On April 2, 2026, in Kigali, Rwanda, RYAF members participated in the launch ceremony of #AFSForum2026, collaborating with leadership to promote employment and climate resiliency. The forum centers on the premise that young people are not only the future; they are the first line of defence for food security
Honorable Minister Dr Telesphore Ndabamenye, in his keynote speech, pointed out that investment in agri-food systems in Africa is an obligation that every African government must fulfil as a matter of top priority. “Investing in agri-food systems is not an option for governments,” he said. “It is an obligation! Africa has more than enough capital available. However, what is needed are leaders with the courage and foresight to put in place the structures necessary to utilise that capital effectively and create functioning and sustainable agri-food systems.”
MoS Dr Solange Uwituze stated that Rwanda is focused on developing food security, and generating jobs for youth, and growing food exports, all of which are aligned with PSTA5 and NST2. She urged partners to mobilise around a results-oriented summit that will be held in September of this year 2026.
which was echoed by Amath Pathe Sene, who observed that “"If you want to bring the youth on board, you have to make agriculture sexy, cool, and appealing. It shouldn't be seen as a 'misery type' of business.”.
Alice Ruhweza said the next phase of AGRA cannot follow the same process as in the past. "The Summit in Kigali this September must be a new way to gather and should include our delivery plans, how we will implement these plans, and be accountable for delivering measurable results." AGRA is committed to ensuring that the agreed-upon actions taken in Kigali can be tracked and documented to support the credibility of the decisions made.
The transformation requires that agriculture change from subsistence production to viable production. Productivity needs to be increased without compromising the health of the soil; and both governments and private sector have to collaborate as partners in the transformation to make this happen.