8th African Conference of Agricultural Economists 2026

The 8th African Conference of Agricultural Economists (ACAE) will take place from September 22 to 25, 2026, at the Mövenpick Hotel in Westlands, Nairobi, Kenya. The conference is co-organized by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) and the African Association of Agricultural Economists (AAAE).

Under the theme “Smart Agriculture: Innovation, Digital Transformation, and Trade for a Climate-Challenged Africa,” the 8th ACAE will bring together agricultural economists, researchers, policymakers, development partners, and practitioners from across Africa and beyond.

Conference Focus: Smart Agriculture in a Changing Climate

The 8th African Conference of Agricultural Economists will examine how innovation, digital technologies, data-driven systems, and climate-smart agricultural solutions can contribute to a more resilient and productive African agri-food sector.

Africa’s agricultural sector is facing increasing pressure from climate change, changing markets, technological shifts, and the need to improve food security. Against this backdrop, the conference will provide a platform for experts to discuss practical and policy-oriented approaches to transforming agriculture across the continent.

Key areas of discussion will include:

• Smart and climate-smart agriculture
• Digital transformation in agriculture
• Agricultural innovation and technology
• Data-driven agricultural systems
• Trade and agricultural markets
• Food systems transformation
• Agricultural policy and development
• Climate resilience and sustainable agriculture
• IFPRI’s Role at the 8th ACAE

IFPRI will play a prominent role in the conference. Oliver K. Kirui, an IFPRI researcher, will serve as Chair of the Local Organizing Committee.

IFPRI Director General Jo Swinnen will also deliver a keynote address, highlighting the importance of agricultural economics, innovation, and policy in addressing Africa’s evolving food and agricultural challenges.

The participation of IFPRI and AAAE underscores the conference’s focus on connecting research and evidence with agricultural policy and practice.

8th ACAE 2026: Date, Location, and Time

Event: 8th African Conference of Agricultural Economists (ACAE)
Theme: Smart Agriculture: Innovation, Digital Transformation, and Trade for a Climate-Challenged Africa
Date: September 22–25, 2026
Venue: Mövenpick Hotel, Westlands
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Organizers: IFPRI and the African Association of Agricultural Economists (AAAE)

Conference Schedule

The conference sessions are scheduled for:

9:00 a.m.–1:30 p.m. — Africa/Nairobi
2:00–6:30 a.m. — US/Eastern
11:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. — Asia/Kolkata
Registration and Conference Information

Researchers, policymakers, agricultural economists, development professionals, and other stakeholders interested in Africa’s agricultural transformation can find additional information and registration details through the official ACAE conference website.

Conference information: https://aaae-africa.events/
Registration: https://aaae-africa.events/register/
Conference program: https://aaae-africa.events/program/

Why the 8th African Conference of Agricultural Economists Matters

The 8th ACAE 2026 comes at an important time for Africa’s agricultural sector. As climate pressures increase and digital technologies create new opportunities, agricultural economists and policymakers have an important role to play in understanding how innovation can improve productivity, market access, resilience, and food security.

By bringing together experts from across the continent and internationally, the conference will provide an important forum for sharing research, discussing emerging trends, and identifying policy solutions for a climate-challenged Africa.

The 8th African Conference of Agricultural Economists therefore offers an opportunity to examine how smart agriculture, digital transformation, innovation, and trade can help shape the future of Africa’s food and agricultural systems.