Kigali, Rwanda — From September 1–3, 2026, ISF Secretary General Michael Keller participated in the African Food Systems Forum, one of the continent’s leading platforms for advancing food systems transformation. Michael represented the global private seed sector on a panel on investment in crops, highlighting the importance of quality seeds in the broader food systems conversation.
The 2026 Forum convened governments, private sector leaders, researchers and civil society to chart a path toward resilient, productive and sustainable food systems across Africa, under the theme, “Investing in Africa’s Agri-Food Systems.” For ISF, together with the African Seed Trade Association (AfSTA), the gathering was an opportunity to underline that improved seed varieties are a foundational investment for food security, climate resilience and smallholder productivity.
Michael Keller’s participation also deepened ISF’s engagement with the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), building on the organizations’ shared interest in strengthening seed systems that reach farmers across the continent. Conversations in Kigali touched on how public and private actors can collaborate more closely to expand access to quality seed, support local seed enterprises, and align investment priorities with the realities African farmers face.
As ISF continues to grow its engagement with African seed markets and stakeholders, the African Food Systems Forum reinforced a consistent message: seed innovation is central to Africa’s food security ambitions, and partnerships across the value chain — from breeders to governments to development organizations — are essential to turning that potential into impact on the ground.#
