From 9–12 June 2025, in Kigali, Government of Rwanda, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI), in collaboration with African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), hosted the second edition of the African Conference on Agricultural Technologies (ACAT2025) under the theme of “NextGen Ag-tech Solutions for Africa’s Farmers,” aims to explore and deliberate on next-generation agricultural technologies that can transform African agriculture and empower farmers.
In his official remarks at the opening ceremony of the ACAT2025, Rwanda's Prime Minister, Dr. Edouard Ngirente, urged African nations to integrate technology into agriculture, empower young innovators, mitigate risks, and expand digital farming tools to enhance food security and promote sustainable growth, using the ACAT platform for practical partnerships.
In his remarks, Hon. Minister Dr. Mark Cyubahiro Bagabe, at the ACAT-Youth Pitch Session, said: “Open-minded interaction among the youth and investors creates a synergy that bridges employment. When pitching, you don’t know who is in the room.
The people seated here might not be business people, but they have connections. Utilize them.”
The youth participating in ACAT2025 say that they have gained a lot through meeting and discussing with their peers from different countries in Africa. They shared ideas, experiences, and plans to promote technology-based agriculture. They benefited from knowledge related to modern agriculture and ways to innovate in the face of climate change. They affirm that what they have learned will help them advance their agribusinesses' daily activities.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources, ACAT2025 has brought together over 800 delegates drawn from the African continent and beyond. They include government representatives, industry thought leaders, policymakers, technical experts, private institutions, farmers, women, and youth. The convening is expected to build momentum towards action on current discussions and recommendations on the importance of the utilization of innovative agricultural technologies.
RYAF Communication Team