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By Christophe Uwizeyimana
The second edition of the African Conference on Agricultural Technologies (ACAT 2025) opened today in Kigali, Rwanda, with a resounding call for increased investment, stronger partnerships, and farmer-centric innovations to transform Africa’s agricultural sector.
Co-hosted by the Government of Rwanda and the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), the four-day conference (June 9-12, 2025) brings together over 800 delegates, including policymakers, agri-tech innovators, farmers, and development partners, under the theme: “NextGen Ag-Tech Solutions for Africa’s Farmers.”
A Unified Call for Action
In his opening address, H.E. Dr. Édouard Ngirente, Prime Minister of Rwanda, emphasized that technology must be people-centered, stating:
“Technology is not just about tools and platforms. It is about people. It is about a farmer in a rural village using a mobile phone to check crop prices. It is about a young innovator developing a drone to monitor pests. It is about a continent that believes in its capacity to feed itself and thrive.”
He urged stakeholders to move beyond discussions and forge practical partnerships that deliver scalable solutions to smallholder farmers—the backbone of Africa’s food systems.
Collaboration as the Key to Transformation
H.E. Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, former Nigerian President and AATF Ambassador, highlighted the need for cross-border collaboration, stressing that no single country or institution can drive agricultural transformation alone.
“Africa can turn around its agricultural challenges, but only if governments, the private sector, researchers, and farmers work together. We must invest in rural infrastructure, digital literacy, and affordable connectivity to scale innovations.”
He cited successful agri-tech initiatives in Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, and Rwanda, where digital platforms are improving market access, weather forecasting, and financial inclusion for farmers.
Rwanda’s Farmer-Centric Approach
Hon. Dr. Mark Cyubahiro Bagabe, Rwanda’s Minister of Agriculture, underscored the importance of placing farmers at the center of policy and innovation:
“Our agricultural transformation is built on listening to farmers, valuing their knowledge and co-creating solutions that enhance productivity and resilience.”
Rwanda’s progress in digital agriculture, blockchain-enabled traceability, and drone-assisted farming was showcased as a model for sustainable, tech-driven growth.
Bridging the Innovation Gap
Dr. Canisius Kanangire, AATF Executive Director, acknowledged progress in agri-tech research but noted persistent bottlenecks in delivering innovations to farmers.
“We need high-level policy action to optimize value chains and boost intra-African trade. Public-private partnerships are crucial to ensuring technologies reach those who need them most.”
The Road Ahead: Investment, Policy, and Youth Engagement
Key takeaways from ACAT 2025 include:
- Scaling Agri-Tech Innovations – From AI-driven precision farming to drone monitoring, Africa must accelerate the adoption of proven technologies.
- Strengthening Policy & Investment – Governments must meet Maputo/Malabo Declaration targets (10% budget allocation to agriculture) and incentivize private-sector participation.
- Empowering Youth & Women – Agri-tech offers vast opportunities for youth employment, but requires targeted training and financing.
- Climate-Resilient Agriculture – Sustainable practices, water management, and renewable energy must be integrated into farming systems.
Conclusion: From Vision to Action
As ACAT 2025 continues, the focus remains on turning dialogue into tangible impact. With Africa holding 60% of the world’s uncultivated arable land, the potential for agricultural transformation is immense but only if stakeholders act decisively.
As Dr. Jonathan concluded:
“The dream of a food-secure Africa is within reach. Let us invest not just in seeds, but in science, policy, and people.”
Photos:
Photo: Leaders, researchers, investors, and technology partners attend ACAT 2025
Photo: Delegations from different African countries have attended the ACAT2025
Photo: Africa is capable to improve Agricultural Productivity
Photo:In his opening address, H.E. Dr. Édouard Ngirente, Prime Minister of Rwanda, emphasized that technology must be people-centered
Photo:Rwanda’s Agriculture and Animal Resources Minister Dr. Mark Cyubahiro Bagabe Highlights Critical Role of Agri-Tech Innovations in Achieving Food Security at ACAT 2025
Photo: Dr. Canisius Kanangire, AATF Executive Director, acknowledged progress in agri-tech research but noted persistent bottlenecks in delivering innovations to farmers.
“We need high-level policy action to optimize value chains and boost intra-African trade. Public-private partnerships are crucial to ensuring technologies reach those who need them most.” Dr. Canisius.
About ACAT: A premier platform for advancing agricultural technology transfer in Africa.
About AATF: Facilitates access to innovative farming technologies across 24 African countries.
About MINAGRI: Drives Rwanda’s agricultural modernization and food security agenda.
#ACAT2025 #AgriTechAfrica #NextGenFarming
