The African Conference on Agricultural Technologies (ACAT 2025) has kicked off in Kigali, attracting more than 700 delegates from 35 countries. Themed “NextGen Ag-Tech Solutions for Africa’s Farmers,” the three-day summit is spotlighting emerging technologies that aim to transform agriculture across the continent.
Organized with support from pan-African institutions, private tech companies, and development agencies, ACAT 2025 provides a platform to connect innovators, investors, policymakers, and farmers. The event is focused on scaling technologies that boost productivity, climate resilience, and market access for smallholder farmers.
Rwanda’s Agriculture Minister, Dr. GérardineMukeshimana, opened the conference with a powerful message: “To feed Africa’s growing population, we must embrace modern tools that improve yield, reduce risk, and support rural economies. ACAT is where we design that future together.”
The Innovation Showcase Pavilion is a major highlight, featuring over 50 startups offering cutting-edge solutions from solar-powered irrigation pumps to AI tools for plant disease detection. Several innovations use smartphones and drones to give farmers real-time insights into crop health and soil quality, while others focus on building mobile microfinance systems and digital marketplaces.
Beyond exhibitions, the event includes expert panel discussions on topics like climate-smart farming, women’s roles in agri-tech, and digital literacy. Sessions also explore regulatory frameworks that support public-private collaboration and investment in the agricultural technology ecosystem.
Agencies such as the African Development Bank, AGRA, and the Gates Foundation are participating, with some expected to announce new funding and pilot initiatives aimed at scaling promising technologies.
As the event unfolds, organizers hope to create lasting partnerships, publish a roadmap for agricultural innovation, and inspire Africa’s next generation of agri-preneurs. With the continent facing mounting food security challenges and climate uncertainty, ACAT 2025 is positioning itself as a critical catalyst for change proving that when innovation meets opportunity, African agriculture can thrive.
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