Kigali: African Seed Trade Association (AFSTA) Congress 2025 has attracted over 300 high-level delegates from 48 countries around the world under the theme: ’25 years strong: Innovating Quality Seed for Africa’s Sustainable Agriculture.’
According to Ethiopian News Agency, this 25th African Seed Trade Association Annual Congress is being officially opened in the early hours of this morning in Kigali, Rwanda. The congress will conclude on March 6, 2025, following a special policy dialogue meeting on Plant Breeding Innovation and Biotechnology between seed industry players and policymakers, including top government officials from more than 10 countries and representatives of the African Union.
The AFSTA annual congress, the only one of its kind in Africa, brings together leading seed traders and producers, traditionally covering a broad range of topics in the seed value chain. This year’s Congress, apart from celebrating AFSTA’s 25 years of existence, will focus on discussions around future trends and vision
for transforming Africa into a dynamic seed trade hub for sustainable growth in the agricultural sector and enhanced food security.
It will also dwell on strategies of scaling up technologies and innovations in the seed system and how public-private partnerships can unlock opportunities for seed SMEs. Additionally, views will be tabled on the state and future of plant breeding innovation in Africa, the state of plant variety protection systems in Africa, as well as how to better position the continent in the global seed industry.
‘The 2025 Annual General Meeting of AFSTA represents a pivotal transition, where we will adopt a new strategic plan under the leadership of our newly appointed Secretary General, Dr. Yacouba Diallo,’ President of AFSTA, Amadou Sarr said. He added that the new strategic plan will be a vital tool for promoting market access and trade, fostering industry innovation, developing partnerships, and advocating for supportive policies and regulations.
‘Furthermore, the plan aims to enhance
the services we provide to our members and ensure the sustainability of our Association,’ Sarr noted. On his part, AFSTA’s Secretary General, Dr. Yacouba Diallo has said that the congress in Kigali provides a great opportunity to discuss and agree on how best to drive the dynamic seed sector that Africa’s seed industry is known for amidst the background of a fascinating mix of challenges and opportunities.
Dr. Diallo stated, ‘Like many other industries, the seed business in Africa has changed over time. These changes stem from climate change, new farming techniques and technologies, seed market demands, finance, investments, and human skills matters, agricultural policies, and regulations.’
African Seed Trade Association (AFSTA) is the leading seed organization representing the African seed industry and coordinating the seed sector across the continent. This three-day congress will bring together seed professionals, plant breeders, researchers, policymakers, government officials, and students, ENA learned.
It is also anticipated that the congress would provide a fantastic opportunity to share experiences, network, explore new business opportunities, showcase products and services, and learn about the latest innovations and trends in the industry.