The Rwandan Ministry of Information Communication Technology and Innovation has partnered with the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) to establish a Food Innovation Hub aimed at strengthening food systems across the continent.
The initiative seeks to support smallholder farmers, improve access to markets and financing, and enhance agricultural systems to increase food production and resilience to climate change.
The partnership aligns with Rwanda’s economic development agenda, which prioritizes poverty reduction and growth through technology and innovation.
It also fits into AGRA’s 2022-2030 Strategic Framework, which focuses on food security, better nutrition, poverty alleviation, and climate adaptation.
During the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), AGRA President Dr. Agnes Kalibata said the organization is committed to creating sustainable food systems in Africa.
She added that the collaboration with Rwanda’s ICT ministry will help establish an ecosystem for food innovation, benefiting both farmers and communities.
Rwanda’s Minister of ICT, Paula Ingabire, said the partnership will advance the country’s vision of becoming a Food Innovation Hub.
She emphasized the role of technology and innovation in transforming food systems, empowering farmers, and improving food security across Africa.
The agreement outlines a structure for cooperation, positioning Rwanda as a center for food innovation.
The initiative will facilitate the development and scaling of new solutions to tackle key challenges in agriculture and food security.
AGRA will act as a strategic advisor and participate in the project’s Steering Committee.
It will also work with national, regional, and global stakeholders to position the initiative and attract partnerships and investments.
The Rwandan Ministry of ICT will take the lead in policy formulation and implementation, coordinate with other government ministries, and build strategic alliances to support the initiative.
As part of the agreement, knowledge and findings from the project will be shared widely.
Technologies, data, and other innovations emerging from the initiative will be made available at affordable rates to those in need within developing nations.
