Rwanda Propels Africa Food Systems Forum 2024, Calls for Radical Transformation

By Elias Hakizimana.

Rwanda launched the Africa Food Systems Forum 2024 with a Call for Radical Transformation of African Food Systems.

The event, which was spearheaded by Rt. Hon Dr. Èdouard Ngirente, Prime Minister of Rwanda, took place in Kigali on March 26, 2024, marking a clarion call for the radical transformation of African food systems.

This significant event, held in Kigali, Rwanda, marks the beginning of a pivotal journey towards achieving sustainable and inclusive food security across the continent.

Themed “Innovate, Accelerate, and Scale: Delivering Food Systems Transformation in a Digital and Climate Era,” this year’s summit places a spotlight on critical actions necessary for revolutionizing African food systems.

Emphasizing innovation, acceleration, and scalability, the summit aims to foster local food production, resilience to climate change, economic empowerment, and global collaboration to address food challenges effectively.

Prime Minister Ngirente highlighted Rwanda’s commitment to hosting the Africa Food Systems Forum, stating, “Rwanda is pleased to be the home country for the Africa Food System Forum and remains committed to playing its role in advancing the agenda for the transformation of African agriculture.”

Scheduled to take place from September 2-6, 2024, the AFS Forum expects to welcome approximately 5000 delegates representing diverse stakeholders in the global food systems ecosystem.

The event will feature cutting-edge technologies, innovative financing mechanisms, and strategic partnerships aimed at driving sustainable food systems across Africa.

H.E. Hailemariam Dessalegn, Chair of the AFS Forum Partner’s group, stressed the significance of youth involvement in accelerating sustainable food systems.

He emphasized the need for massive actions and investments, particularly from the private sector, to scale up innovations and solutions for widespread impact.

The summit serves as a premier platform to connect business leaders, investors, government officials, thought leaders, and farmers, fostering collaborations that unlock investment opportunities for small and medium enterprises, youth, women, and government initiatives.

It aims to catalyze rapid and comprehensive food systems transformation across the African continent.

About AFS Forum:

The Africa Food Systems Forum (AFS Forum) is a leading platform for African agriculture and food systems stakeholders, focusing on practical actions and knowledge sharing to advance food systems in Africa. Comprising 28 partners, the AFS Forum champions agricultural excellence and farmer-centric approaches to drive economic growth.

About MINAGRI:

The Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI) in Rwanda is dedicated to promoting sustainable agriculture, food security, and economic development for farmers and the country’s economy.

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