Africa’s agricultural future took center stage this week as over 900 delegates gathered in Kigali for the second edition of the African Conference on Agricultural Technologies (ACAT 2025). Held under the theme “NextGen Ag-Tech Solutions for Africa’s Farmers,” the four-day summit, running from June 9–12, aims to transform agriculture across the continent through innovation, investment, and collaboration.
Rwanda’s Prime Minister, Dr. Édouard Ngirente, officially opened the conference with a resounding call for urgent, solution-oriented action. “This conference should not be another conversation we are here for solutions,” he declared. “Each person in this room farmers, policymakers, researchers, and innovators has a role to play in shaping the future of agriculture.”
Ngirente emphasized the importance of equipping farmers with modern tools, real-time market data, and climate-smart solutions. Despite agriculture employing over 60% of Africa’s population and contributing nearly a quarter of its GDP, it continues to suffer from outdated practices, poor access to financing, and the growing threat of climate change.
Rwanda leads by example
Hosting the event, Rwanda showcased its commitment to a tech-driven agricultural transformation. Dr. Ngirente highlighted Rwanda’s efforts in expanding irrigation, improving post-harvest infrastructure, and supporting young farmers through innovation.
“Technology and innovation are no longer optional they are essential pillars of modern agriculture,” he said. “We are investing in making agriculture sustainable and attractive, especially to our young generation.”
Rwanda’s Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Mark Cyubahiro Bagabe, echoed this sentiment: “Our agricultural transformation is built on listening to farmers, valuing their knowledge, and co-creating solutions that enhance productivity and resilience.”
A Continental call for unity and investment
Former Nigerian President and AATF Ambassador, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, delivered a passionate keynote stressing the need for pan-African cooperation and strategic investment.
“Africa stands at a historic crossroads,” Jonathan said. “On one road lies the continued struggle with food insecurity; on the other, a bold vision Africa as a global powerhouse in food and nutritional security, powered by innovation and transformative investment.”
Jonathan urged governments to honor the Maputo and Malabo Declarations, which recommend allocating at least 10% of national budgets to agriculture. He also encouraged greater investment from the private sector, development partners, and financial institutions not as charity, but as a strategic economic imperative.
“For far too long, agricultural investment in Africa has been sporadic and donor-dependent. This must change,” he asserted. “We must invest in our farmers, especially women and youth. They are the backbone of our food systems.”
Tech at the Heart of the Solution
From AI-powered precision farming and drones to satellite imaging and blockchain-based traceability, the conference spotlighted technologies that could revolutionize Africa’s food systems. However, experts warned that innovation alone is not enough without infrastructure, policies, and inclusion.
“Technology is not just about tools it is about people,” said Ngirente. “It empowers farmers to make informed decisions and strengthens Africa’s belief in its ability to feed itself.”
Dr. Canisius Kanangire, Executive Director of the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), emphasized the urgency of scaling innovations to reach farmers. “Public-private partnerships are crucial to ensuring technologies reach those who need them most,” he said.
Building resilience through climate-smart practices
Climate change was a recurring theme at ACAT 2025, with calls for sustainable farming practices, improved water management, biodiversity protection, and renewable energy integration. These climate-smart approaches are essential to protect ecosystems and ensure long-term food security.
Looking ahead: from dialogue to delivery
As the ACAT 2025 conference continues, one message rings clear: the time for action is now. Africa holds 60% of the world’s uncultivated arable land and a young, dynamic population key assets that, if leveraged through tech and unity, can fuel a global agricultural revolution.
“The dream of a food-secure Africa is within reach,” concluded Dr. Jonathan. “Let us invest not just in seeds, but in science, policy, and people.”
iriba.news@gmail.com
