RWANDA – The Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) has formalized a partnership with Rwanda’s Ministry of Information Communication Technology and Innovation (MINICT) through a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
This initiative will establish the Rwanda Food Innovation Hub, a groundbreaking effort to enhance sustainable food systems and strengthen agricultural resilience across the continent.
The Rwanda Food Innovation Hub is set to drive agricultural transformation by empowering smallholder farmers, developing inclusive market and financing solutions, and fostering climate-resilient agricultural practices.
By integrating technology and innovation into food production, the initiative aligns with Rwanda’s national development goals, which emphasize economic growth and poverty reduction.
The project also supports AGRA’s 2022-2030 Strategic Framework, which advocates for a food systems approach to tackling hunger, nutritional challenges, and climate adaptation.
“AGRA is committed to catalyzing sustainable food systems across Africa. This collaboration with MINICT will create a vibrant ecosystem for food innovation in Rwanda, with benefits extending to farmers and communities throughout the continent,” said Dr. Agnes Kalibata, President of AGRA.
Rwanda’s Minister of ICT, Paula Ingabire, highlighted the crucial role of digital innovation in agricultural development.
“This partnership with AGRA is crucial for Rwanda’s ambition to become a Food Innovation Hub. By leveraging technology and innovation, we can transform our food systems, empower our farmers, and contribute to food security across Africa,” she said.
Key pillars of the Rwanda Food Innovation Hub
The MoU establishes a clear framework for positioning Rwanda as a leader in food innovation by fostering and scaling up food system innovations to drive sustainable agricultural growth.
It also ensures AGRA’s active participation in the Steering Committee, where it will provide strategic advisory services to guide implementation.
Additionally, the partnership aims to strengthen collaboration by engaging national, regional, and global stakeholders, thereby attracting investment and fostering meaningful cooperation.
Under MINICT’s leadership, the initiative will further enhance policy frameworks, focusing on effective policy design and government coordination to create an enabling environment for agricultural transformation.
AGRA will play a key role in advising on strategic initiatives, supporting implementation and capacity-building, and brokering partnerships to attract global investment. MINICT, on the other hand, will spearhead policy development, coordinate inter-ministerial efforts, and engage key stakeholders.
Ensuring accessibility and impact
A fundamental aspect of the partnership is the commitment to making all research, technologies, and innovations generated through the hub widely accessible.
The agreement mandates that these advancements be made available at an affordable cost, ensuring that smallholder farmers and developing nations benefit from cutting-edge agricultural solutions.
By leveraging digital innovation, strategic partnerships, and a strong policy framework, the Rwanda Food Innovation Hub aims to drive lasting change in African agriculture, setting a new standard for sustainable food systems.
