Experts, policy makers seek ways to build resilient seed system for Africa

The two-day event drew over 300 stakeholders from across Africa and beyond, including policymakers, seed companies, researchers, farmers, and development partners.

Co-organized by the National Seed Association of Rwanda and Private Sector Federation, the event convened under the theme “Seeds as a Strategic Engine for National Transformation: Advancing a Competitive, Private-Sector-Led Seed System for Food Security, Jobs and Trade.”

Speaking at the opening, Rwanda’s State Minister for Agriculture Solange Uwituze urged delegates at the meeting to work together to build a seed industry that is innovative, resilient and internationally competitive.

This, she said, would be capable of driving agricultural transformation, economic prosperity, and sustainable development for generations to come.

She also stressed the need of scaling the seed sector, noting that Africa holds just 2 percent of the $85 billion global seed market.

“Our ambition is not only to achieve national seed security. Our ambition is to build a modern, innovative, internationally competitive and private-sector-led seed industry capable of serving regional and international markets,” she said.

The Group Director General of the African Risk Capacity, Jean Chrysostome Ngabitsinze said his organization remained ready to work with partners across Africa to strengthen climate resilience, protect agricultural investments, and ensure that innovation reaches every farmer.

He noted that investing in strong seed systems is an investment in farmers, in national prosperity, and in the well-being of future generations.

“Quality seed is the foundation of every successful harvest. It is where food security begins, where resilience to climate change is strengthened, and where economic transformation takes root,” he said.

Different speakers noted that building a market-driven seed ecosystem requires policy formulation, finance, and advocacy.

Noting that seeds are the foundation of every harvest and resilience, the Food and Agriculture Organization Representative in Rwanda, Aw Dahir reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to advancing investment, innovation and partnerships across the seed sector through a strategic roadmap.

The forum will identify new opportunities for investment and technology adoption among others, according to organizers.