Location: Investment Room - Deal Room 2

Category: Investment Room

Location: Investment Room - Deal Room 1

Category: Investment Room

Location: Investment Room - Main Stage

Category: Investment Room

Moderator

  • Mr. Frank N.J. Braeken, Chairman of the Board, Feronia Inc & Board Member, AGRA

Segment 1

  • Dr. Alpha Ba, State Secretary for Cooperatives and Farmers, Republic of Senegal

  • H.E. Ambassador Berik Aryn, Director General, Islamic Organization for Food Security

  • Mr. Amadou Gallo Fall, President, Basketball Africa League (BAL)

  • Ms. Djeneba Pilabre, Wendinkonte Consortium, People’s Republic of Burkina Faso

Segment 2

  • Mr. Isaac Kwaku Fokuo, Curator, Amahoro Coalition

  • Ms. Sefora Kodjo, Board Chair; Member of the Civil Society Committee, Foundation Sephix; AFDB Group

  • Ms. Fiona Hofmann, Director of Strategic Partnerships, PULA

  • Mr. Robert Mwanamanga, Director for Debt and Aid, Republic of Malawi

Closing Remarks

  • Ms. Chania Frost, Associate Partner, McKinsey & Company

 

Location: Investment Room - Main Stage

Category: Investment Room

In partnership with the MasterCard Foundation and aligned with the theme of AFSF 2025, this session brings together youth leaders and senior experts to explore how Africa can foster an environment that accelerates investment in young people. These bright young entrepreneurs will share firsthand experiences on what it takes to build successful ventures. Financiers, thought leaders, and policymakers will frame the work of the Investment Room, including deal rooms, B2B spaces, and national incentive programs that advance agri-food sectors. Whether you're an investor, policymaker, or emerging founder, this session offers valuable insights and opportunities to scale youth-led innovation across the continent.

Moderator

  • Ms. Lizz Ntonjira, Director of Pan African Program Communications, Mastercard Foundation

Keynote Remarks

  • Ms. Adja Boudy Kante, Founder & CEO, Cereal House

The Power of Collaboration

  • Facilitator
    • Ms. Nana Amoah, Director, Gender, Youth and Inclusiveness, AGRA
  • Speakers
    • Ms. Nafissatou Traore, Debbo Entreprise (Young Entrepreneur)
    • Dr. Alioune Sall, Executive Director, Institut des Futurs Africains
    • Ms. Alli Faiza, Founder, Maro Foods (Start-up)
    • Ms. Sidee Dlamini, Chief Ecosystem & Partnerships Officer, Delta40 (Funder)

Fireside chat

  • Facilitator
    • Ms. Atsuko Toda, Senior Director, Entrepreneurship Development, Pan-African Programs, Mastercard Foundation
  • Speakers
    • H.E. Lionel Zinsou, former Prime Minister of Benin and Founder/Managing Partner at SouthBridge
    • H.E. Mohamed Beavogui, former Prime Minister of Guinea

The Great Munk Debate

  • Facilitator
    • Ms. Lizz Ntonjira, Director of Pan African Program Communications, Mastercard Foundation
  • Speakers
    • Ms. Anthea Ibembe, Co-founder & Chief Operating Officer, APA Tea
    • Ms. Yemisi Iranloye, Founder & Managing Director, Psaltry International Company Limited
    • Mr. Nana Kusi Appiah, Founder & CEO Ganafert
    • Mr. Papa Amadou Sarr, Executive Director of the Mobilization, Partnerships, and Communication Department at the Agence Française de Développement (AFD)

Closing Reflections

  • Dr. Alice Ruhweza, President, AGRA

 

Location: Investment Room - Deal Room 2

Category: Investment Room

Location: Investment Room - Deal Room 1

Category: Investment Room

Heifer International’s Deal Room at AFSF 2025 will provide a half-day platform for open, cross-sector conversations on inclusive finance, youth-led agri-innovation, and pathways to scaled smallholder farmer impact. The sessions will spotlight African agri-innovators who are already delivering results, giving investors a unique chance to see emerging talent, explore practical solutions, and identify the right opportunities for mutually beneficial investment. 

New Face of Grants – Catalyzing Innovative Finance to Drive Sustainable and Scalable Impact

Moderator:

  • Wangui Muna, Director, Innovative Finance, Africa, Heifer International

Speakers:

  • William Matovu, Country Director, Uganda, Heifer International
  • Pranjit Talukdar, Lead Heifer Impact Capital
  • Tajudeen Yahaya, CEO, Extension Africa
  • Peninah Wanja, CEO, DigiCow
  • Dr. Eklou Attiogevi-Somado, Regional Manager fo West Africa, AfDB
  • Dr. Nomathemba Mhlanga, Representative ad interim in Rwanda, FAO
  • Florence Kariuki, Partnerships East Africa, Mastercard – Community Pass 

Built to Attract - How to Make Capital Flow to You (Hot Seat, Hard Talk)

Moderator

  • Ondiro Oganga, Journalist, Bloomberg 

Speakers

  • Uka Eje, CEO, Extension Africa
  • Femi Adekoya, Founder, Integrated Aerial Precision
  • Sidee Dlamini, Chief Ecosystem & Partnerships Officer, Delta40
  • Romuald Bentefouet, VP, Private Equity, Sahel Capital 

Powering Agricultural Transformation in Africa with Disruptive Technology (Innovator Showcase) 

  • Moderator
    • Ifeoluwa Olatayo, Founder, Farmslate Technologies Limited 
  • Speakers
    • Samson Alemu, CEO, Thur Biotech
    • Carolyne Mwangi, MD, Kimplanter Seedlings and Nurseries
    • Douglas Mwangi, Co-Founder, Agritech Analytics
    • Baraka Chijenga, Founder, Kilimo Fresh Foods
    • Riches Attai, CEO, Winich Farms 
  • Innovators
    • Samson Alemu, CEO, Thur Biotech
    • Carolyne Mwangi, MD, Kimplanter Seedlings and Nurseries
    • Douglas Mwangi, Co-Founder, Agritech Analytics
    • Baraka Chijenga, Founder, Kilimo Fresh Foods
    • Riches Attai, CEO, Winich Farms
    • Ifeoluwa Olatayo, Founder, Farmslate Technologies Limited
    • Uka Eje, CEO, Extension Africa
    • Femi Adekoya, Founder, Integrated Aerial Precision
    • Tajudeen Yahaya, CEO, Extension Africa
    • Peninah Wanja, CEO, DigiCow
    • Eliud Rugut, Founder, Silo Africa

 

Location: Investment Room - Deal Room 2

Category: Investment Room

Join this dynamic pitching session to meet standout African entrepreneurs transforming food systems. These investment-ready SMEs, selected in partnership with Welthungerhilfe (WHH), are tackling hunger and driving sustainable impact. From across the continent, they bring innovative solutions and are seeking support through grants, equity, debt, or blended finance. Whether you're a financier, policymaker, or ecosystem builder, this is your opportunity to invest in Africa's development through the lens of bold, future-focused entrepreneurship. 

Speakers 

  • H.E. Dr. Ibrahim Assane Mayaki, Former Prime Minister, Republic of Niger & African Union Special Envoy for Food Systems (AUDA-NEPAD) 
  • H.E. Mohamed Beavogui, Former Prime Minister, Republic of Guinea 

SMEs 

  • Mr. Paul Zaake, Co-founder & Managing Director, AgriShare Uganda Ltd. 
  • Mr. Joseph Ogwal, Founder & CEO, Agro Supply 
  • Mr. Matt Carr, CEO & Co-founder, AGSOL 
  • Mr. Christian Adoh, CEO, BIO PLANET TMC Ltd. 
  • Mr. Mandefro Tagele, General Manager, BPTC Plc. 
  • Ms. Theresa Fehle, Chief of Staff, Ignitia 
  • Ms. Irene Etyang, CEO, MAMLO FOODS 
  • Mr. Emmanuel Chike Ikemefuna, Managing Director, QuantumHeights GmbH 
  • Ms. Miraal Kabir, Co-founder & CEO, Safi 
  • Mr. Smart Israel, Founder & CEO, Smartel Agri Tech 
  • Ms. Zoë Slattery, Senior Technical Lead, Smart Villages 
  • Ms. Claire Baker, Co-founder & Director, Toothpick 

 

Location: Investment Room - Main Stage

Category: Investment Room

Building on the Global Future Foods Forum 2024, this session will reinforce the forum’s mission to connect regions, catalyse partnerships, and create actionable pathways toward a secure and sustainable global food future. The session will place a special spotlight on UAE–Africa investment opportunities, recognising the strategic alignment between the UAE’s position as a global food trade and innovation hub and Africa’s vast agricultural potential.

Discussions will focus on unlocking value chains from farm to fork, mobilising capital for climate-smart agriculture, enhancing food processing and logistics infrastructure, and fostering joint ventures that accelerate economic growth while ensuring long-term food security.

Speakers

  • Mr. Amath Pathe Sene, Managing Director, Africa Food System Forum (opening speaker)

  • Mr. Saleh Lootah, Chairman, United Arab Food Cluster

  • Ms. Sylvia Vitale Rotta, CEO, Team Creatif

  • Mr. Walid Hareb Al Falahi, Chief Executive Officer, Dubai Consultancy

  • Mr. Abdul Vaheed, Secretary General, UAE Food & Beverage Business Group

 

Location: Investment Room - Main Stage

Category: Investment Room

  • Dr. Jean Jacques Mbonigaba Muhinda (JJ) (Moderator)
  • H.E. Mohamed Abdi Hayir, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, Government of Somalia

Location: Investment Room - Deal Room 1

Category: Investment Room

Entrepreneurship is the promise of food systems. Come and see it in action at the AFSF SME Pitching Sessions! Hosted in the dynamic Investment Room, these sessions spotlight innovative, scalable businesses driving change across sectors, from climate-smart farming to nutrition tech. Each entrepreneur has been selected and prepared in partnership with Advance Consulting team.

Join us to discover high-impact ventures, champion Africa’s next generation of business leaders, and help build inclusive, sustainable agri-food systems across the continent.

Speakers

  • Mr. William Wathuta (Moderator)

SMEs

  • Mr. Wisdom Abodakpi, CEO, Cycle Farms

  • Mr. Henry Abraham, CEO, HJA Africa Limited

  • Mr. Jason O Odigo, Managing Director, Harvester Road Organic

  • Mr. Kennedy Comba, COO, Jumbo Fish Farm LTD

Closing Reflections

  • H.E. Mizengo Pinda, Former Prime Minister, United Republic of Tanzania

  • Mr. Harris Hounton, Senior Investment Officer, IFC

Location: Investment Room - Main Stage

Category: Investment Room

Senegal’s agricultural sector is a key driver of the country's economic and social development. The sector plays an essential role in reducing poverty and is a major source of job creation and income for poor households, most of which are located in rural areas. Despite recent progress, the agricultural sector suffers from slow productivity growth and struggles to meet food demand. Senegal imports almost 70% of its food requirements, particularly for basic products such as rice, wheat, maize, dairy products, vegetables, and sugar, heightening the country’s vulnerability to recurring shocks.

Against this background, Senegal has engaged in the transformation of its food systems through several avenues including the promotion of community-based agricultural cooperatives (CACs). The CAC programme supports the inclusive development of agriculture and livestock farming by organising producers into cooperatives with the aim of helping them to modernise the sector through core investment in infrastructure, training, extension, financing, and access to input and output markets. This way, the CACs will be catalysts for food sovereignty through the emergence of a competitive, inclusive, and sustainable national agricultural economy.

The government has already committed key resources for the development of the CACs pilot programme. The African Food Systems Forum will provide an opportunity for the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Livestock to present the Senegal Legacy programme to donors and investors and seek their contribution for the expansion of the programme.

Moderator

  • M. Serigne Abdoul Aziz DRAMÉ

Speakers

  • Honorable Dr. Mabouba Diagne, Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Livestock, Senegal (opening speaker)

Closing Reflections

  • H.E. Lionel Zinsou, Former Prime Minister, Republic of Benin & Founder and Managing Partner, SouthBridge

  • Mr. Bayella Thiam, Regional Director, West Africa, Technoserve

  • Mrs. Nouma Dione, Senior Country Head for Senegal, International Finance Corporation (IFC)

  • Mr. Sapan Kumar, Business Head – Wheat Milling Operations, Olam Agri

  • Mr. Serge Ekue, President, West African Development Bank (BOAD)

 

Location: Investment Room - Deal Room 2

Category: Investment Room

Climate-smart and nature positive innovations are needed to accelerate the shift of Africa’s agriculture and food systems to be low-carbon, climate resilient while ensuring food security to support growing population and to support economic development. To help support this transition, the CLIC Agribusiness Connector has provided technical assistance to eight Africa-based agribusinesses on impact assessment and investor engagement preparation.

In partnership with AFSF, the CLIC Climate and Nature SME Investment Room welcomes you to come meet these businesses with bold ideas, scalable solutions and primed for growth.

These entrepreneurs come from a cross-section of sectors and are working to advance food systems in their countries while addressing critical climate and nature challenges. They’re seeking visionary investors open to grants, equity, debt, or blended finance to help scale high-impact solutions. This is an opportunity to support climate-forward entrepreneurship, expand employment, and accelerate development across the continent.

Speakers

  • Ms. Wen E Chin, Manager, CLIC (Moderator)

  • Ms. Nachilala Nkombo, Country Director, Bridges to Prosperity (B2P) Zambia; Founder, Women Leaders on Climate Action (WLCA); Member, Africa Food Prize

  • Ms. Marina Kamanzi, Kagezi Seeds, Zambia

  • Dr. Asongo Abraham Iorkaam, Jaress Agriculture Agfinance, Nigeria

  • Ms. Loreen Wanjiru, Camino Ruiz, Kenya

  • Mr. Alexander Zanders, UfarmX, Nigeria

  • Ms. Chinwendu Nweke, Bridge Merchant Enterprises, Nigeria

  • Mr. Moustapha Kebe, Keblink, Senegal

  • Ms. Eneotse Unoogwu, AllTimeFresh, Nigeria

  • Mr. Eliud Rugut, Silo Africa, Kenya

  • Ms. Liz Kirk, Senior Manager, ClimateShot Investor Coalition (CLIC)

  • Mr. Qasem Bilbeisi, Senior Analyst, ClimateShot Investor Coalition (CLIC)

  • UK FCDO, Africa Programmes Expertise Department

Closing Reflections

  • Dr. Peter Mbanda Umunay, Thematic Lead – Food Systems and Land Use, Global Environment Facility (GEF)

  • H.E. Mohamed Beavogui, Former Prime Minister, Republic of Guinea

Location: Investment Room - Deal Room 1

Category: Investment Room

The Government of Ethiopia welcomes you to the Invest Ethiopia Session. This session highlights bold initiatives to boost employment, strengthen value-added food chains, especially in sorghum and oil seeds, and improve access to nutritious food.

Central to the discussion is the INVEST in Ethiopia platform, featuring high-potential, investment-ready opportunities driving agricultural innovation and economic growth. Join national leaders and partners to discover how Ethiopia is building a resilient food system that benefits farmers, consumers, and investors. Whether you're seeking strategic partnerships or impact opportunities, this session opens a window into one of East Africa’s most promising investment frontiers.

Speakers

  • Dr. Agnes Kalibata (Moderator)

  • Dr. Maru S. Bekele, Advisor to the State Minister of Agriculture on Sorghum Flagship Development, Ministry of Agriculture

  • Prof. Ali M. Ibrahim, Senior Advisor to the State Minister of Agriculture and Horticulture, Ministry of Agriculture

  • Mr. Saad Aouad, CEO, SAMANU Business Group, Ethiopia

Closing Reflections

  • Ms. Meghna Laxman, Director Corporate Affairs, PepsiCo

  • Mr. Dominic Schofield, Global Director for Agri-food Systems, TechnoServe

  • Mr. Mehdi Filali, Senior Vice-President, West Africa, OCP Africa

  • Dr. Maximo Torero Cullen, Chief Economist, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)

 

Location: Investment Room - Main Stage

Category: Investment Room

Uganda’s food sector is a cornerstone of its economy. With its fertile soils, favourable climate, and vast arable land, Uganda offers immense opportunities for investors looking to engage in agribusiness. The country’s strategic location in East Africa, with access to regional and international markets, further enhances its potential as a hub for agricultural production and export.

This session promises to provide insights into investment opportunities in the food systems of Uganda.

Speakers

  • Prof. Hamadi Boga (Moderator)

  • Hon. Fred Bwino Kyakulaga, Minister of State for Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Republic of Uganda

  • David Wozemba, Country Director, AGRA Uganda Office

  • Peter Mulira, Investment Executive, Uganda Investment Authority

Location: Investment Room - Deal Room 2

Category: Investment Room

The Ghana Deal Room, themed “Feeding Prosperity Through Smart Investments in Ghana,” will spotlight high-impact opportunities that deliver tangible benefits for farmers, investors, and consumers. It will highlight how public-private collaboration is driving Ghana’s food systems toward prosperity while positioning the country as the gateway to West Africa’s 400 million people and a rising hub for agri-investment, value addition, nutrition, and climate-smart growth.

Moderator

  • Dr. Betty Annan

Speakers

  • Hon. Eric Opoku, Ghana’s Minister for Food and Agriculture

  • Hon. Augustus Obuadum Goosie Tanoh, Ghana’s Presidential Advisor for 24 Hour Economy & Accelerated Export Development

  • Mr. Bayella Thiam, Regional Director, West Africa, Technoserve

  • Dr. Mahamah Abdul-Rahaman, Commercial Manager, Ghana, Yara International

Location: Investment Room - Main Stage

Category: Investment Room

Nigeria Postharvest Systems Transformation Program (NiPHaST)

Nigeria's population stands at 232.7 million in 2025 (50% under 30 years, 49.4% women), and projected to reach 359.2 million by 2050 (NBS, 2025). 923,768 k㎡ of land (40.5% arable, 13,000 k㎡ water bodies).GDP is $243.7billion (Agriculture contributes 24% of GDP, employing 40% of workforce). Post-harvest losses remain a persistent challenge in Nigeria's agricultural sector, particularly in cereal, legume, and vegetable value chains. Nigeria's post-harvest losses are estimated at N3.5 trillion annually due to inadequate storage facilities, inefficient transportation, limited access to modern preservation technologies,and lack of cold chain infrastructure.These losses reduce food availability, undermine farmer incomes, and limit Nigeria's progress toward food security. Over 40% of agricultural produce is wasted due to poor handling, storage, and transportation, threatening food security and farmers' livelihoods. Post-harvest losses account for 92% of household food shortages and income decline. Losses exacerbate food insecurity issues, affecting marginalized groups' access to proper nutrition. In Kano State, 20% post-harvest loss of tomato and 15% of pepper has been reported. Experts recommend adopting advanced technologies and improving harvesting, processing, and storage techniques to mitigate losses. Addressing post-harvest losses requires a multi-stakeholder approach. Building on the framework of its National Agricultural Technology and Innovation Policy (NATIP), the Government of Nigeria in partnership with AGRA is initiating a flagship project to address these issues through improved storage infrastructure, technologies, transport services and systems change. The legacy program aims to achieve a resilient, efficient, and inclusive postharvest handling and storage system that reduces losses, enhances incomes, and provides food security for more than 230 million Nigerians

Moderator

  • Ms. Rukayya Umar Farouk, SA Media to the Honourable Minister of Agriculture and Food Security

Speakers

  • Senator Abubakar Kyari, Honourable Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Federal Republic of Nigeria

  • His Excellency, Governor Umar A. Namadi, FCA, Executive Governor, Jigawa State, Nigeria

  • Dr. Kingsley Uzoma, Special Assistant to the President – Agribusiness & Productivity Enhancement, Nigeria

  • Dr. Kabir Ibrahim, President, Nigeria Agribusiness Group (NABG)

  • Mrs. Adesuwa Ifedi, SVP for Africa Programs, Heifer International

Closing Remarks

  • Mr. Mohammed A. Ibrahim, CEO & Executive Secretary, National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), Nigeria

  • Ms. Adesuwa Akinboro, Country Director, Nigeria, Technoserve

Location: Investment Room - Main Stage

Category: Investment Room

The CEO Chat experience offers practical guide for investment and business growth. Join us for an engaging conversation with leading CEO, Delphine Traoré, as she shares her personal journey in the food systems space and the lessons she’s learned along the way. This session provides a unique opportunity to hear firsthand insights on what it takes to build a successful business. It also includes interactive time with the audience, allowing young entrepreneurs and aspiring leaders to ask questions and gain tailored advice. Come ready to ask questions, take notes, and be inspired by leaders who’ve walked the road and are now lighting the way.

Speakers

  • Ms. Delphine Traoré, Chief Executive General Insurance, SanlamAllianz
  • Ms. Ruramiso Mashumba, CEO & Founder, Mnandi Africa
  • Mr.    Uka Eje, CEO, ThriveAgric

Location: Investment Room - Deal Room 2

Category: Investment Room

Step into the Investment Room and Deal Room to hear from brilliant businesses with bold ideas and real potential. Representing a cross-section of sectors, these investment-ready entrepreneurs are driving innovation to advance food systems in their countries. With support from the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) and the Africa Food Systems Forum (AFSF), these SMEs have been carefully selected and prepared to engage with investors across grants, equity, debt, or blended finance.

This is a chance to connect with scalable solutions that foster employment, development, and impact across the continent.

SMEs

  • Deborah Nzarubara, Founder and CEO, Grecom – 13:00–13:10

  • Ms. Salimata Toh, Founder & Manager, AGRIBANANA – 13:10–13:20

  • Mbumba Lapaque, Chief Vision Officer, ANTARCTIK – 13:20–13:30

  • Marlène Kindji, Founder & CEO, BADÉMÈ NATURAL FOODS – 13:30–13:40

  • Mr. Elhadji Malick Sagne, Founder & CEO, Cactus Innovation – 14:00–14:10

  • Mr. Bruk Getahun, Co-founder & CMO, ChipChip – 14:10–14:20

  • Mr. Imungana Malikana, Founder, Cranitech Ltd. – 14:20–14:30

  • Dr. Iddi Mohamed Faried, CEO, Kodu Technology – 14:30–14:40

Closing Reflections

  • Ms. Eva Bibee, Investment Officer, International Finance Corporation (IFC)

Location: Investment Room - Main Stage

Category: Investment Room

The agricultural sector in Zimbabwe presents significant investment opportunities across all value chains, including production, farm infrastructure, machinery, irrigation development, processing, marketing, and export. This sector contributes between 12% and 17% to the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

The Zimbabwe Legacy Program focuses on seven key value chains: maize, soybeans, sunflower, blueberries, beef, dairy, and poultry. However, additional investments are required to meet and maintain current production levels, regional demand, and projections due to increased domestic and regional demands, given the growing population and increasing market needs.

At the upcoming Africa Food Summit 2025, the Government will present the Legacy Program Pitch Deck, highlighting tangible opportunities to enhance production, processing, and marketing within the selected value chains. This presentation will illustrate how targeted investments can stimulate inclusive rural transformation, economic growth, and yield substantial returns.

Speakers

  • Dr. Nega Wubeneh (Moderator)
  • Prof. Dr. Obert Jiri, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Republic of Zimbabwe
  • Mr. George Marechera, Head – Digital Systems & Solutions for Agriculture, AGRA 

Location: Investment Room - Deal Room 2

Category: Investment Room

Join this session to hear from brilliant small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with bold ideas and scalable models designed to advance food systems in their countries. These businesses come from a cross-section of sectors and are seeking the right investors, whether through grants, equity, debt, or blended finance.

In collaboration with World Initiative for Soy in Human Health (WISHH) and the Africa Food Systems Forum (AFSF), each enterprise has been selected and prepared for investment readiness, with a particular focus on advancing Zero Hunger. Their stories reflect the potential to expand employment, improve nutrition, and foster development across Africa.

Speakers

  • Mr. Thomas Agyei-Poku, Chief Finance Officer, FMB Farms & Trading LTD
  • Mr. Mosunmola Ayeola-Oke-Tojinu, Director, Mosnerifoods
  • Mr. Femi Dairo, Founder & CEO, Rid Agri Ltd
  • Mr. Kwasi Nyamekye, Managing Director, Vester Oil Mills Ltd
  • Dr.    Adrien Dogo, Senior Associate, Nutritious Foods Financing Facility, Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN)
  • Mr.    Harris Hounton, Senior Investment Officer, International Finance Corporation (IFC)

Location: Investment Room - Deal Room 1

Category: Investment Room

Mali enters the Africa Food Systems Forum 2025 with a bold vision to transform its agriculture and food systems into engines of resilience, prosperity, and youth empowerment. Building on the national agenda for Food Security and Sovereignty, Mali is positioning itself as a strategic hub for investment in seeds, technology, and agri-food value chains. 

The Mali Dealroom session will showcase how government leadership, youth innovation, and private sector dynamism are converging to unlock sustainable opportunities for smallholder farmers and rural communities.

Speakers

  • Ms. Jessie Lafourcade (moderator)
  • Hon. Redouwane Ag Mohamed Ali, Minister Commissioner for Food Security, Republic of Mali
  • Oumar B. Samaké, Ecotech Mali
  • Abdulaziz Khalid M A Al-Delaimi, Qatar Fund for Development
  • Malado Traoré, Youth Pitch
  • Djibril Kayentao, Youth Pitch

Location: Investment Room - Deal Room 1

Category: Investment Room

Entrepreneurship is the promise of food systems. Come and see it in action at the AFSF SME Pitching Sessions! Hosted in the dynamic Investment Room, these sessions spotlight innovative, scalable businesses driving change across sectors, from climate-smart farming to nutrition tech. Each entrepreneur has been rigorously selected and prepared in partnership with AFSF.

Join us to discover high-impact ventures, champion Africa’s next generation of business leaders, and help build inclusive, sustainable agri-food systems across the continent.

Moderator

  • Mr. William Wathuta

SMEs

  • Mr. Elijah Yakubu, COO, Ekduo Limited
  • Mr. Baligeya Stephen, BD Manager, Farm Uganda
  • Mr. Seidu Mubarak, Deputy Managing Director, Antika Company Ltd
  • Mr. Moses Gunda, Founder & CEO, Megnacio Company Ltd
  • Mr. Ezekiel Jatau, Co-Founder & CEO, Palm Valley Nigeria
  • Mr. Joshua Toatoba, Founder & CEO, Rujo Agri-Trade Limited
  • Dr. Erick O Ogumo, Co-Founder & Director, CropMasters Limited

Closing Remarks

  • H.E. Amb. Festus Bizimana, Ambassador of Rwanda to Senegal, Republic of Rwanda
  • Mr. Irakoze Bizimana Christian, Republic of Rwanda
  • Ms. Tresor Kalimwabo Gashonga, Republic of Rwanda

Location: Investment Room - Main Stage

Category: Investment Room

Liberia’s economy is predominantly agrarian, with over 70% of the population relying on agriculture for their livelihoods. The country retains a rich endowment of natural vegetation, diverse soil types, high rainfall, and significant land arability. It also boasts a youthful population, with 75% under the age of 35. Despite these natural and demographic advantages, Liberia’s agrifood system remains under-productive, with underdeveloped value chains and limited private sector investment. Thus, investments are needed in Rice, Cassava, Palm Oil, Coffee and Maize.  

  • Dr. Yifru Bekele (Moderator)
  • Hon. Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah, Minister of Agriculture, Liberia
  • Mr. Francis F. B. Mulbah, Assistant Minister for Planning, Policy and Development, Ministry of Agriculture, Liberia
  • Ms. Macy Wilson, Director of Gender and Social Inclusion, Ministry of Agriculture, Liberia
  • Ms. Bettina Iseli, Welthungerhilfe (WHH) Chief Program Officer
  • Mr. Octavius Quarbo, Technical Lead in the design of the Legacy program

 

Location: Investment Room - Deal Room 1

Category: Investment Room

The Government of Tanzania, in collaboration with AGRA, welcomes you to the Invest Tanzania Session. This session highlights bold initiatives to boost employment, strengthen value-added food chains, and improve access to nutritious food. Central to the discussion is the INVEST in Tanzania platform, featuring high-potential, investment-ready opportunities driving agricultural innovation and economic growth.

Join national leaders and partners to discover how Tanzania is building a resilient food system that benefits farmers, consumers, and investors. Whether you're seeking strategic partnerships or impact opportunities, this session opens a window into one of East Africa’s most promising investment frontiers.

Moderators

  • Mr. Geoffrey Kirenga, CEO AGCOT and Ms. Elizabeth Missokia, ED, ATO

Speakers

  • Ms. Agnes Kisaka Meena, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, United Republic of Tanzania
  • Ms. Aisha Adel Alansari, Project Development Researcher, Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD)

Closing Remarks

  • Ms. Katerina Ntep, Senior Managing Director, Corus International

Location: Investment Room - Deal Room 1

Category: Investment Room

Join the Investment Room and Deal Room to hear from brilliant businesses with bold ideas and real potential. Representing a cross-section of sectors, these investment-ready entrepreneurs are driving innovation to advance food systems in their countries. With support from the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) and the Africa Food Systems Forum (AFSF), these SMEs have been carefully selected and prepared to engage with investors across grants, equity, debt, or blended finance.

This is a chance to connect with scalable solutions that foster employment, development, and impact across the continent.

SMEs

  • Irene Ivambi, CEO, Mrembo Naturals – 10:00–10:10

  • Bright B K Nezomba|, Founder & CEO, NEZOX-BRANDS – 10:10–10:20

  • Mr. Mochesane Albert Mpali, Founder & CEO, Lema Agrivest – 10:20–10:30

  • Riantsoa Mialinarindra, CEO, Sakafo Madagascar – 10:30–10:40

  • Ms. Arristine Mendes, Founder, Shaddaï Aquaculture – 11:00–11:10

  • Charles Oyamo, Fundraising Lead, SokoSafe – 11:10–11:20

  • Mr. Royford Mutegi, Founder & CEO, Vermi-Farm Initiative – 11:20–11:30

  • Terese Akpem, Founder, Vet Konect – 11:30–11:40

Closing Remarks

  • H.E. Amb. Festus Bizimana, Ambassador of Rwanda to Senegal, Republic of Rwanda

  • Mr. Younes Addou, Vice President Agribusiness & Sustainability Solutions, InnovX

Location: Investment Room - Deal Room 2

Category: Investment Room

Investment opportunities will be highlighted in Zambia including 5 exciting projects. Join Invest Zambia for highlights on these initiatives that cross multiple agri-food sectors. 

Moderator

  • Mr. Maziko Phiri

Speakers

  • Dr. Max Choombe, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock
  • Dr. Chizumba Shepande, Director of Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture

Presenters

  • Gregory Mutamba - Investment Climate and incentives in Zambia
  • Lance Simwanza - Investment opportunities, Agriculture Investment Ventures in Zambia


Project 1: Luombwa & Agro Luswishi Core Venture Farms
Establish bulk agricultural infrastructure and integrated farms that enhance food production and security by purchasing farm block products and adding value for local and export markets.
 
Project 2: Zambezi Cashews Limited
Investment in the establishment of a 25,000 ha cashew plantation and a 4MT processing plant to produce export-grade cashew nuts. To date, 517 hectares have been planted, translating into over 40,000 cashew trees.
 
Project 3: Lubona Meat Products
Expansion of operations with a modern meat processing factory that will double current slaughtering capacity from 18,000 (7.5 million per year) to 36,000 birds per day (15 million per year), positioning Lubona to meet fast-growing national demand.
 
Project 4: Zambia Food Security & Export (ZFSE)
Establishment of 4 production clusters (93,750 ha) and 3 processing hubs to expand maize, soybean & wheat production and exports.
 
Project 5: Lusaka Fresh Market (LFM)
Development of 50 Ha modern wholesale fresh produce market with 39,000m' trading space, 200MT/day storage, and 23,000m' rentals.

Location: Investment Room - Deal Room 2

Category: Investment Room