Rwanda Leads Africa’s Agricultural Transformation at AFSTA 2025 Congress

Kigali, Rwanda – March 3, 2025
Rwanda’s commitment to advancing its agricultural sector was on full display as it hosted the 2025 African Seed Trade Association (AFSTA) Congress at the Serena Hotel in Kigali. The congress, marking AFSTA’s 25th anniversary, brought together over 300 delegates from 48 countries to discuss the future of Africa’s seed industry and the vital role it plays in ensuring food security and agricultural sustainability across the continent.
Rwanda’s Agricultural Commitment and Vision
Opening the congress, Hon. Eric Rwigamba, Rwanda’s Minister of State for Agriculture and Animal Resources, emphasized Rwanda’s unwavering commitment to transforming its agricultural landscape. Agriculture remains the backbone of Rwanda’s economy, and the government continues to prioritize seed sector development as a cornerstone of its strategy for economic growth, food security, and climate resilience.
“Rwanda recognizes that seeds are the foundation of agricultural productivity. They are crucial not only for increasing yields but also for driving economic growth,” Hon. Rwigamba stated. The government’s ongoing policy reforms and investment in the seed industry, alongside international cooperation, are setting the stage for a competitive and self-sustained seed sector. Rwanda’s commitment to harmonizing seed regulations and facilitating intra-African trade underscores its role as a leader in agricultural innovation.
AFSTA’s 25th Anniversary: Celebrating Achievements and Future Prospects
As the African Seed Trade Association celebrates its 25th anniversary, it reflects on its key contributions to the continent’s agricultural sector, from advocating for supportive seed policies to fostering collaborations that have led to significant improvements in seed quality and accessibility.
Rwanda’s role in AFSTA’s success is undeniable. As Innocent Namuhoranye, Chairman of the National Seed Association of Rwanda (NSAR), highlighted in his speech, Rwanda is at the forefront of seed sector development in Africa. “Rwanda’s remarkable strides in the seed industry have positioned us as a model for other African countries. We are not only improving seed quality, but also focusing on innovations that will help us combat climate change, such as developing resilient potato varieties,” Namuhoranye said.
Rwanda’s efforts to improve its seed industry through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) are paying off. The National Seed Association of Rwanda, along with key partners like the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Africa Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), and the Rwanda Agricultural Board (RAB), is leading the charge in addressing challenges like climate change through cutting-edge seed research.
Future Collaboration and Call to Action
The congress, which runs from March 3 to 6, 2025, serves as a platform to discuss future trends in Africa’s seed industry and the role of innovation, investment, and collaboration in shaping the future of agriculture. The participants are exploring how public-private partnerships can unlock opportunities for seed small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as well as strategies for scaling up plant breeding innovations and improving seed systems across Africa.
Rwanda’s call to action is clear: collaboration and investment in research and development, climate-resilient technologies, and capacity-building must take center stage in the coming years. The collective effort of governments, the private sector, farmers, researchers, and all stakeholders will be crucial in ensuring Africa’s seed industry can meet the demands of a growing population and ever-changing climate.
The theme of this year’s congress—“25 Years Strong: Innovating Quality Seed for Africa’s Sustainable Agriculture”—is a rallying cry for future collaboration. As Hon. Rwigamba concluded, “Through shared commitment and innovation, we can build a resilient, prosperous, and food-secure Africa.”
Conclusion
As AFSTA celebrates its silver anniversary, Rwanda stands as a testament to what can be achieved through commitment, collaboration, and forward-thinking policies in the agricultural sector. With the future of Africa’s seed industry in their hands, delegates at the AFSTA Congress are poised to work together to ensure that Africa becomes a global leader in sustainable agricultural practices. Through innovation, partnerships, and a renewed sense of purpose, the seeds of Africa’s agricultural future are being sown today.
By NIWEMUGENI Clarisse