Kenya is gearing up to host a global summit aimed at unlocking sustainable financing solutions for Africa’s agricultural sector. The second annual Financing Agrifood Systems Sustainably (FINAS) 2025 summit will take place from May 20-22 at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC) in Nairobi.
Under the theme “Taking Ownership: Rethinking Sustainable Financing for Africa’s Food Systems,” the event will convene world leaders, policymakers, financiers, and innovators to address challenges in agricultural financing and food security.
Dr. Kipronoh Rono, Principal Secretary at the State Department for Agriculture, highlighted the summit’s role in exploring innovative financing solutions to enhance food security across the continent.
“This summit presents a crucial opportunity to bring together global leaders, policymakers, and financiers to develop meaningful strategies that will drive sustainable financing in Africa’s agrifood sector,” said Dr. Rono. He emphasized that African governments are prioritizing self-sufficient financing mechanisms, making the summit a key platform to discuss new investment models, digital transformation, and strategic partnerships aligned with the African Union’s Kampala Declaration on food security.
Dr. Rono called on stakeholders worldwide to participate in shaping a resilient and inclusive future for Africa’s agrifood systems. He noted that small-scale farmers, who form the backbone of the agricultural sector, require better access to financing for essential inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, land leases, and post-harvest activities.
“The summit will facilitate discussions on channeling financial resources into initiatives that enhance productivity, improve food security, and promote sustainable agricultural practices,” he added.
As financial support for key sectors, including agriculture, continues to decline globally, Dr. Rono stressed the need for alternative investment approaches.
“We must rethink traditional financing models and explore innovative solutions such as blended financing, green bonds, diaspora remittances, and increased private-sector participation to bridge existing gaps,” he stated.
The summit comes at a time when Africa faces complex challenges, including climate change, political instability, and shifting international funding policies. By fostering dialogue among key stakeholders, FINAS 2025 aims to drive impactful financial solutions that will secure a prosperous future for Africa’s food systems.
Kennedy Okech, an agricultural economist and financial advisor at GIZ Kenya, emphasized the transformative potential of strategic financial investments in food systems.
“The way we finance agriculture through both public and private capital can either drive inefficiencies or be the catalyst for transformation,” Okech said.
George Abwajo, a board member of the Fintech Association of Kenya (FINTAK), highlighted the role of digital innovation in agricultural financing.
“FINTAK is committed to driving discussions on how digital solutions can improve access to finance for farmers and agribusinesses across Africa. Kenya’s leadership in fintech innovation makes it an ideal host for this conversation,” he noted.
Dr. Charity Mutegi, Director of the FINAS Summit, underscored the importance of digital transformation in reshaping agricultural financing.
“FINAS 2025 provides a timely platform for stakeholders to develop sustainable financial solutions that will drive food systems transformation in Africa,” she said.
She added that Africa’s food security depends on the continent’s ability to develop self-sustaining financing mechanisms rather than relying on external aid.
“The reduction in foreign financial support is a wake-up call. African governments must focus on homegrown solutions that leverage domestic resources to build resilient and self-sufficient food systems,” Dr. Mutegi concluded.
The summit is expected to catalyze actionable solutions that will enhance access to sustainable financing and drive the transformation of Africa’s agrifood sector.