HEIFER International, a global non-governmental organisation focused on technology and innovation, has committed to supporting young African inventors who are leveraging technology to tackle hunger across the continent.

The announcement comes ahead of the Africa Food Systems (AFS) Forum 2024, scheduled to take place in Kigali, Rwanda, from 2 to 6 September.

The forum will convene thousands of industry executives, policymakers, innovators, development agencies, private sector leaders, farmers, and agri-entrepreneurs to discuss critical issues and opportunities within the sector.

 Heifer International has announced that it will be attending the event alongside young innovators from six African countries, with whom the organisation has been collaborating to enhance their solutions for the benefit of smallholder farmers throughout Africa.

“We are inspired by the remarkable contributions that young visionary African innovators are making towards transforming our food systems, and we are actively supporting their innovations,” said Adesuwa Ifedi, Senior Vice President of Africa Programmes at Heifer International.

Ifedi explained that through its various programmes, Heifer provides the catalytic financing and market knowledge necessary for these innovators to refine and scale their agri-tech solutions to address the challenges faced by smallholder farmers.

“By integrating finance and technology, we are helping smallholder farmer’s transition from mere subsistence to thriving businesses, supporting them in scaling their operations and achieving profitability, while creating much-needed employment opportunities for young people across the value chain,” Ifedi said.

Heifer’s involvement with smallholder farmers has shaped their understanding of what is crucial for transforming Africa’s food systems. At this year’s AFS Forum, Heifer aims to engage with key partners, stakeholders, and policymakers to further this dialogue and leverage their experience to expedite the transformation of food systems.

“Heifer is thrilled to facilitate connections between generations in agriculture, recognising that the future of Africa’s agriculture hinges on the next generation’s ability to introduce suitable technology and innovation into the sector,” he added.

The 2024 AFS Forum will highlight and discuss innovations, technological advancements, policies, business models, and investments needed to accelerate the transformation of sustainable food systems in Africa. The forum also provides an opportunity for public and private sector leaders to address the urgent need and strategies for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030 and meeting the commitments of the Malabo Declaration by 2025.

Since its founding in 1944, Heifer International has worked with over 46 million people worldwide to end hunger and poverty sustainably.