Rwanda Sets High Expectations for Africa Food Systems Forum 2024

By Elias HAKIZIMANA.

Rwanda is making significant progress in preparing to host the continent’s largest forum on food security, the Africa Food Systems (AFS) Forum, scheduled to take place in Kigali from September 2 to 6, 2024.

The country anticipates that this event will not only highlight its strategies for achieving food self-sufficiency but also position it as a leader in addressing the agricultural challenges facing the African continent.

This annual forum, which focuses on agricultural development across Africa, is hosted in Rwanda every two years. This year’s event will bring together over 3,000 participants from more than 70 countries, including leaders, innovators, academics, development agencies, agricultural organizations, and private sector representatives from Africa and beyond.

The theme for the event is “Innovate, Accelerate, and Scale: Delivering Food System Transformation in a Digital and Climate Era.” 

Rwanda is poised to use this platform to showcase its advancements in agricultural innovation, climate resilience, and policy implementation, which are critical to building sustainable food systems.

Participants will have the opportunity to engage with exemplary business and investment projects aimed at accelerating food system development in Africa, particularly those involving youth and women.

These discussions will also focus on innovation, rapid advancements in agricultural practices, and the capacity to meet the growing demands of African and global markets.

Jean Paul Ndagijimana, the representative of the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) in Rwanda, emphasized that the forum will also address the impact of climate change on the African continent and explore strategies to mitigate its effects.

He noted Rwanda’s leadership in environmental initiatives, such as tree planting for rainfall attraction and environmental protection, as a model for other nations.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI) stated that Rwanda is fully prepared to host the forum, ensuring that participants leave with a clear understanding of the country’s strategies for achieving food self-sufficiency and contributing to regional markets.

Olivier Kamana, Permanent Secretary at MINAGRI, mentioned that preparations are progressing smoothly, and Rwanda has built considerable expertise in hosting such forums.

He highlighted the importance of this year’s forum, stating, “The forum is returning after two years, and we have high expectations for this year’s event.”

Discussions will also focus on the necessary steps to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. Kamana added that Rwandan farmers will have the opportunity to interact with their international counterparts, especially young innovators who have developed agricultural solutions.

“This youth will have the chance to meet investors from various countries, including those from our own country,” he said.

Kamana noted that Rwandan researchers will showcase climate-resilient seeds and other agricultural advancements achieved in Rwanda.

Amath Pathe Sené, Managing Director of the Africa Food Systems Forum, emphasized that the forum will encourage young people to engage in agriculture, highlighting that it is not a profession limited to older generations.

He stressed that African leaders need to prioritize strengthening agriculture to end hunger and reduce reliance on foreign aid.

It is expected that President Paul Kagame and other distinguished guests will attend the Africa Food Systems Forum, further underscoring the significance of this event for Rwanda and the continent as a whole.

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