Unlocking Finance for Food Systems Transformation

How can we move from food systems ambitions to investment-ready opportunities that deliver benefits for people, climate and nature?

As Africa works to build more sustainable, resilient and inclusive food systems, unlocking the right financing remains critical. At the AFS Forum 2026, the Food Systems Integrated Program (FSIP) will convene a side event focused on practical pathways for turning food systems priorities into investment opportunities. The side event, “Unlocking Finance for Food Systems Transformation,” will be led by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), with support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF).

The session will showcase how FSIP is supporting countries to mobilize finance, strengthen agricultural value chains, engage the private sector and develop investment pipelines that can accelerate food systems transformation.

Spotlight on Country-Level Action

The event will highlight emerging FSIP projects in Kenya, Ethiopia and Uganda, providing an opportunity to explore how country-level initiatives are translating food systems priorities into concrete investment opportunities.

Participants will also explore:

• Innovative financing and de-risking approaches for food systems transformation
• Opportunities for private-sector engagement and investment
• Approaches to strengthening value chains and investment pipelines
• Practical pathways for partnerships, implementation and knowledge sharing across Africa

A Dialogue for Action

The session will feature a dialogue moderated by YPARD, bringing together country teams, private-sector partners and other stakeholders.

The discussion will focus on identifying concrete actions for implementation, investment and learning, while strengthening collaboration among actors working to transform Africa’s food systems.

Event Details

📅 Date: 2 September 2026
⏰ Time: 08:00–09:30
📍 Venue: The Investment Room, Kigali, Rwanda
🌍 Event: AFS Forum 2026 – FSIP Side Event

For enquiries: tadeo.ajuna@ypard.net

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