Leveraging the Food System Financing Intelligence Platform for Smarter Investments

Lead Organizers: AKADEMIYA2063, International Food Policy Research Institute

Organizers: African Union Commission, Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment (AUC-DARBE), African Union Development Agency, NEPAD (AUDA-NEPAD), and Consortium of African Youth in Agriculture and Climate Change (CAYACC).

The Kampala CAADP Declaration’s commitment to mobilize US$100 billion for Africa’s agrifood systems over the next decade is ambitious and potentially transformative. Yet fiscal constraints, rising debt, declining ODA, shifting donor priorities, and limited private investment continue to hinder financing. These challenges underscore the need for innovative financing mechanisms, stronger implementation frameworks, and evidence-based tools that can help countries prioritize investments and maximize the impact of limited resources. Against this backdrop, AKADEMIYA2063 and The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), in collaboration with partner organizations, will be convening a side event to the Africa Food Systems Forum. The in-person event will be held in Kigali, Rwanda, under the theme “Mobilizing Innovative Financing for Inclusive Agrifood Systems Transformation: Leveraging the Food System Financing Intelligence Platform for Smarter Investments.”

This side event will bring together policymakers, the private sector, development partners, youth representatives, and other stakeholders to explore practical approaches for mobilizing innovative financing for NASIP implementation and inclusive agrifood systems transformation.

Key takeaways from the session will include:

• Improved understanding of financing needs and investment priorities for the Kampala CAADP implementation agenda
• Increased awareness of innovative financing for resilient and inclusive agrifood systems
• Shared lessons and experiences on innovative financing mechanisms Strengthened collaboration among governments, the private sector, development partners, financial institutions, youth organizations, and other stakeholders to mobilize agrifood systems investment in support of Kampala CAADP implementation
• Clear recommendations for mobilizing innovative financing, strengthening its integration into NASIPs, aligning international support, improving financial inclusion for youth, women, and smallholder farmers, and integrating financial intelligence into NASIPs