Kenya to host 2016 African Green Revolution Forum

Preparations for the African Green Revolution Forum, a major continental agriculture and food security conference to be held in Nairobi in September, are at an advanced stage.

Strive Masiyiwa, chair of the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), on Thursday met President Uhuru Kenyatta at State House, Nairobi, and briefed him on progress in preparations for the summit, which will run from September 5 to 9. Deputy President William Ruto also attended the briefing session.

President Kenyatta welcomed the forum and affirmed his Government’s commitment to working with stakeholders in agriculture to boost Kenya’s food security.

He said the forum would showcase the country’s agricultural leadership on the continent, and forge closer partnerships with the private sector.

The African Green Revolution Forum (AGRF) brings together stakeholders in African agriculture to share the expertise and experience that will move African agriculture forward.

The forum is expected to encourage investment in the agricultural sector, to end hunger, improve nutrition, and drive economic opportunities for Africa and its people.

AGRF has attracted political and financial support from development partners and the private sector: several African Heads of State and Government are expected to join private sector leaders at the summit — and one of the most prominent private sector attendees in prospect is the American business magnate, philanthropist, and founder of Microsoft, Bill Gates.

Kenya was asked to host the 2016 AGRF because of President Kenyatta’s leadership in championing African agriculture, and his quest to transform the sector for the benefit of Kenya’s farmers and consumers.
The forum secretariat is hosted by the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), an institution whose aim is to put farmers at the heart of Africa’s growing economies.

Mr. Masiyiwa – who is also the founder and executive chairman of the international telecommunications group Econet Wireless – was accompanied by the President of AGRA, Dr. Agnes Kalibata, and Ministry of Agriculture officials led by Cabinet Secretary Willy Bett.

PSCU