From 02-06 September 2024, Rwanda hosted the Africa Food Systems Forum (AFS Forum) in Kigali, where more than 4,900 people attended the meeting in-person to share and learn from discussions held at the summit.

AFS Forum is the world's premier forum for African agriculture and food systems, bringing together stakeholders to take practical action and share lessons that will move African food systems forward.
The AFS Forum for 2024 was held under the theme of “Innovate, Accelerate, and Scale: Delivering Food Systems Transformation in a Digital and Climate Era”.

Participants at this year’s forum assessed innovative policy mechanisms, financing initiatives, research, business models, and modern technologies needed for successful delivery of a well-functioning food system across Africa.
While officiating the opening of the forum, Rwanda’s Prime Minister, Dr. Edouard Ngirente, urged governments to utilize digital technologies, implement climate-resilient practices and create inclusive systems to ensure every African has access to adequate, safe, and nutritious food.

He also emphasized the importance of collaboration between governments, policymakers, and the private sector to transform agriculture and secure a sustainable food supply.
During the forum, Dr. Ngirente also highlighted untapped opportunities for the private sector in modernizing agriculture, agro-processing, strengthening market connections, ensuring food and nutrition security, and increasing exports.

While describing Rwanda’s policies at the forum, the Prime Minister said that for transforming the country’s agriculture sector into a powerful engine for economic development, Rwanda is embracing innovation and making evidence-based-policy decisions. 
“In this context, the Government has focused on de-risking the sector to ensure that it becomes more profitable and attractive for the youth and private sector actors,” he told delegates at the forum.

The forum is a multi-sector platform that comprises of key partners leading in African agriculture all focused on putting farmers at the center of the continent’s growing economies. The AFS Forum exists to progress Africa’s Food Systems and promote agricultural excellence across the diverse landscapes of the continent.

Attendance Metrics from the Africa Food Systems Forum 2024 in Kigali, Rwanda:
•    In-Person attendees: 4,900+
•    Youth: 1,400+
•    Countries represented: 97
•    Ministers: 23
•    Former Heads of State and Government: 2
•    Heads of international Agencies and Organizations: 40+
•    Private Sector Leaders: 700+
•    Journalists: 150+

END