The Africa Food Systems Forum has launched in the capital of Rwanda, Kigali. The event gathered politicians, farmers, investors, researchers, and development partners to discuss methods for transforming the continent's agricultural and food sectors.
The forum primarily focuses on addressing critical issues such as financing, climate change resilience, technology adoption, post-harvest losses, and market access. Participants acknowledge Africa's vast agricultural potential, but limited investment and climatic shocks continue to hinder profitability and productivity.
Analyst Abi Agina emphasized that she is attending the forum to ensure the fulfillment of major commitments regarding the financing of the agricultural sector, which forms the basis of the continent's economies. She also noted that climate change and post-harvest loss issues are pressing topics at this forum.
Beyond production issues, delegates stressed the need to expand sales markets for African agribusiness. Entrepreneurs point out that regulatory barriers and trade restrictions complicate cross-border development and utilization of the continent's growing market.
Ghanaian Iddi Farid shared that his company, Kodu Technology, processes banana and plantain waste into affordable sanitary pads. He advocates for strengthening intra-African trade to provide businesses with better market access across the continent.
The role of artificial intelligence and other technologies, climate change mitigation measures, and increasing the participation of women and youth in agriculture were also discussed. Participants agree that the success of the forum will depend on turning discussions into real investments, strengthening partnerships, simplifying market access, and developing practical solutions for farmers and agribusinesses.