31 August (Pre-Summit) – 4 September, 2026
Kigali, Rwanda
The Africa Food Systems Forum (AFSF) 2026 will take place in Kigali, Rwanda, from 31 August (Pre-Summit) to 1–4 September 2026 under the theme, “Investing in Africa’s Agri-Food Systems: Nourishing Nations, Growing Jobs, Building Resilience.”
As Africa’s leading agriculture and food systems platform, the Forum brings together heads of state, ministers, investors, development partners, agribusiness leaders, researchers and innovators to shape policy, forge partnerships and mobilise investment that advances Africa’s agri-food systems.
Africa’s food systems thrive when market systems, finance and climate resilience work together to create more opportunities for smallholder farmers.
As a strategic partner of the Africa Food Systems Forum 2026, Heifer International is convening governments, financial institutions, investors, agribusinesses and development partners to explore how investment, partnerships and market systems can expand opportunities for smallholder farmers. Through our speaking engagements, side events and exhibition, we will share lessons and partnership models from our work across Africa.
Heifer-Led Events:
Day 1 – Tuesday, 1 September 2026, 13:30–15:30 CAT
Heifer Sahel Roundtable: Unlocking Opportunities for Resilient Food Systems in the Sahel
Location: Innovation Hub – (The Square)
Co-hosted with the Mastercard Foundation, this high-level roundtable will convene governments, investors, development partners and the private sector to explore how investment, partnerships and market systems can unlock the Sahel’s agricultural potential and create more opportunities for smallholder farmers and rural businesses.
The discussion will focus on the policies and partnerships needed to strengthen food systems, expand markets and create jobs across the region.
Day 2 – Thursday, 3 September 2026, 08:00–12:00 CAT
Dealroom Takeover: Ecosystem Partnership Event
Financing Productivity: What It Takes to Turn Climate Solutions into Investable Agricultural Opportunities
Location: Investment Room Main Stage (MH 3&4)
This flagship access-to-finance event will convene financial institutions, governments, investors, technology providers and development partners to explore how finance, clean energy and market access can help farmer cooperatives become investment-ready.
Drawing on Heifer Uganda’s renewable energy and dairy finance model, the session will examine partnership approaches that reduce investment risk and expand access to commercial finance for smallholder farmers.
Day 3 – Friday, 4 September 2026, 11:00–12:00 CAT
Youth-led Technologies Shaping the Next Generation of Africa’s Food Systems
Location: Youth Dome
Hosted in partnership with the Africa Food Systems Forum, this interactive session will convene young entrepreneurs, investors, technology leaders and ecosystem partners to explore what it takes to move agricultural innovation from pilot to scale.
The discussion will examine the partnerships, financing and support systems needed to help youth-led agribusinesses grow and deliver solutions for smallholder farmers across Africa.
Tuesday, 1 September
10:00 – 12:00
Deals & Financing: Scaling Agri-food Investments: From Blended Finance to Breakthrough Deals
Location: Main Stage
Heifer Speaker: Safia Boly, Senior Vice President – Africa, Heifer International
10:00 – 12:00
Strengthening Financial Ecosystems for MSMEs & Startups
Location: Investment Room Main Stage (MH 3&4)
Heifer Speaker: Wangui Muna, Director, Innovative Finance – Africa, Heifer International
13:30 – 15:30
Heifer Sahel Roundtable: Unlocking Opportunities for Resilient Food Systems in the Sahel
Location: Innovation Hub – (The Square)
Led by: Heifer International
16:00 – 18:00
Gender and AI: Women Shaping Africa’s Digital AgriFood Futures
Location: TBC
Heifer speaker: Dayo Aduroja, Director, Youth and Innovation – Africa, Heifer International
Wednesday, 2 September
16:00 – 18:00
Mobilizing Investment for Resilient Rural Livelihoods
Location: Investment Room Main Stage (MH 3&4)
Speaker: Verena Ruzibuka, Country Director, Heifer Rwanda
Thursday, 3 September
08:00 – 12:00
Financing Productivity: What It Takes to Turn Climate Solutions into Investable Agricultural Opportunities
Location: Investment Room Main Stage (MH 3&4)
Led by: Heifer International
10:00 – 12:00
Creating Jobs through value addition
Location: Youth Dome (MH 1&2)
Speaker: TBC
Friday, 4 September
11:00 – 12:00
Youth-led Technologies Shaping the Next Generation of Africa’s Food Systems
Location: Youth Dome (MH 1&2)
Led by: Heifer International
DOWNLOAD THE FULL AFS 2026 CALENDAR
Heifer International Exhibition Booth (31 August – 4 September)
Meet the Heifer International team and discover how we are working with governments, financial institutions, investors, agribusinesses and development partners to expand access to finance, strengthen market systems, support youth-led innovation and create opportunities for smallholder farmers across Africa.
Whether you’re looking for a strategic partner or new opportunities to collaborate, we’d love to connect with you.
Follow @HeiferAfrica for live updates, speaker highlights and impact stories throughout the week of the Forum.
Heifer International, in partnership with Hello Tractor, has introduced an innovative blended financing model aimed at improving access to agricultural machinery for smallholder farmers and boosting entrepreneurship for youth in Africa.
A 2024 report by Aceli Africa and Dalberg confirms the significant impact of the collaboration between Heifer International and Hello Tractor in unlocking agricultural finance for resource constrained smallholder farmers across Africa.
Meet the youth-led startups turning bold ideas into real change for farmers across Africa.
A young engineer’s love for bees sparks a breakthrough invention that’s changing how honey is made.
In Nigeria, one tractor is more than a machine. It’s a business, a livelihood and a catalyst for change in farming communities.
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