Kenya to host FINAS Summit 2025 to transform agri-food systems financing in Africa

Under the theme “Taking Ownership: Rethinking Sustainable Financing for Africa’s Food Systems,” the summit to be hosted at KICC will explore innovative financial solutions to bridge existing gaps, aligning with the African Union’s Kampala Declaration on food security.

Agriculture, despite its crucial role in Africa’s economy, receives only 3% of global development funding, according to the World Bank.

FINAS 2025 will focus on overcoming barriers such as high perceived risks, transaction costs, and limited access to finance for smallholder farmers and agri-SMEs. Experts will introduce de-risking models and strategies to attract diversified capital.

The summit will showcase how technology can revolutionize agricultural financing, streamline supply chains, and reduce food loss. Digital transformation will be a key driver in enhancing efficiency and sustainability in agri-food systems.

FINAS Summit 2025 will address four critical themes: Inclusive Food Systems Policy, examining Kenya’s domestication of the Kampala Declaration and repurposing fertilizer subsidy models; Youth & Women Financial Inclusion, developing tailored financial instruments, enhancing SME financial literacy, and expanding banking access; Funding Resilience & Climate Adaptation, de-risking food system investments, advancing biodiversity, and strengthening green finance frameworks; and Innovation, Data & Technology, scaling financial access, leveraging data, and enhancing last-mile service delivery through fintech solutions.

The summit will also highlight groundbreaking financial solutions through awards in categories such as financial inclusion, agricultural insurance, and innovative funding technologies.

The event will feature pre-conference dialogues, keynote speeches, interactive sessions, an innovation hackathon, exhibitions, and post-conference discussions to drive actionable outcomes.

“As co-lead of the Innovation, Data & Technology focus area, FINTAK will drive conversations on leveraging fintech to transform agricultural financing in Africa,” said George Abwajo, Board Member of the Fintech Association of Kenya.

Aligned with the AU’s CAADP Strategy, the summit aims to boost agrifood output by 45% by 2035, reduce post-harvest losses by 50%, and triple intra-African trade. By fostering homegrown solutions, it seeks to reduce dependency on external funding and build self-sustaining food systems.

“Now more than ever, Africa needs bold, innovative solutions. FINAS 2025 will unite visionaries to drive change and secure Africa’s food future,” said Dr. Charity K. Mutegi, FINAS Summit Director.