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4th Africa Food Systems Transformation in Accra, Africa. (Image credit: UN food system hub)

Africa will take another important step towards reshaping its food future as leaders, partners and institutions gather for the 4th Africa Food Systems Transformation Meeting in Accra, Ghana, on 4–5 May 2026.

The hybrid event will bring together National Food Systems Convenors and representatives from across the continent to review progress and strengthen action on national food systems pathways developed in recent years.

The meeting comes at a crucial moment following key regional developments such as CAADP Kampala in January 2025 and the UN Food Systems Summit +4 Stocktake (UNFSS+4). It aims to provide a practical, country driven space where governments and partners can assess what has worked, identify persistent challenges and coordinate stronger support for food systems transformation as the continent moves towards the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

Organised by the UN Food Systems Coordination Hub in partnership with the UN Economic Commission for Africa, the African Union Commission, AUDA NEPAD and other regional institutions, the gathering will bring together a wide range of voices. Participants will include government leaders, UN agencies, development partners, civil society organisations, youth networks, Indigenous Peoples’ groups, research institutions and private sector representatives. Their shared goal is to create stronger collaboration and deliver solutions that reflect Africa’s realities.

Since 2021, more than forty African countries have designed national pathways to transform their food systems. These strategies show a growing political commitment to improving nutrition, supporting livelihoods, strengthening climate resilience and driving economic growth. Yet the pace of implementation remains uneven. Fragmented governance, gaps in financing, climate shocks, conflict and limited investment in science, innovation and technology continue to slow progress.

Recent regional dialogues, including the 2024 Africa Food Systems Transformation Meeting and the 2025 regional gathering ahead of UNFSS+4, underlined the need to shift from planning to delivery. There is increasing recognition that stronger policy alignment, greater investment and locally driven solutions are essential. Women, young people, smallholder farmers and community organisations are expected to play a central role in this transition.

The Accra meeting will focus on sharing lessons between countries, strengthening partnerships and promoting scalable solutions through the Ecosystem of Support and the Hub’s flagship initiatives. Discussions will be guided by the six priority areas outlined in the UNFSS+4 Secretary General’s Call to Action, with the aim of accelerating meaningful food systems transformation across Africa in the years leading to 2030.

HortiFlora Expo 2026 to spotlight Ethiopia’s expanding horticulture industry. (Image credit: HPP Worldwide)

HortiFlora Expo 2026 will take place from 24 to 26 March 2026 at the Addis International Convention Center in Addis Ababa, bringing global attention to Ethiopia’s growing influence in the horticulture and floriculture industries.

The event aims to highlight the country’s role as a vibrant centre for horticulture in Africa, while welcoming growers, exporters, buyers and agribusiness professionals from across the world.

The expo is organised by HPP Exhibitions in partnership with the Ethiopian Horticulture Producers Exporters Association (EHPEA). This year’s edition reflects a broader vision for the sector, presenting not only flowers but also fruits, vegetables, seeds and a range of modern agricultural technologies. By widening its focus, the event seeks to mirror the expanding capabilities of Ethiopia’s agricultural landscape and the increasing diversity of its export products.

HortiFlora has long attracted strong international participation, and the 2026 edition is expected to continue that tradition. Industry representatives from Europe, the Middle East, Asia and across Africa will gather in Addis Ababa to explore trade opportunities and strengthen partnerships. The expo will provide an active meeting point for businesses through organised buyer and seller discussions, networking events and market exploration activities. A strong emphasis will be placed on product quality, traceability and dependable supply chains, factors that are becoming essential for global buyers.

Another important development is the event’s expanded scope and renewed annual rhythm. While floriculture remains a core strength of Ethiopia’s export sector, the inclusion of fruits and vegetables reflects the country’s increasing production and market reach in fresh produce. This shift signals a new phase for the expo as it supports economic growth and employment within the agricultural sector.

Ethiopia’s favourable climate and continuing investment in infrastructure have played a key role in the rapid progress of its horticulture industry. As the nation broadens its export portfolio, HortiFlora Expo 2026 stands as an important platform for international cooperation, knowledge exchange and the future development of sustainable horticulture.

agrofood Nigeria 2026 returns to Lagos with record global participation. (Image credit: agrofood Nigeria)

The 11th edition of agrofood Nigeria will take place from 24 to 26 March 2026 at the Landmark Centre in Lagos, Victoria Island.

Recognised as West Africa’s leading annual meeting point for the agrofood and packaging sectors, the exhibition continues to grow in influence and reach. This year’s event is set to welcome thousands of business leaders, decision makers and professionals from across Nigeria and the wider West African region, reinforcing its position as a key industry gathering.

Organised by fairtrade Messe in cooperation with Modion Communications, agrofood Nigeria serves as an important platform for companies seeking growth, partnerships and fresh opportunities. The exhibition connects stakeholders from across the full value chain, covering agriculture, food and beverage technology, food ingredients, packaging solutions and finished food products. By bringing these sectors together under one roof, the event creates a focused environment where innovation, investment and collaboration can thrive.

For businesses aiming to expand production capacity, improve operational efficiency or introduce new products to the market, agrofood Nigeria provides a direct route to practical solutions. The exhibition floor offers access to reliable suppliers, advanced technologies and emerging investment prospects. It also creates valuable opportunities for professionals looking to diversify their markets or strengthen their retail presence within Nigeria and neighbouring countries.

A key highlight of the 2026 edition is the scale of its international participation. The event will host more than 100 exhibitors representing 14 countries, making it the most globally represented edition in its history. Participating nations include Belgium, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Poland, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and the United States of America.

This strong international presence reflects the growing interest in Nigeria’s agrofood sector and its potential for investment and development. By creating opportunities for direct engagement with global solution providers, agrofood Nigeria encourages knowledge exchange, supports stronger supply networks and helps businesses make informed decisions when investing in technology and infrastructure across Nigeria and West Africa.

Agritec Africa 2026 Set to Drive Agricultural Innovation in Nairobi. (Image credit: Agritec Africa)

Agritec Africa 2026 is a major international agriculture exhibition and conferencefocused on showcasing the latest technologies, innovations, and solutions for the agricultural sector in Africa.

Organised by Radeecal Communications, the event creates a meeting point for industry leaders, farmers, investors and policymakers from across the continent and beyond. It offers a practical space to exchange ideas, discover emerging trends and build meaningful business relationships that support the growth of African agriculture.

The 12th Agritec Africa 2026 edition will take place from 17 to 19 June 2026 at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi, Kenya. The exhibition is expected to host around 175 companies representing more than 25 countries. Exhibitors will present a wide range of products and services, from farm machinery and agricultural inputs to modern technologies designed to improve productivity and sustainability. Visitors can expect direct access to suppliers, manufacturers and service providers who are shaping the future of farming.

Alongside the main exhibition, the 12th Dairy, Livestock & Poultry Expo Africa and the 6th Graintech Africa Expo will run concurrently. These co located events broaden the scope of the programme by covering livestock management, dairy production, poultry farming and grain processing. Together, they create a comprehensive platform that reflects the full agricultural value chain.

For 2026, organisers have placed greater emphasis on farming machinery and agricultural inputs, including dedicated open air display areas for large equipment. There will also be opportunities for pre scheduled meetings between exhibitors and visitors, making networking more focused and productive. Seminars and workshops during the first two days will provide insight into industry developments and practical solutions.

Agritec Africa continues to support innovation, trade and collaboration within Africa’s evolving agricultural landscape.

African Island Nations Unite to Shape a Stronger Agrifood Future. (Image credit: FAO)

African Small Island Developing States are stepping forward with renewed ambition to reshape their agrifood systems, strengthen climate resilience and unlock the promise of the blue economy.

From 3 to 5 March 2026, under the theme “Big Ocean States leading the wave of agrifood systems transformation.”, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations will host the African SIDS Solutions and Investment Forum 2026.

The gathering will bring together ministers, parliamentarians, regional institutions, investors, private sector leaders and research bodies to mobilise partnerships and finance for sustainable growth across Cabo Verde, Comoros, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritius, São Tomé & Príncipe and Seychelles.

African island states face distinct pressures. Their distance from major markets drives dependence on imported food and raises transport and energy costs. Fragile ecosystems are increasingly exposed to rising sea levels, erratic rainfall and powerful storms. Global disruptions in trade, health and geopolitics have added further strain. Yet these nations are also centres of creativity and opportunity. Fisheries, aquaculture, tourism, youth enterprise and digital innovation all offer room for resilient growth.

The Forum will launch a new Ministerial and Parliamentarian Network for African SIDS and present the second phase of the Regional Hand in Hand Investment Initiative. It will also showcase solutions shaped by the Interregional Technical Network. The aim is clear: strengthen cooperation, improve the design of climate smart agrifood and blue economy investments, and attract public and private capital.

Built on detailed technical analysis and wide consultation, the FAO African SIDS Programme focuses on governance, sustainable agrifood systems, blue transformation, stronger value chains, empowerment of women and young people, and innovation. These priorities align with global and African development agendas while reflecting growing regional political momentum.

By connecting credible projects with investors and decision makers, the 2026 Forum seeks to turn evidence into action and ensure that Africa’s island states lead their own sustainable transformation.

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