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By Rose Wangithi
Nairobi, Kenya: The 2026 Financing Agri-Food Systems Sustainability (FINAS) Summit officially opened with a strong call to action from Principal Secretary Jonathan Mueke, emphasizing that Africa’s agricultural transformation will depend on how effectively we mobilize investment, strengthen partnerships and uphold accountability.
Recognizing agriculture as the backbone of Africa’s economies and livelihoods, the PS noted that climate change, growing food demand and limited access to affordable finance continue to challenge farmers, agri-MSMEs, women and youth across the continent.
He stressed that sustainable agri-food systems require a coordinated financing architecture that brings together public investment, private capital, development finance and innovative risk-sharing mechanisms.
“This summit will be remembered not for the speeches that we deliver, but for the partnerships that we forge. Not for the declarations that we make, but for the investments we mobilize and not for the conversations that we begin, but for the transformation that together we achieve” said PS Mueke.
A major milestone of the summit was the official launch of Kenya’s National Agri-Food Systems Investment Plan (NASIP) 2026–2030, alongside the recently unveiled AgriConnect Compact. Together, these complementary frameworks provide Kenya’s integrated roadmap for translating national commitments under the Kampala Declaration, CAADP, and Agenda 2063 into bankable investments and measurable impact.
As Kenya hosts this important continental dialogue, the message is clear: the future of Africa’s food systems will be shaped not only by bold policies but by collective action, strategic investments and strong partnerships that deliver lasting transformation for farmers, businesses and communities.
