Sierra Leone Takes Center Stage at Africa Food Systems Forum 2026

By Alex Lawrence Koroma

The launch of the Africa Food Systems Forum (AFS Forum) 2026 Summit has marked a pivotal moment for the continent’s agricultural transformation efforts. Held at the Kigali Convention Centre, this high-profile event convened policymakers, development partners, private sector leaders, researchers, and innovators from across Africa and beyond. Under the compelling theme “Investing in Africa’s Agri-Food Systems: Nourishing Nations, Growing Jobs, Building Resilience,” the summit aims to catalyze strategic investments that will strengthen food systems, foster economic growth, and build resilience against climate change, economic shocks, and food insecurity.

Among the numerous countries participating, Sierra Leone’s presence was particularly notable, with the delegation led by Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka. The Sierra Leone delegation’s active participation in the summit’s core activities, especially the Country Deal Rooms, underscores the country’s commitment to transforming its agricultural landscape and aligning with broader continental goals of food security and economic development.

The AFS Forum 2026 is more than a summit; it is a strategic platform designed to mobilize stakeholders around impactful investments and partnerships. The event’s core focus includes fostering dialogue on sustainable agricultural practices, promoting innovative value chains, and unlocking capital for transformative projects across Africa. The summit’s emphasis on “Investing in Africa’s Agri-Food Systems” aligns with the continent’s urgent need to address food insecurity, create jobs, and develop resilient economies.

One of the most critical components of the summit is the Country Deal Rooms. These sessions serve as investment marketplaces where nations showcase their priority projects and attract capital from investors, development agencies, and private sector actors. The Deal Rooms spotlight investable opportunities across key agricultural sectors ranging from horticulture and livestock to rice milling and soybean production creating a bridge between national ambitions and available financial resources.

Sierra Leone’s participation at the summit exemplifies its dedication to agricultural revitalization. The country’s delegation, led by Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka, focused on presenting Sierra Leone’s integrated Rice Mill Facility initiative, a flagship project aimed at boosting rice production and processing capabilities. The initiative is a critical component of President Bio’s “Feed Salone” strategy, which aspires to make Sierra Leone self-sufficient in rice and reduce dependency on imports.

During the summit’s Deal Room sessions held on September 1, 2026, Dr. Kpaka articulated Sierra Leone’s vision to transform its agricultural sector into a vibrant, scalable, and investment-ready industry. He emphasized the country’s potential in rice cultivation, given its fertile lands and favorable climate, and outlined how strategic partnerships and investments could unlock this potential. The presentation highlighted the government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for agribusinesses, including infrastructure development, policy reforms, and capacity building.

The Sierra Leone Minister’s engagement at the AFS Forum is expected to attract significant interest from investors and development partners eager to capitalize on the nation’s agricultural potential. The integrated Rice Mill Facility project is poised to benefit from increased capital infusion, technology transfer, and knowledge sharing, which are vital for scaling up production and creating jobs for local communities.

Furthermore, the summit’s emphasis on the importance of building resilient food systems aligns with Sierra Leone’s broader development goals. The country faces challenges such as post-conflict recovery, climate change impacts, and inadequate infrastructure. The investments and partnerships fostered through the summit could help Sierra Leone address these issues by introducing climate smart agriculture practices, improving supply chain efficiency, and expanding market access.

Sierra Leone’s active participation in the AFS Forum 2026 underscores a strategic shift towards viewing agriculture not just as a traditional livelihood but as a catalyst for economic diversification and poverty alleviation. The “Feed Salone” initiative embodies this vision, aiming to make the country self-sufficient in staple foods, generate employment, and stimulate rural development.

As Dr. Kpaka noted during his presentation, “More country deal rooms are scheduled throughout the week, and we are optimistic about the investments that will be unlocked for Sierra Leone’s agricultural sector. Our goal is to turn our agri-food potential into an investable, scalable opportunity that benefits our farmers, creates jobs, and integrates Sierra Leone into regional and global value chains.”