Rwanda to host Africa’s leading conference on agricultural technology in June 2025

From June 9 to 13, 2025, Rwanda’s capital, Kigali, will host the second edition of the Africa Conference on Agricultural Technology (ACAT) — a high-level continental platform designed to explore how cutting-edge technologies can revolutionize agriculture across Africa.

Organized in collaboration with the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), the African Union Commission (AUC), and the Government of Rwanda through the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI), the conference is expected to attract more than 3,000 participants, including scientists, researchers, government officials, tech innovators, and farmers from across Africa and beyond.

Transforming African agriculture through technology

This year’s theme, “Transforming African Agriculture through Practical Technological Solutions,” highlights the urgent need to leverage innovation and digital tools to address critical challenges such as food insecurity, climate change, and low agricultural productivity.

Key topics on the agenda include:

• Use of satellite data and remote sensing for agricultural planning
• Innovative solutions for climate-smart farming
• Deployment of digital platforms for real-time agricultural extension services
• Strengthening the link between research institutions, smallholder farmers, and agribusiness

Rwanda: A growing hub for agri-tech innovation

Rwanda was selected to host ACAT 2025 due to its growing reputation as a continental leader in deploying technology-driven agricultural reforms. In 2024, the country launched the Smart Nkunganire System, a digital subsidy management platform designed to streamline the distribution of fertilizers and seeds to farmers.

Dr. Ildephonse Musafiri, Rwanda’s Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, noted that the conference offers a powerful opportunity to showcase Rwanda’s progress and foster greater collaboration.

“This is a strategic moment for Rwanda to demonstrate that African nations can drive food self-sufficiency through knowledge, research, and innovation. The conference will bring skills, partnerships, and investments into our agricultural sector,” he said.

Bridging research, innovation, and markets

Beyond dialogue, ACAT 2025 will feature a major technology exhibition, showcasing smart farming equipment, digital applications, precision agriculture tools, and other innovations shaping the future of farming.

Prof. Aggrey Ambali, Executive Director of FARA, emphasized that the event is more than just a conference.

“It is a transformative platform to connect the dots between researchers, startups, policymakers, and farmers. What we decide here will influence the future of African agriculture,” he stated.

Registration open

Participants are encouraged to register online via the official ACAT website: www.acat.africa. The program includes keynote addresses, expert panels, technical workshops, field visits, and high-level investment matchmaking.

ACAT 2025 is not just another event—it is a strategic platform for reimagining the role of technology in ensuring food security, improving livelihoods, and building climate resilience in Africa. As the host, Rwanda stands at the forefront of a movement to turn agricultural challenges into opportunities through smart solutions.