Registration for the Africa’s Food Systems Forum 2023 (AGRF 2023) opens

Summary:

• Forum launch was led by Hon Hussein Bashe, Minister for Agriculture – United Republic of Tanzania
• Calls for a shift in the global narrative on food systems from a scientific dialogue to an economic dialogue.
• Emphasises that youth and women are central to achieving food sovereignty in Africa.

By Murimi Gitari, May 18, 2023, The Minister for Agriculture in the United Republic of Tanzania Hussein Mohamed Bashe, officially launched registrations for Africa’s Food Systems Forum 2023 Summit (AGRF 2023) in Dodoma, Tanzania.

The summit will take place in Dar es Salaam Tanzania from September 4-8, 2023. This year’s summit will spotlight Africa’s leadership and innovation toward food security under the theme Recover, Regenerate Act: Africa’s Solutions to Food Systems Transformation.

In his remarks, Hon. Bashe highlighted that Africa’s food demand will increase by 50% in the coming years, posing challenges to food security but also offering opportunities for food systems transformation. He emphasized that the AGRF 2023 Summit will provide a platform for African leaders and innovators to showcase local solutions to food systems and security.

He encouraged delegates from Tanzania and beyond to join the summit and called for a shift in the global conversation on food security and nutrition. “We must shift the dialogue on food security and nutrition from a scientific dialogue to a business conversation. We must connect the to business empowerment and poverty eradication,” he said.

The AGRF 2023 Summit aspires to position Africa as the place for innovation and investments that advances a stronger more diverse and resilient food system. The summit will highlight the need for decisive strategies to rebuild food systems after crises, regenerate natural capital resources through innovation and adaptation practices as well as purpose to take action to accelerate food systems transformation through improved policies, practices, and investments.

In his remarks, Mr. Amath Pathe Sene, the Managing Director of the Forum said, “more Local production, strategic investments, innovation, and effective policies are the driving forces behind the transformative journey towards sustainable food systems. By empowering local communities, particularly youth and women fostering innovation, and implementing supportive policies, we can pave the way for resilient and inclusive food systems.”

The AGRF 2023 Summit will feature a dynamic program comprising plenary sessions, interactive discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities. Attendees will have the opportunity to share best practices and explore innovative solutions that can revolutionize Africa’s agriculture and food systems.

In addition to the discussions, the AGRF 2023 Summit will feature scheduled field visits providing participants with a practical understanding of local food systems. It will also showcase successful models of sustainable agriculture in action.

For more information and to register for Africa’s Food Systems Forum 2023 Summit, please visit https://www.agrf-inperson.com/