9th edition of the GGAA is co-hosted by the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)

For the first time in its history, the International Greenhouse Gas & Animal Agriculture Conference (GGAA) has arrived on African soil—an historic moment placing the continent at the centre of the global dialogue on climate change, livestock, and sustainable agriculture

Now underway in Nairobi, Kenya, the 9th edition of the GGAA is co-hosted by the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) and the Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research (NIBIO).

With over 500 scientists, policymakers, industry leaders, and civil society representatives attending, the event seeks to shape practical, science-driven solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from livestock while enhancing food security, supporting rural economies, and building climate resilience. The conference makes it clear: Africa is not just a stakeholder in this global challenge—it’s a critical player.

Choosing Nairobi was a deliberate shift in narrative. Africa is home to one-third of the world’s livestock, and in several countries, the livestock sector contributes up to 80% of GDP. Yet smallholder farmers who form the backbone of this sector have historically been underrepresented in international policy-making. Hosting GGAA in Kenya offers these communities not only visibility but a platform to influence future strategies and innovations.

A core message emerging from GGAA 2025 is that “one size doesn’t fit all.” Solutions developed for high-output systems in Europe or North America such as methane-reducing feed additives are often impractical in African contexts, where productivity levels differ significantly. Instead, the focus is on improving animal health, feed quality, and breeding the most effective tools for reducing emissions per unit of product in smallholder systems.

Throughout the conference, cutting-edge climate-smart innovations are being showcased. These include breeding cattle for lower methane emissions using genomic selection, real-time methane monitoring via exhalomics, circular manure systems that convert waste into energy and fertiliser, and digital farm tools to streamline carbon tracking and management. Some models suggest that improving disease control alone could cut emission intensity by 12%.

Technical sessions are diving deep into topics such as methane measurement, rumen microbiome genomics, policy integration, and sustainable manure management. But alongside the science, a strong call echoes throughout the conference: solutions must be practical, inclusive, and accessible for farmers on the ground.

As ILRI’s Director General, Professor Appolinaire Djikeng, said, “The goal is to cut emissions while raising yields—that’s the win-win of climate-smart livestock.”

GGAA 2025 is more than a conference; it’s a turning point. It signals the rise of Africa as a driver of equitable, locally informed, and globally impactful climate action within the livestock sector.

HortiFlora is transitioning from a biennial to an annual event. (Image credit: HotiFlora)

Following the success of its 2025 edition, HortiFlora is transitioning from a biennial to an annual event

The decision reflects the growing international interest and expanding role of Ethiopia in the global horticultural industry. According to Dick Van Raamsdonk of HPP Worldwide, “Given the increasing international interest and significance of the event, HortiFlora will now have a transition from a biennial trade show to an annual one.”

This year’s trade show, held in Addis Ababa from April 1st to 3rd, saw a record turnout and a noticeable international presence, especially from the Middle East. Van Raamsdonk expressed his satisfaction, saying, “It was a highly successful event, featuring a record-breaking 140 exhibitors, stunning stands, and a consistent flow of visitors, including a strong international presence, particularly from the Middle East.”

For the first time, the event showcased not just flowers but also fruits and vegetables, which marked a significant development for the show. “The inclusion of fruit and vegetable growers alongside the traditional floral exhibitors significantly expanded the event’s scope.” This broader focus reflects the growing importance of Ethiopia’s horticultural sector, which now includes a wide variety of fresh produce.

The move to an annual schedule is expected to benefit the industry in several ways. As Van Raamsdonk said, “With Ethiopia’s rising production of fresh flowers, fruits, and vegetables, an annual event will further strengthen the country’s export potential, stimulate its economy, and foster continued growth in the horticultural sector’s employment.”

Organised in close cooperation with the Ethiopian Horticulture Producers Exporters Association (EHPEA), HortiFlora has seen steady growth over the past 20 years. The next edition is already set for March 24-26, 2026, again in Addis Ababa, and is expected to attract even more participants as the show continues to gain traction globally.

By becoming an annual event, HortiFlora is positioning itself as a key platform for international trade, innovation, and collaboration in one of Africa’s fastest-growing agricultural sectors.

7th International Agrofood Ghana 2025. (Image credit: Agrofood Ghana)

Agrofood Ghana is set to host its 7th International Trade Show in Accra from 28‑30 October 2025 at the AICC – Grand Arena

It is a major event in Ghana and West Africa’s agro‑food sector, bringing together exhibitors, buyers, trade visitors, and institutional partners to explore business, innovation, and investment opportunities. The theme centres on boosting trade within Ghana and the broader West African region.

The event covers the full food/agriculture value chain—from “field to fork.” Exhibitors are displaying everything: agricultural machinery, tractors, harvesting and feeding equipment, grain storage, irrigation, livestock and poultry breeding, milk processing, milling, food & beverage processing, packaging, refrigeration, waste & water treatment, food safety tech, and more. Technologies for snacks, dairy, and bakery are also included.

Support for Agrofood Ghana comes from both national and international bodies. Locally, government ministries such as the Ministry of Food & Agriculture, Trade & Industry, Environment, Science & Innovation, Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), Food & Beverage Association of Ghana (FABAG), and others are involved. International partners and delegates include European associations, foreign embassies, trade agencies, and business councils.

The trade show also features a conference programme, roundtables, special themes, and the Africa Agribusiness Excellence and Leadership Awards. These sessions aim to foster collaboration, share knowledge, and highlight innovations and trends in the agro‑food sector.

Agrofood Ghana also offers serious networking opportunities. Attendees will meet buyers from across Ghana and West Africa, explore new products, discover technologies, and form partnerships that can boost trade and investment in agriculture and food technology.

Leverage agri-tech for smallholder farmers. (image credit: African Agri Investment Indaba)

The G20’s Agriculture Working Group has highlighted the urgent need for food security through sustainable agriculture, climate resilience, and regional trade-aligning with Africa’s push towards food self-sufficiency

With growing food crises, disrupted supply chains, and climate volatility, Africa must adapt its agricultural future, making local production and resilience top priorities.

The African Agri Investment Indaba 2025, scheduled for November 23-26 in Cape Town, will tackle this challenge under the theme "The New World Order: A Self-Sufficient Africa." The event will focus on how investment, innovation, and policy reforms can create sustainable food systems. Climate change, such as the recent El Niño that impacted Southern Africa's maize production, underscores the need for drought-resistant crops and improved water management. In response, many South African farms and others across the continent are investing in irrigation and adopting climate-smart strategies.

Susan Payne, Board Member of the African Agri Council, said, "Funding will become more challenging as most food production in Africa is undertaken by smallholder farmers, who are financially excluded by funders." Agri-tech innovations are transforming the sector, with platforms like Hello Tractor connecting smallholder farmers to mechanisation services via IoT, while South Africa leads in AI-driven precision agriculture.

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is vital for intra-African trade, boosting food security by reducing imports and enhancing market connectivity. However, challenges persist, including livestock disease outbreaks, which necessitate stronger biosecurity measures. Governments and private sectors are investing in disease control and resilient systems.

“Collectives and co-operatives are key to attracting financing for smallholder farmers,” Payne added. The Agri Investment Indaba 2025 will explore how collaboration between investors, policymakers, and agribusinesses can shape a self-sufficient Africa, highlighting opportunities, challenges, and solutions needed to accelerate progress.