Financing Agri-food Systems Sustainably

23/07/2026

Stronger partnerships are key to attaining sustainable agrifood systems financing in Africa.

The final day of the 3rd highlighted that finance alone cannot transform agriculture farmers need access to certified seeds, improved breeds, irrigation, mechanization, climate smart technologies, extension services, and reliable markets.

The summit concluded by celebrating stronger partnerships among governments, financial institutions, development partners, researchers, and the private sector, with a shared commitment to turn dialogue into action and build resilient, investment-ready food systems across Africa.

Watch the highlights.
AGRA-Sustainably Growing Africa’s Food Systems. Swisscontact Agricultural Finance Corporation Pan African Agriculture Heifer International Kenya International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)

21/07/2026

How can wholesale lending transform agriculture in Africa?

This engaging session at the explored how financial institutions can work with SACCOs, microfinance institutions, and strategic partners to expand affordable financing for farmers and agribusinesses.

Participants emphasized the need for innovative lending models, risk sharing mechanisms, and stronger partnerships that make agricultural finance more accessible, inclusive, and impactful.

The discussions reinforced that strengthening financial ecosystems is key to unlocking investment, increasing productivity, and building resilient food systems across Africa.
International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Agricultural Finance Corporation

20/07/2026

In Shaping the Future of Agricultural Finance​in Africa, Capital Follows Confidence

Day two of the 3rd ushered in key discussions which underscored a fact that Africa's transformation depends on modern agriculture, value addition, entrepreneurship, and sustainable resource management.

A standout message was clear: banks finance competence, investors back sound management, and capital follows confidence built through skills.

Watch the Day 2 highlight video and relive the insights, conversations, and moments that shaped the future of agricultural finance in Africa.

AGRA-Sustainably Growing Africa’s Food Systems. Swisscontact International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Agricultural Finance Corporation Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Heifer International Kenya Pan African Agriculture

17/07/2026

What does it take to move from conversations to action in transforming Africa's agri-food systems?

This edition revisits some of the defining moments from , from the launch of Kenya's National Agri-food Systems Investment Plan (NASIP) and the Agriculture Finance Technical Working Group to practical financing solutions, strategic partnerships, and conversations shaping the future of sustainable agrifood finance.

More than a recap, this newsletter highlights the ideas, collaborations, and commitments that are driving action beyond the summit.

Read the latest edition here: https://shorturl.at/OBNHM and join the conversation as we continue advancing sustainable financing for resilient and inclusive agri-food systems across Africa.

17/07/2026

Every successful summit deserves a moment of reflection.
Today, the FINAS Oversight Committee convened for a post-summit debrief to reflect on the journey that was . We celebrated our achievements, discussed lessons learned, and began shaping the strategic direction for FINAS 2027.

Progress is built not only on successful events but on the willingness to learn, adapt, and continuously improve. Together, we remain committed to strengthening partnerships, advancing sustainable financing for Africa's agri-food systems, and building an even stronger FINAS for the future.

16/07/2026

: A Bold Start for Africa’s Food Systems

Looking back at Day One of the 3rd , leaders from government, financial institutions, development partners, academia, research, and the private sector came together to chart a stronger financial future for Africa’s food systems.

A defining milestone of the day was the official launch of the KES 1 Trillion Kenya National Agrifood Systems Investment Plan (NASIP) 2025–2030 a transformative roadmap designed to unlock investment, strengthen food security, accelerate climate-smart agriculture, and drive sustainable growth across Kenya’s agrifood sector.

Watch the highlights from an inspiring opening day that set the stage for meaningful dialogue, bold ideas, and collective action toward transforming agriculture on the continent.

AGRA-Sustainably Growing Africa’s Food Systems. Agricultural Finance Corporation International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Pan African Agriculture Heifer International Kenya Rootooba Swisscontact

14/07/2026

: "Africa’s food future won’t be secured by finance alone: it needs resilient systems, inclusive policies, and empowered communities."
Sharon Mosin, Country Director, Swisscontact adds to the dialogue on what truly drives change.

Read more in today's BUSINESS DAILY AFRICA:
https://www.businessdailyafrica.com/bd/opinion-analysis/columnists/africa-food-future-won-t-be-fixed-by-finance-alone-5525932. Rootooba Pan African Agriculture

They are the millions of smallholder farmers, traders, aggregators, processors, cooperatives and agri-SMEs that make up the continent's largely informal food economy.

10/07/2026

At the , , in partnership with Article Six Group, convened a high-level side event that explored the role of carbon finance in advancing sustainable agri-food systems.

The session presented emerging research findings from the ongoing assessment and strategic review of Kenya's carbon markets, sparking meaningful discussions on the country's readiness to leverage carbon markets for climate and agricultural transformation.

The dialogue brought together policymakers, carbon project developers, investors and technical experts to examine opportunities for strengthening Kenya's carbon market ecosystem, enhancing policy and regulatory frameworks, and unlocking greater climate investment.

Participants emphasized the importance of creating an enabling environment that supports credible carbon projects while delivering tangible benefits to farmers, communities and the environment.

As Kenya continues to position itself in the global carbon market, the session highlighted the critical role of collaboration, innovation and strategic partnerships in mobilizing climate finance and accelerating the transition towards resilient, low-carbon and sustainable food systems.

09/07/2026

From conversation to action.

The Summit brought together diverse stakeholders on day one for a collaborative 90 minute working session focused on one critical question: How do we redesign Africa's agricultural finance systems to work for everyone?

Participants explored why financing continues to miss smallholder farmers and agri-SMEs, challenged outdated investment approaches, and identified practical, system wide solutions that prioritize inclusion, climate resilience, youth participation, and sustainable food systems. The outcome was clear: transforming agriculture requires not only more capital, but smarter systems that connect finance with the realities of food production.

AGRA-Sustainably Growing Africa’s Food Systems. Agricultural Finance Corporation International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Swisscontact Heifer International Kenya Pan African Agriculture Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)

07/07/2026

Last week today, we kicked off Summit at KICC, Nairobi, sparking powerful conversations on policy alignment, financing Africa’s food systems, carbon markets, and inclusive agri-finance.

As the dialogue continues, we’d love to hear from you: what was your highlight, and what actions should be taken to strengthen Africa’s agri‑food systems?

AGRA-Sustainably Growing Africa’s Food Systems. Agricultural Finance Corporation Swisscontact International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Heifer International Kenya One acre fund group