By; Alphonse Uhagaze
Rwanda on Monday welcomed delegates from across the continent for the second edition of the African Conference on Agricultural Technologies (ACAT), a high-level forum focused on the role of technology in transforming African agriculture.
The four-day conference, which runs through Thursday, brings together policymakers, researchers, innovators, investors and development partners under the theme: “Technological Solutions for the Next Generation of African Farmers.”
Organized by the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) in partnership with Rwanda’s Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources, ACAT 2025 aims to promote the exchange of knowledge and experiences in using technology to improve agricultural productivity across Africa.
“Africa’s agricultural potential is immense, and the key to unlocking it lies in modern technology and inclusive partnerships,” said Dr. Canisius Kanangire, AATF executive director. “Hosting this year’s conference in Kigali is another important step forward in our mission to empower African farmers through innovation.”
Kanangire noted that the first edition of the conference, held in 2023 in Nairobi, Kenya, laid the groundwork for a pan-African conversation on modernizing agriculture. He called on participants to engage fully in Kigali and build on the momentum already achieved.
In his opening remarks, Hon. Dr. Mark Cyubahiro Bagabe is the Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources emphasized that farmers must be involved as active partners, not just beneficiaries. He reiterated that African farmers must adapt to change by using modern technology adapted to their respective professions to increase production and eradicate hunger in Africa.
“African farmers must adapt to change by using appropriate modern technology to increase production, co-create, and innovate to eradicate hunger on the continent,” he said.
A conference participant, in from Nigeria, she stated that “The shift in African agriculture from the use of traditional tools to modern technology will be of great benefit, not only to Africans, but also to the opening of African agricultural products to markets on other continents,” she concluded.
Among the keynote speakers is former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, who expressed optimism about the continent’s future in agricultural transformation.
“As we gather here again, I urge governments, investors, and development partners to combine their efforts and harness the power of knowledge and innovation to strengthen our food systems,” Jonathan said. “ACAT is no longer just a conference—it’s a platform that reminds Africans of their capacity to create opportunities in agriculture through smart investment and meaningful collaboration.”
The Rwandan government welcomed delegates and reaffirmed its commitment to agricultural innovation. In a statement, the Ministry of Agriculture said it was honored to host the conference and encouraged attendees to enjoy the hospitality and beauty the country has to offer.
The conference comes at a critical time, as African nations continue to seek solutions to boost agricultural yields and ensure food security in the face of climate change, population growth and evolving market demands.
About ACAT:
ACAT is the premier platform for advancing African agriculture technology transfer and advocating for the uptake of innovations. The Conference will provide a fitting platform to highlight the broad range of concerns associated with getting innovative technologies into the hands of farmers. It will also provide an opportunity for depth discussions and consensus building on barriers to technology development and transfer and generate higher policy level interest at the continental level to resolve the identified challenges.
About AATF
AATF provides farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) with practical technology solutions to overcome farm productivity constraints. Founded in 2003, AATF is driven by the vision of a prosperous, resilient, food and nutrition secure Africa, where smallholder farmers’ livelihoods are transformed through agricultural innovations. Active in 24 countries in East, Southern and West Africa, over the past two decades we have emerged as one of the continent’s foremost technology transfer facilitators, trusted by both private and public sector institutions. AATF works beyond the product development segment to help commercialise and scale sustainable, demand-based technologies designed to address specific agricultural challenges. Active across the whole technology lifecycle, we positively transform farmers’ livelihoods and lives. Above all, we believe in providing the ‘freedom to innovate’. AATF’s proven expertise as a programmes and partnership facilitator, weaving together a broad range of actors for technology transfer, is unparalleled in Africa.
