For five days, African leaders converged on Nairobi, Kenya, for the maiden African Conference of Agricultural Technologies (ACAT), to discuss the continent’s commitment to advancing agriculture through technology.

With the theme: “Agricultural Resilience tåhrough Innovation,” the conference provided a valuable platform for stakeholders deeply committed to advancing the continent’s socio-economic development, food and nutrition security, through the development and commercialisation of cutting-edge agricultural technologies.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan, who noted that innovation in agriculture is not merely an option, but an absolute necessity, stressed that the pursuit of innovation is essential to ensure the sustained production of essential crops in substantial quantities, while making the agricultural systems more efficient, sustainable, and climate-resilient.

The Executive Director of the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), Dr. Canisius Kanangire, acknowledged the importance of addressing climate change challenges and aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

He noted that AATF is committed to the ongoing collaboration with the Government of Kenya in the realm of agricultural technologies to foster science, technology, and innovation in the country and across the African continent.

During the session on High-Level Opening Panel – Transforming Agriculture through Technology, Chair of the AATF Board, Dr. Aggrey Ambali, emphasised the importance of government regulation for innovations, noting that technology has both positive and negative side effects.

One of the panelists, Kayode Abiola, who spoke during a session titled: “Relief to Resilience by Alliance for Science,” highlighted that biotechnology research and development have already yielded significant products on the market and will continue to play a pivotal role in promoting and enhancing food production while prioritising safety and environmental quality.

On his part, the Director-General and CEO of National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA), Dr. Abdullahi Mustapha, stressed the importance of collaboration between public-private partnerships (PPP) to promote the use of biotechnology in research and agriculture.

Dr. Mustapha stressed the need for governments to provide a platform that fosters confidence and trust among all stakeholders.
He also emphasised the value of learning from successful adoption of biotechnology in African countries, such as Nigeria, and applying those success stories to further advancement in the field.

During the session on Scaling Up Nutrition-Sensitive Agriculture, which focused on the significance of nutrition-sensitive agriculture, which strives to promote the cultivation and consumption of diverse and nutritious foods, one of the panelists, the Head of Seed Research and Systems Development at AGRA, Dr. Jane Ininda spoke on the importance of identifying a niche for nutrient-rich crops as a means to encourage the adoption of nutrient-dense food products, ultimately improving nutrition and increasing incomes.

Also speaking, the Director of Pan-Africa Bean Research Alliance (PABRA), Mr. Jean-Claude Rubyogo, emphasised the need for innovations encompassing research, market development, and nutritional aspects to scale up improved bean varieties.

The closing plenary, focused on the theme: “Investment in Innovation,” where speakers outlined essential steps required to boost investments in innovative solutions that can effectively tackle the numerous challenges within agriculture and food systems.

In his closing remarks, Jonathan emphasised Africa’s upward trajectory, underscoring that agricultural innovation serves as a key driver of the continent’s economic growth.

He stressed the need for Agricultural Technologies in Africa to sustain its population and support future
generations.