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Pathways to recovery and resilient food systems

Pre-Summit: September 6 | Summit: 7-10 September | Location: Nairobi/Virtual

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Overview Programme Speakers Summit FAQs Summit Guide

Overview


The evidence is clearer than ever - we need to transform our food systems, and we need to do it now. 2021 is a critical year for recovery and food system transformation.

This year’s AGRF Summit will explore the pathways and actions needed to accelerate this process and steer the continent towards food systems that:

  • deliver sufficient and nutritious food
  • do not impact the environment negatively
  • create sustainable, dignified jobs, and shared prosperity for Africa.

The AGRF 2021 Summit is a defining moment in highlighting and unlocking the political, policy, and financial commitments and innovations the continent has made and that it continues to work towards achieving. It is about advancing the commitments made at the Malabo Heads of State Summit and working hard to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

Food is the critical link required to tackle some of the world’s major crises, including hunger, poverty, and climate change. We must act quickly.. The AGRF Summit will provide a platform for governments and communities; including youth, women, civil society, and other stakeholders around the world to discuss their food systems and identify ways to strengthen them. It’s our opportunity to achieve global impact, guided by insight and evidence from local leaders and innovators.

Theme


Pathways to recovery and resilient food systems

Elevating the African Voice at the UN Food System Summit

AGRF 2021 Summit


Collaboration will be key to achieving transformation.

That is why this year’s AGRF Summit is closely aligned with the UN Food System Summit (UNFSS) to raise global awareness and catalyse momentum towards the commitments made.

As part of the Summit’s contribution to the UNFSS, the AGRF Summit aims to elevate the single coordinated African voice to the UNFSS and identify immediate actions and steps that need to be taken to accelerate progress and recovery towards inclusive agricultural transformation

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Event starting in

0

Days

Hours

Mins

Pre-Summit

06 September 2021

Day 1

07 September 2021

Day 2

08 September 2021

Day 3

09 September 2021

Day 4

10 September 2021

Side Events

10:00 - 11:00

Pavilion Hall

Side-event

IDRC

The importance of women’s inclusion in enhancing the resilience and effectiveness of agricultural value chains: Lessons learnt from different regions and commodities in Africa

FAORAP / African Union and the African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat

Intra-African agricultural trade within the context of the AfCFTA

Commission for Sustainable Agriculture Intensification (CoSAI)

Effective instruments for innovation investment

Growing-Smart Agriculture

Agro Knowledge food security solutions


11:00 - 11:15

Pavilion Hall

Transition Break


11:15 - 13:00

Pavilion Hall

AGRA (CALA)

African food systems leadership – how to shape the future?

Hiefer Foundation

Positioning African Youths to Transform Food Systems Through Technology

AGRA

Showcasing Rural Innovative Solutions by the Youth that will promote South South information exchange and sharing as well as enhance learning - South South Cooperation: Promoting rural innovation and enhancing learning from the youth

ONE CGIAR

Science & innovation for sustainable and resilient food systems in Africa

Farm Radio International

E-Extension: Accelerating Building Back Better

AFEX

Initiative for Smallholder Finance (ISF)


13:00 - 13:15

Pavilion Hall

Transition Break


13:15 - 14:15

Pavilion Hall

Side-event

AfDB

Livestock Investment Masterplan (LIVEMAP)

FAORAP

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Agriculture, Food Security, and Nutrition in Africa

TAAT

Technology brokerage for a resilient food system in Africa

SAO GROUP

SPECIAL AGRO-INDUSTRIAL PROCESSING ZONE (Oil Palm and Cocoa Value Chain Development)


14:15 - 14:30

Pavilion Hall

Transition Break


14:30 - 16:15

Pavilion Hall

Syngenta Foundation

Soil and root health: how can they be enhanced to tackle climate change, food insecurity and malnutrition?

Rockefeller Foundation

Distributed Renewable Energy-Agriculture Modalities (DREAM)

AMEA & Harest Plus

Empowering Africa’s smallholder farmers and agri-food SMEs to lead the way in forging sustainable, nutritious, and equitable food systems

Global Center on Adaptation

The Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program

SDG2 Advocacy Hub

New Consensus for Smallholder Farmers

CNFA

An Integrated Approach to Address Climate and Food Security Challenges in Rwanda


16:15 - 16:30

Pavilion Hall

Transition Break


16:30 - 18:30

Pavilion Hall

The Host – Kenya

USAID

Agricultural Transformation for Sustainable and Resilient Food Systems

AGRA/CIMMYT

Rehabilitating acid soils for food security in Africa

Rockefeller Foundation / IKEA Foundation

Food Systems and Integrated Policy

MSU

Youth and Agri-food System’s Resilience in Africa

LEAP4FNSSA/Wageningen University & Research

AU-EU Game Changer for Resilient Food Systems


18:30 - 18:45

Pavilion Hall

Transition Break


18:45 - 19:30

Pavilion Hall

Insights


09:00 - 10:45

Pavilion Hall

Deal Room – Kenya Government Investment Opportunities

Organizers: Government Kenya Delegation

Presentation of Flagship Programs and investment opportunities.


10:00 - 10:45

Pavilion Hall

Good Morning AGRF

Each morning will kick start with the highlights of the upcoming day, understand the themes under discussion, and find out all the interesting places to interact with thought leaders.


10:45 - 11:00

Pavilion Hall

Food Systems Innovators

Food system innovations are fundamental and will be instrumental to ensuring that future generations are food secure and eat healthy diets. To transition towards sustainability, AGRF 2021 will be showcasing breakthrough innovations that transform the food system into one that creates value for all stakeholders.

A series of 5-minute videos played during the bridge segments, each clip will feature a different African innovator with an emphasis on women, youth, and SMEs.


11:00 - 12:45

Pavilion Hall

PARALLEL SESSIONS

Deal Room Launch

The Opening Ceremony will launch the Virtual 2021 Agribusiness Deal Room, a matchmaking platform that aims to drive new business deals and commitments. The Deal Room will provide companies in the agriculture and agribusiness sectors with the opportunity to access finance, mentorship, and market entry solutions to support their growth objectives. It also creates opportunities for governments to present investment opportunities, promote investment incentives and engage with interested investors. It will achieve these through a combination of project preparation, pipeline development, project bankability, investment promotion, and enabling policy environment. Participants will also explore trade deals and partnership opportunities that enhance sourcing from African smallholder farmers.

The Agribusiness Deal Room this year will focus on the following subthemes:

  • Exploring inclusive, sustainable and resilient investments into Africa’s agriculture sector that will support recovery and growth of our food systems
  • Unlocking increased domestic investment into both public and private investment priorities
  • Championing access to finance, more specifically for women SMEs
  • Strengthening models to enhance Sourcing in Africa and capitalize on the AfCTFA

Mobilizing the eco-system that can leverage inclusive investment opportunities is critical to investment facilitation.

The opening session of the Deal Room will bring to life experiences of different value chain actors, while also presenting the benefits and opportunities in investing in Africa’s food systems

Sequence 1: Keynote remarks

Sequence 2: Panel discussion – On recovery: An in-depth discussion with investors on their evolving strategies for resilient investments, the horizon for Africa and their expectations.

Sequence 3: Aspirations and expectations in engaging in the Agribusiness DealRoom A series of short interventions and presentations from Deal Room participants

Sequence 4: Agribusiness Deal Room Opening


11:00 - 12:45

PARALLEL SESSIONS

Farmers Forum

Session Title: Towards a Farmers Pledge for Africa

Inclusive and sustainable agriculture transformation aims to revolutionize smallholder agriculture into a highly productive, efficient, competitive, and sustainable business. This vision is further underpinned by the need for multistakeholder and multi-sectoral collaborations to leverage resources and capacity of other partners to consolidate change at the systems and farmer-level.

  • Scene Setting (10 minutes)
  • Farmer Roundtable
  • Further Interventions:
  • Discussion Session:


11:00 - 12:45

Pavilion Hall

Parallel Workshop (Gender): Equitable Livelihoods for Women through Innovative Financing and Climate Adaptation

This equitable livelihoods workshop will narrow in on the themes of innovative financing and strengthening women’s climate resilience and adaptation (Building women’s resilience in crisis situations), by highlighting how innovative financingis contributing to gender equality and women’s empowerment across the continent and the need to scale these initiatives through commitments from financial institutions for the benefit of all women in agriculture. As we gear up for COP 26 and the race to net zero, the session will also explore mechanisms for ensuring women shape and lead climate adaptation plans. For food systems transformation to occur at a global scale, we must recognize that Africa is not at par with the rest of the world and financing is critical for African women to catch up and be part of this transformation. The session will call for action and draw commitments from financial institutions, governments, private sector players, development partners and other stakeholders to increase financing for women in agriculture, including climate finance.

Keynote

Sequence 1 – Innovative financial inclusion and networks

Panel discussion

Sequence 2: Build up to COP26 – Strengthening women’s climate resilience and adaptation

Panel discussion


12:45 - 13:00

Pavilion Hall

MIDDAY

Food Systems Innovators

Food system innovations are fundamental and will be instrumental to ensuring that future generations are food secure and eat healthy diets. To transition towards sustainability, AGRF 2021 will be showcasing breakthrough innovations that transform the food system into one that creates value for all stakeholders

A series of 5-minute videos played during the bridge segments, each clip will feature a different African innovator with an emphasis on women, youth, and SMEs.


13:00 - 13:45

Pavilion Hall

Networking Exhibition

The AGRF 2021 networking exhibition allows participants to connect directly in a live, virtual booth or meeting space for introductions and deal -making. Delegates can arrange multiple high-quality, investment-focused meetings and benefit from attending the free-flowing and structured networking events, workshops, and exhibitions


13:00 - 13:45

Pavilion Hall

Participatory Events

Stretch your world and immense yourself in an engaging virtual experience, where you will have an opportunity to share, learn and interact with other participants.

“Chef Chat with Chefs Manifesto” (30mins)

Chefs are influencers, artisans, and part of the food system. They can encourage food use well beyond the customers they serve and the books they write. AGRF 2021 and the Chef’s Manifesto of the SDG2 Advocacy Hub will bring together some of Africa’s biggest food influencers to spark interest in African cuisine sourced from African products with an emphasis on diverse healthy diets

The purpose of this collaboration between the Chefs’ Manifesto and AGRF is to continue to connect the consumption side of food with the production side. It is also to create exciting and stimulating content that amplifies key messages of Good Food For All and shows the link to the AGRF’s Action Tracks.

These chefs will foster commitments to:

  • Healthy food and nutrition
  • African cuisine
  • Using African products
  • Promoting diverse crops and diets

13:30 - 13:45: SME book launch


13:45 - 14:00

Pavilion Hall

Commitments Showcase

A 15-minute highlight from AGRA countries value chain projects, and partners reflecting initiatives, returns on investment, and commitments.


14:00 - 14:45

Pavilion Hall

PLENARY & HEADLINERS

Africa Agriculture Status Report (AASR) Launch

This year's Africa Agriculture Status Report (AASR) focuses on unpacking the concept of sustainable and resilient agri-food systems. Key topics covered in the report include digital transformation, job creation, market opportunities, global sustainability, enhancing nutritional quality of food products and regreening Africa through ecosystem restoration.

Sequence 1 (15mins)

  • Welcome and introduction of the agenda and format
  • Introducing the AASR Context
  • Keynote Presentations (10mins, each presenter speaks for 5mins)

Sequence 2 (30mins)

  • Overview of the AASR

Panel Discussion

  • Remarks
  • AASR 2021 book launch


14:45 - 15:00

Pavilion Hall

Commitments Showcase

A 15-minute highlight from AGRA countries value chain projects, and partners reflecting initiatives, returns on investment, and commitments.


15:00 - 16:45

Pavilion Hall

Plenary: Ensuring Equitable Livelihoods and Living Incomes

Inequality and power imbalances – at household, community, national and global levels – are consistently constraining the ability of food systems to deliver poverty reduction and sustainable, equitable livelihoods. This plenary session will discuss the most effective approaches to sustainably eradicate poverty and inequality and improve livelihoods.

Sequence 1

Keynote Presentation 10mins

Sequence 2

Panel Discussion 45mins (15 minutes panel presentations (3minutes per speaker), 30 minutes moderated discussions)

Session Format and Speakers: Moderated 45 minutes panel session of six speakers

Sequence 3

Panel Discussion 40mins (15 minutes for panel pitch (3 minutes per speaker), 30 minutes moderated discussions)


16:45 - 17:00

Pavilion Hall

Commitments Showcase

A 15-minute highlight from AGRA countries value chain projects, and partners reflecting initiatives, returns on investment, and commitments.


17:00 - 18:00

Pavilion Hall

Plenary: Food Systems Transformation – Accelerating Action

Sequence 1 (30mins)

Framing Keynotes (Each speaker has five minutes followed by a 20-minute moderated discussion)

Sequence 2 (30mins)

Panel Speakers (Each speaker will make a 3-minute pitch, followed by a 10min moderated discussion)


18:00 - 18:15

Pavilion Hall

Commitments Showcase

A 15-minute highlight from AGRA countries value chain projects, and partners reflecting initiatives, returns on investment, and commitments.


18:15 - 19:00

Pavilion Hall

Insights

Closing out the day, Insights is a moment for voices with diverse points of view to comment on the day’s activities and bring their insights to the Program. Reflections at end of each day bringing together the varied tracks into common themes and results.


08:00 - 09:45

China’s Experiences Mitigating COVID19’s Impacts on its Food System: Possible Takeaways for Africa

COVID19 Pandemic has created significant tension in the global food system since early 2020, alongside the horrific impact on the global health system. As the first country to be hit by the Pandemic, China's own food system was under huge pressure the whole year. How did China manage to mitigate COVID19's impact on its food system?

SEQUENCE 1: Setting the Scene

Keynote Speech

SEQUENCE 2: Panel Discussion

Panellists and Contributions

Tea Break: 10 minutes


10:00 - 10:45

Good Morning AGRF

Each morning will kick start with the highlights of the upcoming day, understand the themes under discussion, and find out all the interesting places to interact with thought leaders.


10:45 - 11:00

Food Systems Innovators

Food system innovations are fundamental and will be instrumental to ensuring that future generations are food secure and eat healthy diets. To transition towards sustainability, AGRF 2021 will be showcasing breakthrough innovations that transform the food system into one that creates value for all stakeholders.

A series of 5-minute videos played during the bridge segments, each clip will feature a different African innovator with an emphasis on women, youth, and SMEs.


11:00 - 12:45

PARALLEL SESSIONS

Ministerial Roundtable (closed)

CHAIRS:

The High-level Ministerial Roundtable Session will provide a platform for reflection and stocktaking on political, policy and financial and innovations the continent has achieved. The session will also focus on what is needed to advance the implementation of commitments made at the Malabo Heads of State Summit as well as meeting the SDGs in the context of food systems

10:45 - 11:00hrs Ministers, Heads of Agencies and VIP guest arrive and are Seated

Moderator: Dr Ousmane Badiane, Chairperson and Executive Officer, AKADEMIYA2063 (15mins for coordinating interventions)

,b>Sequence 1: Welcome and Framing (10mins)

  • Welcome and Setting the Scene
  • Framing Remarks (5 mins)
  • Video Presentation (3 mins)
  • Special Remarks (10 mins, each speaker has 5 mins)

Sequence 2: Ministerial Statements and Discussion (60mins)

  • Ministers Interventions
  • Agriculture
  • Finance, Budget and Planning
  • Ministers of Health
  • Trade
  • National Convenors of Food Systems

Sequence 3: Advancing the 30x30x30 Coalition for transforming Africa’s Food Systems (10mins)

Closing Remarks


11:00 - 12:45

Parallel Workshop – Resilience & Adaptation

Session Title: Building Agricultural Resilience to Multiple Shocks and Risks

CHAIRS

Food insecurity and poverty in Africa are primarily driven by multiple shocks and risks that include conflicts, climate extremes, and disease outbreaks, such as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. This session will identify and share global experiences in resilience building and showcase best practices in addressing vulnerability and risk in Africa. A platform for policy debate and influence for reducing agricultural risks and vulnerabilities will be developed.

SEQUENCE 1:

  • Keynote Presentations
  • Setting the Scene

SEQUENCE 2: Panel Discussion


11:00 - 12:45

Parallel Workshops – Rural & Market Development

The ‘Rural and Markets Development Group’ is one of the AGRF thematic working groups. It seeks to promote investments in local agro-industries and upgrade agricultural value chains for improved competitiveness and inclusivity. This session will focus on AGRA-supported agribusiness consortia. Dubbed ‘Agro-Ecosystem Development Enterprise,’ the session will discuss the review of AGRA’s consortium model for competitive agri -food systems in Africa. This session will also provide an opportunity to launch a book about AGRA investments in Tanzania.

Moderator: Ones Karuho, AGRA

Sequence 1: Opening remarks

Sequence 2: Key speakers/Presenters:

Presentations

  • Presentation by SSG: Agro-Ecosystem Development Enterprise
  • Toward 2030: Key models that can enhance agri-food systems by Cornell University

Sequence 3: Discussions on upstream, midstream, and downstream linkages:

  • Logistics and market infrastructure
  • Last-mile delivery through Agri-Service Centers

Conclusions and closing remark: Launching the book on Tanzania agribusiness consortia investments


12:45 - 13:00

MIDDAY

Food Systems Innovators

Food system innovations are fundamental and will be instrumental to ensuring that future generations are food secure and eat healthy diets. To transition towards sustainability, AGRF 2021 will be showcasing breakthrough innovations that transform the food system into one that creates value for all stakeholders

A series of 5-minute videos played during the bridge segments, each clip will feature a different African innovator with an emphasis on women, youth, and SMEs.


13:00 - 14:00

Networking Exhibition

The AGRF 2021 networking exhibition allows participants to connect directly in a live, virtual booth or meeting space for introductions and deal -making. Delegates can arrange multiple high-quality, investment-focused meetings and benefit from attending the free-flowing and structured networking events, workshops, and exhibitions


13:00 - 14:00

Pitch AgriHack Competition

CHAIRS:

This session seeks to inspire young people in Africa to leverage ICT innovation to transform the agrifood sector in Africa. The Pitch AgriHack competition aims to promote ICT innovation and entrepreneurship in agriculture in African countries. With support from Heifer International, the 2021 Pitch AgriHack Competition targets African businesses that bring technological innovation to the agriculture industry. The competition will identify and amplify efforts by young innovators to build resilience beyond COVID-19 through digital agriculture products and services. These innovations should be scalable and generate measurable impact in Africa’s food systems. Winners of the competition will receive funding and continued support to scale up their innovations into products that can help transform the entire sector.

Special remarks

Judges


14:00 - 15:30

PLENARY & HEADLINERS

Go Gettaz Agriprenueur Cheetah’s Chase

Generation Africa is proud to bring together young entrepreneurs, innovators, movers and shakers in Africa’s agri-food sector and present inspiration from 10 young agripreneurs competing for this year’s prestigious GoGettaz Agripreneur Prize. The session will feature key messages from Generation Africa Steering Committee (Steerco) members, Generation Africa Steerco Co-Chairs and Generation Africa Co-Catalysts.

Judges:


15:30 - 18:00

Presidential Summit and Official Launch & Awards Ceremony: Africa Food Prize, GoGetaz, VALU4HER

The Presidential Summit is the highest-level moment of the AGRF, comprised of Heads of State & Government, eminent persons, and hundreds of leaders and stakeholders present from across Africa’s agriculture and agribusiness sectors. This AGRF 2021 Presidential Summit will be convened under the leadership of H.E. Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta, President of Republic of Kenya. It will focus on the gains that have been made in Africa’s agriculture landscape. Leaders will speak on bold steps they are already taking in putting in place major policy and political decisions to drive food systems transformation across their own countries and within their regions.

Opening Ceremony

The Africa Food Prize is the preeminent award recognizing an outstanding individual or institution that is leading the effort to change the reality of farming in Africa—from a struggle to survive to a business that thrives.

The US $100,000 prize celebrates Africans who are taking control of Africa’s agriculture agenda. It puts a spotlight on bold initiatives and technical innovations that can be replicated across the continent to create a new era of food security and economic opportunity for all Africans

This year, the ceremony will put a spotlight on bold initiatives and technical innovations that can be replicated across the continent to create a new era of food security and economic opportunity for all Africans.

GoGettaz Agriprenueur Prize

Generation Africa brings partners together to strengthen the ecosystem for young agripreneurs across the continent. The GoGettaz Agripreneur Prize aims to find Africa’s brightest young agrifood entrepreneurs. Two winners, one woman and one man, with scalable and impactful business or social ventures will be announced and will each receive US$50,000 for their businesses.

VALUE4HER Award

VALUE4HER is AGRAs continental program, aimed at increasing the performance of women agri-enterprises, through access to markets and trade, finance and investments, knowledge and skills, networking and building women’s collective voice. The program VALUE4HER is powered by VALUE4HERConnect, Africa’s first women in agribusiness int egrated digital resource, designed to assist women agri-enterprises transcend gender and market entry barriers, built upon digital technologies capabilities to connect, amplify, and deliver customized service. Winners of the VALUE4HER Innovation Grant (IG) will be announced and each qualifying agribusiness will receive USD 9,000.

Sequence 1: Welcome and Setting the Scene (15mins)

  • Welcome Heads of State Procession - Moderator [Government of Kenya designated person]
  • Video Presentation
  • Setting the Scene
  • Framing Remarks, Introduction
  • Special Remarks

Sequence 2: Presidential Address and Heads of State Panel Discussion (45mins)

  • Introduction of H.E. President
  • Presidential Address on Pathway to Pathway to Recovery and Building Resilient Food Systems
  • Heads of State & Government Panel Discussion Each Head of State & Government will have the opportunity to respond to four questions about what they are doing to improve their food systems in the wake of the African Union deadlines by 2025 and UN by 2030.

Sequence 3: The Great Debate: Pathways to recovery and resilient food systems (60 mins)

Sequence 4: Awards Ceremony: Africa Food Prize, GoGettaz, VALU4HER (35 mins)

Concluding remarks by Moderator


18:00 - 18:15

Commitments Showcase

A 15-minute highlight from AGRA countries value chain projects, and partners reflecting initiatives, returns on investment, and commitments.


18:15 - 19:00

Insights

Closing out the day, Insights is a moment for voices with diverse points of view to comment on the day’s activities and bring their insights to the Program. Reflections at end of each day bringing together the varied tracks into common themes and results.


09:00 - 10:00

Pavilion Hall

First Spouses Breakfast (closed)

CHAIRS:

The First Lady of Kenya, Madame Margaret Kenyatta, will host a closed roundtable discussion with First Spouses and expert leaders on nutrition and food systems in efforts to accelerate action for the eradication of hunger and malnutrition in Africa.

  • First Ladies Arrival
  • Welcome and Introductions
  • Overview of the AGRF Program
  • Brief on the Delivering Healthy Diets for People and Planet Session
  • Question and Answer
  • First Ladies Meet and Greet finalists for the VALUE4HER Award
  • Photo Session

10:00 - 10:45

Pavilion Hall

Good Morning AGRF

Each morning will kick start with the highlights of the upcoming day, understand the themes under discussion, and find out all the interesting places to interact with thought leaders.


10:45 - 11:00

Pavilion Hall

Food Systems Innovators

Food system innovations are fundamental and will be instrumental to ensuring that future generations are food secure and eat healthy diets. To transition towards sustainability, AGRF 2021 will be showcasing breakthrough innovations that transform the food system into one that creates value for all stakeholders.

A series of 5-minute videos played during the bridge segments, each clip will feature a different African innovator with an emphasis on women, youth, and SMEs.


11:00 - 12:45

Pavilion Hall

Youth Town Hall (innovation)

CHAIRS:

In sub-Saharan Africa, innovative and ambitious young agripreneurs are creating exciting agribusinesses that deliver on untapped opportunities in the agrifood sector. If fostered by a supportive ecosystem, that includes innovative financing, capacity development and a supportive policy environment, these ideas can progress faster and more successfully along their journey to growth, scalability, and impact. The session will elevate the discussion on harnessing the power of young people to transform the continent’s food system. Join the Youth Townhall and hear from young agripreneurs as they share their key challenges and brainstorm solutions.

SEQUENCE 1: Setting the Scene

Opening Remarks in Conversation with African Youth

SEQUENCE 2: Panel Discussion

Youth Questions

Wrap Up Summation: (additional contributions in the room as time allows)

Closing Remarks and Photo


11:00 - 12:45

Pavilion Hall

Parallel Workshops – Food Systems & Nutrition

Session Title: Africa’s Solutions towards safe and nutritious food for all.

Healthy diets are currently out of reach for an estimated three billion people worldwide. This session seeks to identify innovations and strategies that are helping Africa improve the availability, access and affordability of nutrient rich food that is sustainably produced. Mechanisms for scaling up of these successful innovations and strategies will be highlighted.

SEQUENCE 1:

  1. Keynote Presentations
  2. Setting the Scene

SEQUENCE 2: Panel Discussion


11:00 - 12:45

Pavilion Hall

Parallel Workshops – Sustainable Productivity Platform (NET ZERO)

Session Title: Leveraging Innovation in Africa’s Input Systems to Build Resilience and Enhance Sustainable Productivity

In line with the theme of AGRF 2021 on forging pathways to recovery and resilient food systems, this session highlights innovative models that aid to build the resilience of input systems for Africa’s sustainable productivity. Moreover, it identifies areas of convergence and best bet models that future proof input systems from disruptions including climate change and the COVID19 pandemic as well as trade and market distortions. The outcome of the session will be recommendations for action for the next 10 years towards innovation in sustainable productivity and a transformative agenda of Africa’s input systems in the context of an inclusive, resilient and sustainable food system.

SEQUENCE 1: Setting the Scene

  • 1st Keynote presentation:
  • 2nd Keynote:
  • 3rd Keynote

SEQUENCE 2: Panel Discussion

Closing remarks


12:45 - 13:00

Pavilion Hall

Food Systems Innovators

Food system innovations are fundamental and will be instrumental to ensuring that future generations are food secure and eat healthy diets. To transition towards sustainability, AGRF 2021 will be showcasing breakthrough innovations that transform the food system into one that creates value for all stakeholders

A series of 5-minute videos played during the bridge segments, each clip will feature a different African innovator with an emphasis on women, youth, and SMEs.


13:00 - 13:45

Pavilion Hall

Networking Exhibition

The AGRF 2021 networking exhibition allows participants to connect directly in a live, virtual booth or meeting space for introductions and deal-making. Delegates can arrange multiple high-quality, investment-focused meetings and benefit from attending the free-flowing and structured networking events, workshops, and exhibitions.


13:00 - 13:45

Pavilion Hall

Participatory Events

Stretch your world and immense yourself in an engaging virtual experience, where you will have an opportunity to share, learn and interact with other participants.

“Chef Chat with Chefs Manifesto” (30mins)

Chefs are influencers, artisans, and part of the food system. They can encourage food use well beyond the customers they serve and the books they write. AGRF 2021 and the Chef’s Manifesto of the SDG2 Advocacy Hub will bring together some of Africa’s biggest food influencers to spark interest in African cuisine sourced from African products with an emphasis on diverse healthy diets.

The purpose of this collaboration between the Chefs’ Manifesto and AGRF is to continue to connect the consumption side of food with the production side. It is also to create exciting and stimulating content that amplifies key messages of Good Food For All and shows the link to the AGRF’s Action Tracks.

These chefs will foster commitments to:

  • Healthy food and nutrition
  • African cuisine
  • Using African products
  • Promoting diverse crops and diets

13:45 - 14:00

Pavilion Hall

Commitments Showcase

A 15-minute highlight from AGRA countries value chain projects, and partners reflecting initiatives, returns on investment, and commitments.


14:00 - 14:45

Pavilion Hall

Food Systems Pathways Perspectives from Regional Dialogues: East, South, Central, West, North

This session will focus on sharing regional perspectives on current and emerging food systems trends. What are the drivers to transition into the new food systems? What are the opportunities we should be harnessing? What will it take?

SEPARATE NOTE TO BE PREPARED


14:45 - 15:00

Pavilion Hall

Commitments Showcase

A 15-minute highlight from AGRA countries value chain projects, and partners reflecting initiatives, returns on investment, and commitments.


15:00 - 16:45

Pavilion Hall

Plenary: Delivering Healthy Diets for People and Planet

Dietary habits are changing in ways that harm human well-being and the planet. Shifting towards a more sustainable diet is critical to improving health while reducing global warming and other environmental impacts. This plenary session will discuss opportunities to shift current trends in all forms of malnutrition, prioritizing nutritious food availability and affordability for all.

Moderator - Zainab Badawi, Presenter, BBC Global Questions

Sequence 1 Keynote Presentations (30mins)

  • Building resilient health systems for a healthy population
  • Delivering the Planetary Health Diet for healthy people and planet
  • Investing in food loss and food waste for sustainable food systems

Sequence 2 First Ladies’ Panel (60minutes)


16:45 - 17:00

Pavilion Hall

Commitments Showcase

A 15-minute highlight from AGRA countries value chain projects, and partners reflecting initiatives, returns on investment, and commitments.


17:00 - 18:00

Pavilion Hall

The Elders Council (Elders Reflections)

A pace setting session involving eminent leaders from Africa and around the world discussing the status of food systems in Africa and the urgent need to build resilient systems. Immediate actions and steps that need to be taken to accelerate progress and recovery towards inclusive agricultural transformation will be highlighted.

Moderator - Mr. Mo Ibrahim, Mo Ibrahim Foundation

Sequence 1: Welcome and Setting the Scene (15mins)

  • Welcome and Introduction Remarks (5 mins)
  • A keynote address

Sequence 2: A moderated fire side chat with former Heads of State and Government (45 mins)


18:00 - 18:15

Pavilion Hall

Commitments Showcase

A 15-minute highlight from AGRA countries value chain projects, and partners reflecting initiatives, returns on investment, and commitments.


18:15 - 19:00

Pavilion Hall

Insights (theme leadership)

Closing out the day, Insights is a moment for voices with diverse points of view to comment on the day’s activities and bring together the varied tracks into common themes and results.


10:00 - 10:45

Pavilion Hall

Good Morning AGRF

Each morning will kick start with the highlights of the upcoming day, understand the themes under discussion, and find out all the interesting places to interact with thought leaders.


10:45 - 11:00

Pavilion Hall

Food Systems Innovators

Food system innovations are fundamental and will be instrumental to ensuring that future generations are food secure and eat healthy diets. To transition towards sustainability, AGRF 2021 will be showcasing breakthrough innovations that transform the food system into one that creates value for all stakeholders.

A series of 5-minute videos played during the bridge segments, each clip will feature a different African innovator with an emphasis on women, youth and SMEs


11:00 - 12:45

Pavilion Hall

Parallel Workshops – AgTech & Digitalization

Accelerating Digital Innovation for Africa’s Food Systems’ Resilience

Although COVID 19 has worsened the existing fault lines in Africa’s food and agriculture sector, it has also accelerated a digital revolution that has fast-tracked the continent's progress in creating more efficient, equitable and environmentally friendly ways to feed the continent’s populace and the globe. To build on this digital transformation opportunity and the rapid integration of digital and innovative technologies within every stage of the agricultural value-chain, it would be important for innovators to ensure that all these innovative solutions address the incidence of needs of African farmers, agribusinesses, policy makers and researchers involved.

This session will therefore focus on concrete outcomes to increase the innovation sustainability of digital solutions for African Agriculture.

Introduction: Matching digital Solutions to Farmers’ Needs

Sequence 1: Leveraging Digital Innovations to Accelerate Food Systems

Moderator: Mr. Vitalis Wafula, Commercial Director, Africa, Yara East Africa, Kenya

Sequence 2: Strengthening Enabling Environments for Digital Agriculture Public Investments

Closing remarks


11:00 - 12:45

Pavilion Hall

Parallel Workshops – Trade

Removing Barriers to Regional Trade in Food Staples

In order for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to be successfully implemented, African countries will need significant investments in building robust data systems to generate data and information for decision-making. Early warning systems for food and nutrition security are needed to provide alerts on a frequent basis, showing potential areas of surplus and deficits. This will enable different stakeholders to prepare in averting crises, and especially for the private sector to move food from areas of surplus to areas of deficit. To contribute toward the AGRF 2021 outcomes, the Food Trade Coalition for Africa will host two sessions during the AGRF 2021 Summit focused on 1) Removing Barriers to Regional Trade in Food Staples and 2) Building Robust Data Systems: The Regional Food Balance Sheet.

SEQUENCING 1: Panel 1: Breaking the Barriers to Trade for Stronger Food and Nutrition Security in Africa

Keynote Speaker

SEQUENCING 2: Panel 2: Building Strong Food Systems through Inclusive Data Sharing

Keynote Speaker


11:00 - 12:45

Pavilion Hall

Parallel Workshops – Generation Afric

Ecosystem Development Framework (EDF): Enabling youth through their agripreneurship journey and participation in the food systems.

Generation Africa is taking this bold step of proactively examining the state of the ecosystem supporting young Agripreneurs and prescribing the effective interventions to achieving a strong support structure. The overall objective is to achieve well organized and coordinated national ecosystems supporting youth through their entrepreneurship journey across Africa. This will enable easy entry for youth in the food systems and promote their chances of success. In the end, healthy ecosystems will reduce the rate of youth unemployed and underemployed by encouraging and increasing the youth participation in agribusiness as self-employed and employers of fellow youth.

The Ecosystem Development Framework (EDF)initiative will help countries shift from information and studies to a framework approach to strengthen the collaboration and coordination of youth support. This will ease entry for youths into agricultures as well as promote success in their ventures.

SEQUENCE 1: Strengthening National Ecosystems Through the EDF (Panel Discussion)

SEQUENCE 2: Supporting Youth in Their Recovery During and Post Covid19


12:45 - 13:00

Pavilion Hall

Food Systems Innovators

Food system innovations are fundamental and will be instrumental to ensuring that future generations are food secure and eat healthy diets. To transition towards sustainability, AGRF 2021 will be showcasing breakthrough innovations that transform the food system into one that creates value for all stakeholders.

A series of 5-minute videos played during the bridge segments, each clip will feature a different African innovator with an emphasis on women, youth and SMEs.


13:00 - 13:45

Pavilion Hall

Networking Exhibition

The AGRF 2021 networking exhibition allows participants to connect directly in a live, virtual booth or meeting space for introductions and deal-making. Delegates can arrange multiple high-quality, investment-focused meetings and benefit from attending the free-flowing and structured networking events, workshops, and exhibitions.


13:00 - 13:45

Pavilion Hall

Participatory Events

Stretch your world and immense yourself in an engaging virtual experience, where you will have an opportunity to share, learn and interact with other participants.

“Chef Chat with Chefs Manifesto” (30mins)

Chefs are influencers, artisans, and part of the food system. They can encourage food use well beyond the customers they serve and the books they write. AGRF 2021 and the Chef’s Manifesto of the SDG2 Advocacy Hub will bring together some of Africa’s biggest food influencers to spark interest in African cuisine sourced from African products with an emphasis on diverse healthy diets.

The purpose of this collaboration between the Chefs’ Manifesto and AGRF is to continue to connect the consumption side of food with the production side. It is also to create exciting and stimulating content that amplifies key messages of Good Food For All and shows the link to the AGRF’s Action Tracks.

These chefs will foster commitments to:

  • Healthy food and nutrition
  • African cuisine
  • Using African products
  • Promoting diverse crops and diets

Launch of 2021 Africa Agriculture Trade Monitor (AATM) (45mins)

African countries have diversified both their exports and trade partners over the last decade, African agricultural trade still suffers from structural problems as well as exogenous shocks. Against this backdrop, the 2021 Africa Agriculture Trade Monitor (AATM) analyzes continental and regional trends in African agricultural trade flows and policies. The report finds that many African countries continue to enjoy the most success in global markets with cash crops and niche products.

The fourth edition of the AATM is produced by AKADEMIYA2063 in partnership with the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Session participants will discuss the research findings and policy recommendations of the 2021 AATM, an annual publication dedicated to addressing intra-African agricultural trade and informing AfCFTA implementation.

Moderated Panel Discussion

Closing Remarks


13:45 - 14:00

Pavilion Hall

Commitments Showcase

A 15-minute highlight from AGRA countries value chain projects, and partners reflecting initiatives, returns on investment, and commitments.


14:00 - 15:15

Pavilion Hall

Deal Room Closing Ceremony

This session will officially close the 2021 Agribusiness Deal Room. The closing session of the Deal Room will reflect on the lessons learned through the course of the summit and set a vision for the activities for the year ahead. Join this session to witness new deals, funds, and collaborations being launched; and get a taste of the competitive, everchanging ecosystem of activities, stakeholders and processes that make Agribusiness deals happen.

Sequence 1: Keynote Remarks

Sequence 2: Showcase and Deal Room Closing

A series of Agribusiness Deal Room Partners will present findings outcomes and actions and achievements from the Agribusiness Deal Room.

  1. LOI Signing

    The signing of LOIs by AGRA and Partners

  2. Announcements of investment progress made
  3. Fund/Program Launches

Deal Room Closing

A quick and punchy official closing ceremony for the Agribusiness Deal Room


14:00 - 15:15

Pavilion Hall

30x30x2030: Commitments Framework

The UN food systems secretariat is proposing the establishment of a coalition of willing partners to advance specific food system issues and agenda. This is aimed at aligning priorities, strategies, and resources in achieving resilient food systems at country level. The Africa Development Bank, the FAO, African Union Commission are proposing a Coalition on “A New Deal for Food: The Push To 2030 Coalition”. It is anticipated that the Coalition will be launched at the PreSummit in Rome on 28th July 2021 and the resolutions therein will be discussed in detail at the AGRF. The objective of this initiative is to bring together like minded partners who will invest in transformational and game changing ideas to achieve the End Hunger Goal


15:15 - 15:30

Pavilion Hall

Commitments Showcase

A 15-minute highlight from AGRA countries value chain projects, and partners reflecting initiatives, returns on investment, and commitments.


15:30 - 16:30

Pavilion Hall

Leadership Town Hall (Parliamentarians, Governors, and Local Leaders)

The core functions of Parliaments place them at a vantage position to drive the achievement of the Malabo Commitments through two strategies: i) by using their legislative role to nudge the executive to put in place the much needed enabling legislation including appropriation that supports CAADP implementation; and ii) by exercising their oversight function to ensure that laws are implemented effectively and that there is accountability in the utilization of funds. The representation role further ensures that the voices of citizens are heard through their elected representatives. It is anticipated that as more key country stakeholders understand CAADP, the more they will embrace and engage with it; use data and recommendations from the BR to inform policy reforms and budgetary allocation.

If harnessed, the collective responsibilities and powers of Parliament and citizens groups in support of the CAADP Malabo Commitment will impact greatly and positively on the utilization of the BR outcomes and recommendation and how well and quickly the continent can address the food and nutrition insecurity by 2025. The APFEHA system is therefore aimed at enhancing the use of data and evidence by Parliaments and Parliamentarians towards achieving the CAADP Malabo targets as well accelerating the transformation of Africa’s food system.


16:30 - 17:00

Pavilion Hall

Closing Ceremony

Welcome and Introductions

  • Accountability Matrix Partnerships, AGRA
  • Reflections
  • Vote of Thanks and Concluding Remarks
  • Closing Remarks

Closure - Moderator


H.E. Hailermariam Dessalegn

Board Chair - AGRA

Dr. Agnes Kalibata

President- AGRA

Jennifer Baarn

Acting Managing Director - AGRF

General FAQs

About the AGRF 2021 Summit
2021 is a critical year for Food Systems. The AGRF 2021 Summit is a defining moment in highlighting and unlocking the political, policy, and financial commitments and innovations the continent has made and that it continues to work towards achieving. It is about advancing the commitments made at the Malabo Heads of State Summit and working hard to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. The AGRF Summit will provide a platform for governments and communities; including youth, women, civil society, and other stakeholders around the world to discuss their food systems and identify ways to strengthen them.
What are the summit action tracks?

The AGRF 2021 programme seeks to showcase solutions and elevate pathways to food systems transformation and recovery under four action tracks:

  1. Leveraging trade and competitiveness for continental economic recovery
  2. Advancing equitable livelihoods
  3. Delivering nutritious food in an affordable and environmentally sustainable way
  4. Building resilient food systems
What does the Summit hope to achieve?

The summit hopes to deliver on the following outcomes:

  1. Articulate an African vision on inclusive agricultural transformation
  2. Reflect on emerging coalitions
  3. Identify priority country-level areas for support and intervention
  4. Complement public commitments with commitments from other stakeholders
  5. Catalyse an action agenda towards the UN Food Systems Summit
Where and when will the Summit take place
The AGRF 2021 Summit will take place on September 7-10, 2021, with a pre-summit event scheduled for Sep 6, 2021. The summit will be a hybrid with a small physical participation in Nairobi and broadcast virtually. The Summit will be hosted by Kenya on behalf of the AGRF secretariate and the AGRF partners group
Who can join the Summit?
The Summit is open to everyone and its free. You can register to join virtually on https://agrf.summit.tc
How can I contribute to the AGRF 2021 Summit?
  • Recommend a speaker - AGRFProgram@agrf.org
  • Sponsor an of event during the summit – email Ann Muthoni on AMuthoni@agra.org
  • Register for the dealroom as an investor, entrepreneur or government institution - dealroom@agra.org
  • Register and get others to register - https://agrf.summit.tc
How do I become a sponsor for the AGRF 2021 Summit?
For more details on partnerships and sponsorships visit this page

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