Agriculture financing stakeholders at the launch event announcing the upcoming 2nd Annual Financing Agrifood Systems Sustainability (FINAS) 2025 Summit at KICC.

Kenya is set to host global summit for agricultural financing next month.

The 2nd annual Financing Agrifood Systems Sustainably - FINAS 2025 summit is aimed at unlocking sustainable financing solutions for Africa’s food systems.

The summit will take place from May 20-22 at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC) in Nairobi, under the theme "Taking Ownership: Rethinking Sustainable Financing for Africa’s Food Systems."

It will bring together world leaders, policymakers, financiers, and innovators to tackle critical challenges facing Africa's agriculture and food security sectors.

Dr Kipronoh Rono, Principal Secretary for State Department for Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development said the summit will serve as a critical platform to explore, unlock, and revolutionise sustainable financing solutions to secure Africa’s food future.

“We are bringing together global leaders, policymakers, innovators, financiers, and other key stakeholders to create meaningful solutions," Rono said.

He added that the summit comes at a time when African governments are increasingly focusing on self-sufficient financing mechanisms.

The summit therefore stands out as a vital space to rethink agri-food financing through innovative models, digital transformation, and strategic partnerships that align with the Africa Union’s Kampala Declaration on food security and sustainability, he said.

Rono called on visionaries worldwide to join the summit in shaping a resilient and inclusive future for agri-food systems across Africa.

"The agricultural value chain is complex, with farmers being the backbone of the sector. To thrive, they need access to financing for essential inputs such as seeds, fertilisers, land lease payments, livestock, and other costs related to harvesting and marketing. The summit provides a crucial opportunity to explore these financing solutions," the PS explained.

He added that the summit aims to offer a framework for channeling financial resources into initiatives that enhance agricultural productivity, improve food security and promote sustainable practices.

Rono pointed out shifting of the global funding landscape, noting a significant reduction in financial support for key sectors, including agriculture.

"This reality requires us to rethink our existing financing and investment models. We are exploring innovative solutions, such as blended financing, green bonds, diaspora remittances, and increased private-sector participation to bridge these gaps," he said.

As Africa faces unprecedented challenges like climate change, political instability, and shifting international funding policies, Rono said the summit offers a unique opportunity for stakeholders to engage in focused dialogue.

It aims to unlock sustainable financing solutions to secure a resilient and prosperous agri-food future for the continent.

Kennedy Okech, an Agricultural Economist and Financial Advisor at GIZ Kenya, pointed out the summit’s potential to drive transformative change.

"The way we finance food systems – from both public and private sources of capital – will be a game-changer. Financing is both a driver of inefficiencies and a key ingredient for transformation," Okech stated.

George Abwajo, a board member of the Fintech Association of Kenya (FINTAK), noted the role of digital innovation in transforming agricultural financing.

"As the co-lead of the Innovation, Data, and Technology focus area, FINTAK will facilitate critical conversations on leveraging digital solutions for agricultural financing across Africa. This is an area of immense opportunity and Kenya’s leadership in fintech innovation is pivotal in driving this transformation," Abwajo said.

Dr Charity Mutegi, the FINAS Summit Director, pointed out that the summit arrives at a pivotal moment, when digital transformation offers unprecedented opportunities to rethink agricultural financing.

"Initiatives like FINAS Summit are crucial for focusing the conversation on food systems transformation and providing a platform for stakeholders to propose sustainable financial solutions for Africa’s agri-food systems," Mutegi said.

"The future of food systems transformation in Africa depends on the ability of African governments to craft homegrown solutions that are not reliant on foreign aid. The decline in external financial support makes it clear that we must innovate and leverage domestic resources to build self-sustaining food systems," she added.

Source - https://www.the-star.co.ke