NAIROBI, Kenya, April 28 – Nairobi will host over 1,000 stakeholders for the Financing Agri-Food Systems Sustainably (FINAS) 2026 Summit, in a renewed push to unlock capital for Africa’s agriculture sector.
The summit, set for June 30 to July 2, aims to address a financing gap of over $100 billion that continues to constrain productivity, food security and economic resilience across the continent.
Organised under the theme “Towards Sustainable Financial Architecture for Africa’s Food Systems,” the forum will focus on mobilising investment, aligning policies and strengthening partnerships.
Africa’s agri-food sector contributes between 20 and 30 percent of GDP in many countries and employs more than 60 percent of the workforce, yet it receives less than five percent of formal bank lending.
The gap has disproportionately affected smallholder farmers, women, youth and agri-SMEs, who produce up to 80 percent of the continent’s food supply.
Speaking during the launch, Rashid Khator, Secretary of Administration at the State Department for Agriculture, said the focus must now shift to measurable outcomes.
“The FINAS summit provides an opportunity to take stock of the funding in the sector and check if our goals have been realised,” he said.
“Financing must be results-oriented, delivering measurable outcomes to enhance agri-food sustainability.”
The summit will also explore new financing structures, including an Agricultural Development Fund, green finance frameworks and a private-sector-led working group to crowd in capital.
GIZ Kenya said the platform has evolved into a continental forum for strengthening partnerships.
“FINAS began as a national platform in 2024 and has advanced into a continental forum advancing agri-systems dialogue,” said Sophia Baumert, Project Manager for Sustainable Agricultural Systems and Policies.
Meanwhile, Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa Vice President Hamadi Boga said the focus is on converting commitments into real investments.
“FINAS 2026 is about moving beyond commitments to coordinated delivery… translating policy ambitions into bankable investments that reach farmers and agri-enterprises,” he said.
The three-day summit will feature ministerial and CEO roundtables, side events and deal-making sessions aimed at boosting sustainable and inclusive agricultural financing across Africa.
