From Talk to Action: African Leaders Push for Tech-Driven Farming at ACAT 2025

Rwanda’s Prime Minister, Dr. Edouard Ngirente, officially opened the second edition of the African Conference on Agricultural Technologies (ACAT) on Tuesday, calling for urgent, solution-driven action to transform African agriculture through technology and innovation.

The four-day event, running from June 9–12, is being held in Kigali under the theme “NextGen Ag-Tech Solutions for Africa’s Farmers.” It is co-hosted by the Government of Rwanda through the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Resources (MINAGRI), and the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF). Over 900 participants from around the world—including scientists, innovators, farmers, and policymakers—are attending.

“This conference should not be another conversation—we are here for solutions,” said Prime Minister Ngirente in his keynote address. “Each person in this room—farmers, policymakers, researchers, and innovators—has a role to play in shaping the future of agriculture.”

Ngirente emphasized the urgent need to equip African farmers with reliable access to modern inputs, real-time market data, and precision farming tools. Despite employing over 60% of the continent’s population and contributing nearly a quarter to its GDP, agriculture in Africa remains hampered by climate shocks, outdated practices, and limited access to financing and markets.

“To address these barriers and secure the future of agriculture in Africa, we must leverage technology and innovation as essential drivers of its transformation,” he added.

Rwanda’s Agricultural Vision

Rwanda, the host nation, has positioned agriculture at the core of its development agenda. According to Ngirente, the country is already implementing several strategic interventions—ranging from improved access to financing and quality inputs, to scaling irrigation and expanding post-harvest infrastructure.

“Technology and innovation are no longer optional—they are essential pillars of modern agriculture,” Ngirente noted. “We are investing in making agriculture sustainable and attractive, especially to our young generation.”

A Continental Call to Action

During his speech, H.E. Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, former President of Nigeria and AATF Ambassador, delivered a passionate call for sustained investment and unity in building Africa’s agricultural future.

“Africa stands at a historic crossroads,” Jonathan said. “On one road lies the continued struggle with food insecurity; on the other lies a bold vision—Africa as a global powerhouse in food and nutritional security, powered by innovation and transformative investment.”

Jonathan highlighted that Africa holds 60% of the world’s uncultivated arable land and has a rapidly growing young population—key assets that could fuel a global agricultural revolution if harnessed effectively.

He emphasized the game-changing potential of technologies like precision farming, satellite imaging, drones, and AI tools in reshaping food systems across the continent. However, he warned that technology alone will not suffice without strong policies, infrastructure, and collaboration.

“No single country, institution, or actor can transform African agriculture alone,” he stressed. “This can only happen if we collaborate—across borders and across sectors.”

Investing in the Future

Jonathan urged African governments to meet and exceed commitments under the Maputo and Malabo Declarations, which propose allocating at least 10% of national budgets to agriculture. He called on the private sector, development partners, and financial institutions to invest not as charity, but as a strategic imperative.

“For far too long, agricultural investment in Africa has been sporadic, short-term, and donor-dependent. This must change,” he said. “We must invest in our farmers, especially women and youth. They are the backbone of our food systems.”

He also called for deeper regional cooperation through platforms like the African Union and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to enhance intra-African trade and harmonize agricultural standards.

Climate-Smart Solutions

Both leaders acknowledged the escalating impact of climate change on agriculture. Jonathan underscored the urgency of scaling climate-smart practices that restore ecosystems, improve soil health, and safeguard long-term food production.

“Our agricultural development strategies must include water management, biodiversity protection, and renewable energy,” he urged.

Building a Resilient, Tech-Driven Future

As ACAT 2025 progresses, the spotlight remains on innovative, scalable, and inclusive solutions that can revolutionize African farming. The conference serves as a rallying point for stakeholders to turn bold ideas into actionable strategies that empower farmers and strengthen food systems.

“Technology is not just about tools—it is about people,” Ngirente concluded. “It empowers farmers to make informed decisions and strengthens Africa’s belief in its ability to feed itself. Let us work together to deliver the NextGen Ag-Tech solutions for our continent.”