anita.nkirote@hortinews.co.ke
Across Africa and Asia, agri-food systems are undergoing a profound transformation driven by climate shocks, economic uncertainty, and decades of underinvestment. While innovation is accelerating rapidly, critical questions remain: Where do we stand today? What strategies are proving effective? And what must evolve to build resilient, inclusive, and sustainable food systems for the future?
The 2025 AgriFin Learning Event (ALE), hosted by Mercy Corps AgriFin in partnership with Briter, offers a crucial moment to pause, reflect, and reimagine the future of agriculture. Centered around the theme Data-Driven Trends and Innovations in Africa: Harnessing Intelligence and Innovation to Build Sustainable, Investable Agri-Food Systems, this event will spotlight the power of data and technology as catalysts for transformation.
At the core of the conversation is AgBase, a cutting-edge, real-time data and insights platform designed to equip governments, funders, and ecosystem actors with the information needed to make smarter, more informed decisions. Participants will dive deep into findings from the State of Digital Agricultural Sector Report 2025, which provides an authoritative view of emerging trends, investment flows, and scalable solutions shaping the future of agri-food systems across the Global South.
The pace of technological adoption is notably accelerating. For instance, nearly USD 1 billion was invested in DeepTech innovations across Africa in 2023 alone. Yet, innovation without insightful application represents a missed opportunity. The event will emphasize the need to learn from past experiences, build on successful approaches, and strategically invest in what truly matters.
The 2025 ALE will convene a diverse community of over 300 participants, including investors, innovators, policymakers, and thought leaders—key actors shaping and financing the future of food systems. The event will foster collaboration and data-driven dialogue to chart a clear path for the next five to ten years, with a special focus on emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and their role in enhancing agri-food systems.
Now is the time to reflect, rethink, and reshape the future of agriculture through data-led innovation and cooperation. Join the 2025 AgriFin Learning Event and be part of this transformative journey to build sustainable, resilient, and inclusive agri-food systems across Africa and Asia.