala CAADP Declaration, aligning capital with country priorities to mobilise $100 billion in financing.

Explores coordinated investment and governance for AI-powered advisory tools serving smallholder farmers, women, youth and agribusinesses.

CEOs and Chief Risk Officers of Africa's leading commercial banks discuss moving from passive observers to active drivers of agri-food transformation.

Showcases successful youth-led enterprises and explores how targeted investment can scale their impact across value chains.

Explores Public-Private-Producer Partnership models that reduce risk, improve market access and mobilise financing across agricultural value chains.

Explores how targeted investment in nutrient-dense foods can accelerate healthy diets and create jobs for women and youth.

Investors and infrastructure developers explore how capital in transport, storage and digital connectivity can cut post-harvest losses and deepen regional trade.

An open marketplace where young agripreneurs and food innovators showcase and sell their value-added products to delegates.

Explores how investment in research, technology, incubators and talent development can accelerate commercialisation across African food systems.

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