Kenya to Host Global Summit on Sustainable Agriculture Financing
Kenya is set to host the second annual Financing Agrifood Systems Sustainably (FINAS) 2025 summit, a global event 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.”
Bringing together world leaders, policymakers, financiers, and innovators, the summit seeks to address critical challenges in Africa’s agriculture and food security sectors. Dr. Kipronoh Rono, Principal Secretary for the State Department for Agriculture, emphasized the importance of the event in transforming the financing landscape for agrifood systems.
“We are bringing together global leaders, policymakers, innovators, financiers, and other key stakeholders to create meaningful solutions,” said Rono. “African governments are increasingly focusing on self-sufficient financing mechanisms, and this summit is a critical space to rethink agrifood financing.”
The summit aims to explore innovative financial models such as blended financing, green bonds, diaspora remittances, and private-sector participation to address funding gaps. Rono noted that shifting global funding policies and reduced international support necessitate a rethink of Africa’s investment strategies.
“The agricultural value chain is complex, with farmers at its core. To thrive, they need access to financing for essential inputs like seeds, fertilizers, land leases, and marketing costs,” he added.
Kennedy Okech, an Agricultural Economist and Financial Advisor at GIZ Kenya, highlighted the role of financing in driving food system efficiencies and transformation.
“The way we finance food systems – from both public and private capital – will be a game-changer,” Okech said.
George Abwajo, a board member of the Fintech Association of Kenya (FINTAK), emphasized digital innovation as a key enabler of sustainable financing.
“FINTAK will facilitate critical conversations on leveraging digital solutions for agricultural financing across Africa,” he stated.
Dr. Charity Mutegi, the FINAS Summit Director, underscored the event’s significance at a time when digital transformation offers unprecedented opportunities in agricultural financing.
“Initiatives like FINAS Summit are crucial for focusing the conversation on food systems transformation and sustainable financing solutions for Africa’s agrifood sector,” she said.
With declining foreign aid and global funding constraints, stakeholders at the summit will discuss strategies for self-reliant and sustainable food systems.
“African governments must craft homegrown solutions that do not rely on external funding. Domestic resources and innovation are key to building self-sustaining food systems,” Mutegi concluded.
As climate change, political instability, and financial shifts continue to challenge Africa’s agriculture, the FINAS 2025 summit presents a pivotal platform for shaping a resilient and prosperous agrifood future for the continent.
