AGRF 2023: Africa Food Systems Summit
AGRF 2023: Africa Food Systems Summit
August 25, 2023 - Last update: September 29, 2023How:
Registration for virtual attendance is now open - click here to sign up.
Why:
Africa's Food Systems Forum 2023 Summit’s theme, “Recover, Regenerate, Act: Africa’s Solutions to Food Systems Transformation,” focuses on building back better food systems and food sovereignty with youth and women at the center. The theme identifies three steps needed to achieve this transformation: Recovery, Regenerate, and Act.
Recovery calls for decisive strategies and actions to rebuild food systems after multiple crises and shocks. Regenerate emphasizes the need to regenerate natural capital resources with adaptation practices, innovation, and technology for sustainable food production in a changing climate context. Act urges urgent action to accelerate food systems transformation through better policies, practices, and investments.
Learn more about the Summit and its full programme here: Home - AGRF Summit 2023
Who:

Afshan Khan

Akinwumi Ayodeji Adesina

Dr. Mansur Muhtar

H.E. Mariam Bint Mohammed Saeed Hareb Almheiri

Ndidi Nwuneli

Gunhild Stordalen

Christine Campeau

Gladys Mugambi

David Nabarro
Programme
This session is dedicated to promoting and advancing women's leadership in Africa's agricultural sector. Through panel discussions and keynote speeches, the forum empowers women by providing a platform for dialogue, sharing best practices, and networking.
Speakers include:
- Ndidi Nwuneli, SUN Lead Group Member - Co-founder and Executive Chair, Sahel Consulting
This session delves into the crucial intersection of productive systems, nutrition, human health, resilient and sustainable food production, with a focus on transforming our food systems for the betterment of all individuals- including women - and the planet. Join us as we explore the multifaceted challenges and opportunities in promoting sufficient healthier diets, addressing malnutrition, and ensuring environmental sustainability, climate resilient food systems considering a one health approach. Esteemed experts, researchers, and practitioners will share their insights, evidence-based strategies, and impactful cases from diverse contexts. Together, we will envision a future where nutritious food is accessible, equitable, and supports the well-being of both people and the planet. Engage in this stimulating Plenary session that seeks to drive meaningful action, foster collaboration among stakeholders, and pave the way for a productive, inclusive, resilient, sustainable, and nutritious food systems for all.
Sequence 2 focusing on the "State of Nutrition and Sustainable Diets" will feature:
Moderator
- Ms. Adesuwa Ifedi, Africa Senior Vice President, Heifer International
Fireside Chat on Implication to African Food Systems
- Prof. Ruth Oniang’o, Editor-in-Chief and Founder, African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development (AJFAND)
- Hon. Ms Josephine Joseph Lagu, Minister, Agriculture and Food Security, South Sudan
- Dr. Lawrence Haddad, Executive Director, Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition
Keynote Speaker
- Dr. Namukolo Covic, ILRI DG Rep & CGIAR East & Southern Africa Regional Director, EAT Lancet 2.0 Commissioner
Panel Discussion
- Ms. Afshan Khan, SUN Movement Coordinator
- Dr. Robert Bertram, Chief Scientist, Bureau for Resilience and Food Security, USAID
- Dr. Roy Steiner, Senior Vice President, Rockefeller Foundation
- Ms. Liz Ogutu, Policy and Advocacy Officer; Regional Coordinator, Africa, HarvestPlus
- Ms. Christine Campeau, Global Advocacy Director, Food Systems, CARE International
Closing remarks
- H.E. Ambassador Gabriel Ferrero, Ambassador at Large Global Food Security, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, Spain & Chairperson Committee on World Food Security (CFS)
The session on the "Cost of a Healthy Diet" delves into the challenges and implications of accessing nutritious food for individuals and communities. During the session, the speakers and panel will explore the multifaceted factors that contribute to the cost of a healthy diet, including affordability, availability, and cultural considerations. The speakers will explore the intricate relationship between food prices, dietary choices, and public health outcomes.
Speakers include:
- SUN Movement Executive Committee Co-Chair and Kenya SUN Focal Point, Gladys Mugambi
This ministerial roundtable focuses on taking stock of countries food systems pathways implementation, actions that countries can take to transform their food systems, and the progress made towards this transformation.
This session (by invitation only) is co-hosted by Sir David Nabarro, Strategic Director, 4SD Foundation & SUN Lead Group Member and will include remarks from:
- H.E. Josefa Leonel Correia Sacko, Commissioner for Rural Economy and Agriculture, African Union Commission (AUC)
- H.E. Mariam Almheiri, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, UAE
This plenary session focuses on the urgent need to adapt Africa's food system to the challenges of climate change. We will explore the impact of climate change on food systems in Africa, the policy responses needed to ensure food security and action required for resilient food systems in the face of these challenges. On the first roundtable, we will dive into the importance of incorporating Food Systems into National Adaptation and mitigation plans, Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and other national strategies. On the second roundtable, we will focus on solutions to improve the resilience of food systems, including sustainable agriculture practices, innovative technologies, and improved supply chains. Lastly, on the third roundtable, we will explore the financing needed to support these solutions, including public and private sector investment, and access to climate finance.This session builds on the Climate Action Summit and provides key recommendations as well as Africa’s position on food systems and climate nexus for COP 28.
Speakers include:
- H.E. Mariam Almheiri, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, UAE, SUN Movement Lead Group member