Kigali to Host 20th Africa Food Systems Forum with Over 5,000 Delegates
Rwanda will host the 20th Africa Food Systems Forum, gathering 5,000+ participants to discuss investment, food security, and resilience in African agri-food systems.
By John Mtongoi Newsroom
August 22, 2026
2 min read
Rwanda is set to host the landmark 20th Africa Food Systems Forum from August 31 to September 4 at the Kigali Convention Centre. The event will bring together more than 5,000 participants from over 50 African countries, including policymakers, investors, scientists, entrepreneurs, and young innovators.
Under the theme, “Investing in Africa’s Agri-Food Systems: Nourishing Nations, Growing Jobs, Building Resilience,” the forum marks two decades of efforts to strengthen Africa’s agricultural sector and food systems.
Key Focus Areas
- Investment and finance
- Food security and nutrition
- Climate resilience
- Youth engagement and digital innovation
- Trade, markets, and value chains
The forum aligns with the African Union’s Kampala CAADP Strategy and Action Plan 2026–2035, which aims to boost agrifood output by 45% by 2035. The strategy also targets mobilizing $100 billion in agricultural investments, halving post-harvest losses, tripling intra-African trade in agrifood products, and increasing local food processing to 35% of agrifood GDP.
Investment and Innovation
A major highlight will be the AFSF Deal Room, a platform connecting agribusinesses, entrepreneurs, innovators, investors, and financial institutions to explore new opportunities across Africa’s food and agriculture sectors. This builds on over $6 billion in investment programmes showcased at the 2025 forum in Senegal.
Context and Challenges
With approximately 309 million Africans facing hunger and limited access to affordable nutritious diets, the forum addresses urgent food security issues. Discussions will also cover the implementation of continental agricultural commitments and preparations for COP32 in Addis Ababa.
Rwandan President Paul Kagame is expected to officially open the five-day event. The forum will conclude with a Food Festival and a closing communique linked to the Kampala CAADP Declaration. Additionally, the Council of the Wise, comprising six former African heads of state and government, will convene to discuss leadership and resilience in Africa’s food systems.
