AGRF food and agricultural summit emphasises role of private sector

At the AGRF food and agricultural summit in Kigali, Rwanda, in early September, African leaders recognised the crucial role of the private sector in supporting and driving efforts to build food security and transform food systems on the continent.

The summit, which took place under the motto “Grow. Nourish. Reward – Bold actions for resilient food systems" brought together 6,467 participants, including heads of state, agri-businesses, tech entrepreneurs, investors, philanthropists and thought leaders, to discuss how to build a sustainable, profitable, and productive agricultural ecosystem in Africa.

A diverse range of speakers showcased strategies to boost African agriculture and examined progress at the country level.

The summit agreed to prioritise:

· support to country-led food systems transformation,

· development and implementation of city and municipal food systems visions,

· elevating healthy diets, particularly in the African Union's Year of Nutrition, and

· showcasing models, best practices, evidence, and lessons learned for African food systems, and to disseminate them systematically through knowledge platforms.

“We are committed as stakeholders to building the partnerships necessary for this continent to identify African solutions to African challenges,” read the final declaration.

“Food systems transformation depends on a broad coalition of people of all backgrounds, ethnicities and beliefs. Food systems transformation depends on inclusion, to eliminate inequality and harness opportunity.

“We emphasise the indispensable role of the private sector, requiring small, medium and large-scale enterprises to place food systems at the centre of their investment. Innovation in finance must be led and supported by governments and driven by entrepreneurs to reality.”