Over the last decade, stakeholders in Africa’s agricultural sector have laid the foundations for a renaissance in agriculture across the continent; one powered by the enormous progress increasingly evident in farmers who are gaining more options in the seeds they plant, in the fertilizers they use, and in the markets available to purchase their produce. Although this may only be a glimpse of success, it offers an inspiring new vision of a future Africa growing ever stronger through farming as a business.
At the 2016 African Green Revolution Forum (AGRF) set to hold from 5-9 September 2016 at the United Nations Complex, Nairobi, Kenya, African leaders will come together to advance the policies and secure the investments that will ensure a better life for millions of Africa’s farmers and families—and realize the vision of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
This gathering will be a collective opportunity to highlight the best elements of Africa’s agriculture and the changes that are allowing farming families to lift themselves out of poverty by embracing farming as a business. Not only will critical issues regarding Africa’s food security and increased financing for agricultural development is addressed, African Leaders are set to “seize the moment” in Nairobi to transform agriculture into an engine for inclusive socio-economic growth and development.
The historic meeting will be hosted by the President of the Republic of Kenya, H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta and will feature hundreds of influential leaders and CEOs. Some of the key speakers include:
- Olusegun Obasanjo,Former President, Nigeria
- Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President, African Development Bank
- Mr. Strive Masiyiwa, Chair and Founder, Econet Wireless; Board Chair, AGRA
- Dr. Agnes Kalibata, President, Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA)
- H.E. Rhoda Peace, African Union (AU) Commissioner, Rural Economy and Agriculture
- Dr. Judith Rodin, President, Rockefeller Foundation
- Ms. Gayle Smith, Administrator, USAID
- Ms. Ertharin Cousin Executive Director, World Food Programme
- Dr. Ibrahim Mayaki, CEO, NEPAD Agency
- Mr. Svein Tore Holsether, President and CEO, YARA
A major highlight of the forum will be the inaugural award of the new Africa Food Prize which was created to call attention to individuals and institutions that are inspiring and driving agriculture innovations that can be replicated throughout Africa. The landmark annual African Agriculture Status Report — which this year will chronicle agricultural progress on the continent over the last decade and suggest strategies toward accelerated economic growth and development through agricultural transformation — will also be launched.
Principle strategic AGRF partners include AGRA, the Rockefeller Foundation, Grow Africa, African Development Bank, OCP, AGCO, IFAD, African Fertilizer and Agribusiness Partnership (AFAP), Syngenta, International Development Research Centre (IDRC), YARA, Southern African Confederation of Agricultural Unions (SACAU), the Africa Union and NEPAD Planning and Coordinating Agency.
The AGRF is the most significant Africa-wide gathering of agriculture experts, investors and farmers since the African Union issued its Malabo Declaration forcing strident acceleration of agricultural growth.
