The Africa Food Systems Forum (AFS Forum) has officially launched the 2026 Summit, which will be held in Kigali, Rwanda, as the continent marks two decades of advancing food systems transformation. According to posts on the AFS Forum’s social media channels, this launch event will happen on March 31st, 2026, from 15:00 to 18:00 CAT at the Kigali Convention Centre.
The launch ceremony will be hosted by the Right Honourable Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva, Prime Minister of Rwanda, and will take place in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI). This event marks the ceremonial kickoff and “first drumbeat” of the entire AFS Forum 2026 Summit, taking place from September 1st - 5th 2026, set to also be hosted in Kigali. The theme for this year’s event is: “Investing in Africa’s Agri-Food Systems: Nourishing Nations, Growing Jobs, Building Resilience”.
This year’s event is the 20th anniversary of the Africa Food Systems Forum; 4500+ stakeholders from all sectors of the global agri-food community are expected to attend including representatives from international organizations, government, private sector, farmers, youth and women leaders, agricultural agencies and development partners – to share lessons learned, build partnerships, and create concrete action plans for expedited transformation of food systems throughout Africa.
The event highlights Rwanda's continued importance as an important host country for continental agri-food debates.
