AFS Forum 2026 Summit Launches in Kigali, Marking 20 Years of Africa’s Food Systems Transformation

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The Africa Food Systems Forum has officially announced the launch of the AFS Forum 2026 Summit, a landmark event celebrating 20 years of driving food systems transformation across Africa.
Set to take place in Kigali, Rwanda**, the summit will convene policymakers, agribusiness leaders, investors, researchers, and development partners to explore solutions for strengthening Africa’s agri-food sector.
AFS Forum 2026 Theme: Investing in Africa’s Agri-Food Systems
The 2026 summit will be held under the theme:
“Investing in Africa’s Agri-Food Systems: Nourishing Nations, Growing Jobs, Building Resilience.”
This theme underscores the critical role of agriculture in:
- Enhancing food security
- Driving economic growth
- Creating jobs, especially for youth
- Building climate resilience across the continent
Discussions will focus on increasing agricultural investment, improving value chains, boosting food production systems, and empowering farmers and agribusiness innovators.
AFS Forum 2026 Event Details
The summit will be hosted at the iconic Kigali Convention Centre, a leading venue for international conferences in Africa.
Event Details:
- Date: 31 March 2026
- Time: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- Location: Kigali Convention Centre, Kigali, Rwanda
The event is expected to attract global and African leaders committed to shaping the future of agriculture and food systems.
About the Africa Food Systems Forum
The Africa Food Systems Forum is widely recognized as Africa’s premier platform for advancing agricultural transformation. It brings together governments, private sector players, farmers, development organizations, and researchers to drive sustainable food systems and agricultural growth.
Over the years, the forum has played a key role in mobilizing investments, fostering partnerships, and promoting policy innovation across Africa’s agriculture sector.
AFS Forum Impact by the Numbers
The forum’s growing influence is reflected in its global reach:
- 15 summits hosted to date
- 54,000+ delegates engaged
- Participation from 104 countries
- Over 35 publications supporting policy and knowledge sharing
- Key Pillars Driving Food Systems Transformation
The forum’s work is anchored on three core pillars:
1. Annual Summit
The flagship event that brings together stakeholders to discuss policy priorities, investment opportunities, and collaborative strategies.
2. Technical Assistance
Provision of expert advisory services to governments and organizations to strengthen agricultural systems and food policies.
3. Financing Platform
A dedicated mechanism to mobilize investment into agriculture and scale innovative agri-food projects.
From Green Revolution to Food Systems Transformation
The forum’s journey began in 2006, when Yara International launched the first African Green Revolution Conference in Oslo.
Between 2010 and 2021, it evolved into the Africa Green Revolution Forum (AGRF)—a major continental event hosted across different African countries.
In 2022, it was rebranded as the Africa Food Systems Forum, reflecting a broader, more inclusive approach that spans the entire food system—from production and processing to distribution and consumption.
Why the AFS Forum 2026 Summit Matters
Africa’s food systems face increasing pressure from:
- Climate change
- Rapid population growth
- Supply chain disruptions
- Limited access to financing
The AFS Forum 2026 Summit aims to address these challenges by fostering collaboration and innovation in key areas:
- Increasing agricultural investment
- Promoting climate-smart farming practices
- Empowering youth in agribusiness
- Expanding regional and global trade
- Driving Africa’s Food Future
As the Africa Food Systems Forum marks two decades of impact, the 2026 summit represents both a celebration and a strategic platform for action.
By connecting decision-makers, investors, and innovators, the forum continues to shape a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable food system—one capable of nourishing Africa’s growing population while driving economic transformation.











