1–4 September 2026 Kigali Convention Centre, Rwanda
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Side Events Application 2026

Host a side event at the 20th Africa Food Systems Forum in Kigali. Collaborate within Thematic Platforms to co-curate high-impact sessions aligned with the Forum's objectives.

Main Event Programme Side Events
This Year's Approach

Partners-Led Programming

This year's AFS Forum, themed "Investing in Africa's Agri-Food Systems: Growing Jobs, Nourishing Nations, Building Resilience," marks a key milestone as Africa enters a new CAADP decade.

A key change this year is our deliberate move toward fewer, higher-quality sessions with a stronger focus on accountability — adopting an AFS Partners-Led programming approach centred on Thematic Platforms.

Given space constraints, we encourage all AFS partners to actively collaborate within Thematic Platforms and co-curate sessions that align with the forum's objectives. Side-event slots will be allocated based on availability and collaboration level.

Key Details
1–4 September 2026
The 20th AFSF Annual Summit in Kigali, Rwanda — bringing together 5,000+ stakeholders.
Kigali, Rwanda
Kigali Convention Centre — world-class venue at the heart of Africa's transformation agenda.
Partners-Led Approach
Sessions co-curated within Thematic Platforms, maximising collective impact and alignment.
Thematic Platforms

How Side Events Work

Side events are hosted by AFS partners within the Forum's five Thematic Platforms. Collaboration across organisations is strongly encouraged.

Investment & Finance

Side events focused on mobilising capital, structuring deals and building enabling environments for agri-food investment at scale.

Food Security & Nutrition

Events addressing hunger, malnutrition, smallholder productivity, gender equity and healthy food environments across Africa.

Climate Resilience

Sessions on climate finance, adaptation technologies, sustainable farming systems and nature-based solutions for food production.

Youth & Innovation

Events showcasing digital solutions, agri-tech, entrepreneurship and the next generation of African food systems leaders.

Trade & Markets

Side events on AfCFTA implementation, intra-African trade, value chains, post-harvest solutions and market access for smallholders.

Cross-cutting Events

Events spanning multiple themes — particularly those addressing women's leadership, policy dialogue, or multi-stakeholder accountability frameworks.

Guidelines

What to Know Before Applying

AFS Forum partner organisations, research institutions, government agencies and private sector entities with an active Forum partnership may apply to host side events. Collaboration between multiple organisations is strongly encouraged and prioritised in the allocation process.

Side-event slots are allocated based on availability and collaboration level. Events co-curated across multiple partner organisations and aligned with Forum Thematic Platforms will be prioritised. The secretariat will confirm accepted side events and provide logistics support.

Rather than individual organisations hosting standalone sessions, the Forum this year encourages partners to collaborate within one of the five thematic areas — bringing multiple voices and perspectives to deliver higher-quality, more impactful sessions. This avoids duplication and ensures sessions contribute meaningfully to the Forum's overall outcomes.

The Kigali Convention Centre has over 20 meeting rooms of varying sizes, all equipped with high-speed WiFi and AV equipment. Catering can be arranged separately. Specific room assignments will be confirmed after application acceptance.

Contact the Forum Programme team at programme@afs-forum.org to discuss your side event concept before submitting your application.
Ready to Host a Side Event?

We look forward to your participation and collaboration in making AFS Forum 2026 a success.

Submit Side Event Request →
1–4 September 2026 · Kigali

Be Part of AFS Forum 2026

Host a side event, join as a delegate or become a Forum partner. Together, we shape the future of Africa's food systems.

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