The African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) has reignited its call to engage African youth in agricultural technology innovation and adoption, as the curtain fell on the 2025 African Conference on Agricultural Technology (ACAT) in Kigali. The four-day summit culminated in a resounding plea for action and collaboration, with delegates treated to an array of groundbreaking innovations during project showcases and demonstrations.
One standout innovation was a portable, battery-powered real-time LAMP assay device presented by Jovia Kamatenesi of the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board. This device, priced at approximately $8,000, detects Cassava Brown Streak Ipomoviruses, revolutionising plant disease diagnostics. By enabling farmers to swiftly identify and respond to threats, this technology has the potential to significantly reduce crop losses and improve food security. The device exemplifies how cutting-edge technology can be adapted to address specific challenges faced by African farmers, offering a glimpse into the future of precision agriculture on the continent.
Another featured innovation was Kigali Rabbit Farm’s artificial insemination (AI) programme. This technology showcased how AI can improve breeding efficiency and livelihoods through a comprehensive system of evaluation, storage, insemination, and performance tracking. The programme underscores the potential of assisted reproductive technologies to enhance livestock productivity, providing a scalable model for other African countries seeking to boost their agricultural output.
The conference also delved into critical discussions on policy and stewardship. At a plenary session themed “Stewardship: Cultivating a Sustainable Future with Ag-Tech Solutions,” speakers emphasised the urgent need for transparent, sustainable, and inclusive agri-tech policies. They called for stronger public-private partnerships, support for local innovators, improved access to finance, and youth empowerment to unlock Africa’s agricultural potential. These discussions highlighted the necessity of creating an enabling environment for agricultural technology to thrive, ensuring that innovations can be effectively deployed and scaled across the continent.
Ambassador Professor Muhammadou Kah, a member of AATF’s Board of Trustees, declared, “Africa’s agricultural transformation is not a distant goal, it’s a present-day imperative.” He proposed launching a continental Youth Leadership and Fellowship Programme in Ag-Tech, targeting the training and funding of at least 10,000 youth innovators by 2027. This initiative aims to cultivate a new generation of agricultural leaders, equipping them with the skills and resources needed to drive innovation and adoption of agri-tech solutions.
Olalekan Akinbo, representing AUDA-NEPAD, presented the progress of the continent’s Genome Editing Programme. He stressed the importance of building scientific capacity, effective communication with policymakers, and ensuring African-led innovation. “Science in Africa should be by Africans, for Africa,” he stated, underscoring the need for homegrown solutions tailored to the continent’s unique challenges and opportunities.
In his closing address, AATF Executive Director Dr Canisius Kanangire described the event as electrifying and thanked the Government of Rwanda for its hospitality. He reiterated the Foundation’s commitment to engaging youth and farmers at the centre of Africa’s agricultural future, reinforcing the message that the future of African agriculture lies in the hands of its young people and those who work the land.
Former Nigerian President Dr Goodluck Jonathan, speaking at the closing ceremony, urged African governments to act decisively in supporting smallholder farmers and youth employment through agriculture. “Don’t wait until retirement to go into farming,” he said, encouraging young Africans to embrace agriculture as a viable and prosperous career path. His remarks underscored the need for a cultural shift in perceptions of agriculture, positioning it as a dynamic and lucrative sector rather than a fallback option.
The conference concluded with the adoption of the Kigali Declaration, a set of actionable commitments to scale agricultural technology, improve regulatory frameworks, and promote youth and private sector involvement across food systems. This declaration serves as a roadmap for stakeholders, outlining concrete steps to accelerate the adoption of agricultural technologies and foster a more inclusive and sustainable agricultural sector in Africa.
The implications of the conference and its outcomes are far-reaching. By prioritising youth engagement, innovation, and policy reform, African nations can unlock the potential of their agricultural sectors, driving economic growth and food security. The technologies showcased at the conference, from portable disease detection devices to AI-driven breeding programmes, demonstrate the transformative power of agricultural technology. However, realising this potential requires concerted efforts from governments, private sector players, and development partners to create an enabling environment for innovation and adoption. The Kigali Declaration provides a clear path forward, but its success will depend on the collective action and commitment of all stakeholders involved.