Rwanda hosts Africa Food Systems Forum 2024: A call for innovation and investment

RWANDA – The Africa Food Systems Forum (AFS) 2024 has kicked off at the Kigali Convention Centre, drawing over 50,000 delegates from more than 100 countries.

Running until September 6, the forum is set to showcase transformative ideas and solutions aimed at reshaping food systems across the continent.

The forum has highlighted Rwanda’s innovative agricultural practices, with field visits showcasing sustainable farming advancements.

Participants can explore various exhibits, including demonstrations of Japanese irrigation systems at the JiCA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) stand.

The IGNITE Food Systems Challenge, a UN-backed initiative, is also in focus, addressing food insecurity and climate change impacts in Rwanda and beyond.

A notable aspect of the forum is the Legacy Programme Roundtable, where Rwanda is engaging with donors, financial institutions, and investors.

This roundtable aims to support the Rwanda Flagship Legacy Program, focusing on empowering youth and women in the agricultural sector.

A recent report launched during the forum reveals significant insights into Africa’s urban food market. The 2024 Africa Agriculture Status Report, titled “Harnessing the Private Sector for Food Systems Transformation in Africa,” highlights the rapid growth of Africa’s urban food market. According to the report, Africa’s urban population has more than tripled from 145 million in 1990 to 508 million in 2023.

Thomas Reardon, a professor at Michigan State University and one of the report’s authors, emphasized the scale of the urban market, stating, “The private sector is selling to a gigantic urban African market, which is growing extremely fast.”

The report notes that urban areas now consume 43% of Africa’s food output, compared to 28% in 1990, underscoring the critical role of Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) in this growth.

The report identifies several challenges faced by MSMEs, including poor infrastructure, limited access to finance, and regulatory barriers. To overcome these obstacles, it recommends targeted investments in infrastructure, improved financial access, and streamlined regulatory processes.

Agnes Kalibata, President of AGRA, highlighted the report’s findings, stating, “The Africa Agriculture Status Report 2024 highlights the transformative role of MSMEs in shaping Africa’s agrifood landscape.”

She called for increased support and collaboration between governments and the private sector to address these challenges and foster sustainable growth.

The AFS Forum has also underscored the need for immediate innovation, investment, and political commitment to ensure food security.

Rwandan Prime Minister Edouard Ngirente stressed the importance of collaboration among governments, the private sector, and other stakeholders to create inclusive and resilient food systems.

Hailemariam Desalegn, board chair of the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa, expressed concern over the lack of political commitment, stating, “Africa’s food systems have not received the political commitment and investments they need.”

In response, Ildephonse Musafiri, Rwanda’s Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, emphasized the need for efficient and resilient food systems. He noted that while progress has been made, the pace of transformation remains insufficient.

The AFS Forum serves as a crucial platform for driving progress in Africa’s food systems. With a focus on innovation, investment, and accountability, the forum aims to address the continent’s food security challenges and create sustainable solutions for the future.