The African Development Bank to Host Three Side Events at the Africa Food Systems Summit 2024 in Kigali, Rwanda

Kigali, Rwanda – September 2, 2024 – The African Development Bank (AfDB) is set to host three pivotal side events at the Africa Food Systems Summit 2024, taking place at the Kigali Convention Center in Rwanda. These events, scheduled for September 2, will bring together leading figures from governments, multilateral organizations, the private sector, development partners, and civil society to address key issues in Africa’s food systems transformation.

Organized in collaboration with the Africa Fertilizer Financing Mechanism, the African Union Commission, the African Union Development Agency–New Partnership for Development (AUDA-NEPAD), AGRA, and the U.S. State Department’s Special Envoy for Global Food Security, these side events will delve into innovative strategies and collaborative efforts needed to drive sustainable food systems in Africa.

Event Highlights

Event 1: Innovate, Accelerate and Scale: Delivering Food Systems Transformation in a Digital and Climate Era

• Time: 11:45 – 12:45
• Focus: This session will gather stakeholders to discuss the alignment of investment projects and the mobilization of financing for the Country Food and Agriculture Delivery Compacts. The dialogue will emphasize priorities for innovation and scaling within a climate-vulnerable context, leveraging digital tools and technologies.
• Key Participants: Representatives from governments, private sector, multilateral organizations, development partners, civil society, and researchers.

Event 2: Investing in Fertilizer and Soil Health

• Time: 13:45 – 14:45
• Focus: A critical roundtable discussion aimed at mobilizing investments in fertilizer and soil health. This event seeks to enhance the Africa Fertilizer Financing Mechanism and secure commitments from African governments to implement supportive agricultural policies.
• Key Participants: High-level government officials, development organizations, and industry professionals.

Event 3: Advancing the Food Systems for Africa through Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT) and the Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils (VACS)

• Time: 15:00 – 16:00
• Focus: This session will facilitate collaboration between the African Development Bank and the Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils (VACS), underscoring the pivotal role of TAAT in advancing Africa’s food systems. The discussions will aim to foster partnerships that promote agricultural innovation and adaptation to climate change.
• Key Participants: African Development Bank representatives, VACS partners, agricultural experts, and stakeholders.

Prominent Speakers and Participants

The side events will feature an impressive lineup of speakers, including:

• Josefa Leonel Correia Sacko – Commissioner for Rural Economy and Agriculture, African Union Commission.
• Dr. Ildephonse Musafiri – Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, Rwanda.
• Dr. Girma Amente – Minister of Agriculture, Ethiopia.
• Dr. Mabouba Diagne – Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, and Food Sovereignty, Senegal.
• Dr. Hussein Mohamed Bashe – Minister of Agriculture, Tanzania.
• Samuel Kawale – Minister of Agriculture, Malawi.
• Aggrey Agumya – Executive Director, FARA.
• Vanlauwe Bernard – Deputy Director General, IITA.
• Stuart Morris – Executive Director, East West Seed Foundation.
• Anna Nelson – Deputy Special Envoy for Global Food Security, US Department of State.
• Mr. Donal Brown – Associate Vice-President, Programme Management Department, IFAD (Keynote Speaker).
• Ms. Gwen Mwaba – Director and Global Head, Trade Finance, Afreximbank.
• Mr. Michael Sudarkasa – President, African Fertilizer and Agribusiness Partnership (AFAP).

Summit Overview

The Africa Food Systems Forum Annual Summit, held from September 2 to 6, 2024, is a landmark event addressing the complexities of food security and agricultural development in Africa. The summit’s theme, “Innovation, Acceleration, and Scaling in a Digital and Climate Era,” reflects a commitment to advancing sustainable food systems that can withstand climate vulnerabilities and harness the power of digital technologies.

As Africa continues to grapple with challenges related to food security, these side events represent a significant opportunity for stakeholders to converge, share knowledge, and foster collaborative efforts toward a sustainable agricultural future.