I received the 'Food Security and Climate Champion of Africa” Award at the African Food Systems Forum last week for work on the African Development’s Bank’s Feed Africa Strategy and the Africa Emergency Food Production Facility. I received this award on behalf of the entir team.

Join us for this High-level side event NOW: “From emergency responses to food system resilience: Lessons learnt from the AEFPF for the next generation of agricultural investment in Africa.”#AFSF #EngageTAAT 2 #FeedAfrica @AfDB_Group @cgiar @CGIARScaling @RwandaAgri @MoLAFWRD_Zim

“A disruption in one part of the world should not lead to food crises in another. A systemic shock in a corner of the world should not translate into hunger in another.” — Sen. Abubakar Kyari, Minister for Agriculture & Food Security, at the #AEFPF session in the ongoing #AFSForum2026 in Kigali, #Rwanda. #AfricaFoodSystems #FoodSecurity #FoodResilience #AgriculturalTransformation #FeedAfrica @AfDB_Group, @Groupe_AfDB, @AfDBPresident @gatesfoundation @GatesAfrica @CGIAR @IITA_CGIAR @TheAGRF @AGRA_Africa @afaasinfo @Afriscience @AFSTA_Seed @SeedFed @ReutersAfrica @Better_Seed @EuroseedsEU @ISTAseedtesting @ScienceAlly @ippcnews @AFP @ReutersWorld @AUC_CAADP @NEPAD_Agency @ccardesa_sadc @CORAFNews @COMESA_HQ @_AfricanUnion @ASARECA @FAO @SAA_africa @WorldBank @WorldBankAfrica @wef @ADB_HQ @isdb_group @jica_direct_en @giz_gmbh @mfregene77 @InnocentMus @EnockChikava @CGIAR_EMD @simeonehui @TJKrupnik @BVanlauwe @sagizaw_TAAT @RachelMulangala

"Success shouldn't be measured by how much CGIAR does in Africa, but by how capable African institutions become in leading their own research agendas." — Dr. @EhuiSimeon at #AFSF2026 this morning 🌍 More: linkedin.com/feed/update/urn… #AFSForum2026 #AFSF #FoodSystems #SouthSouthCooperation #AgriculturalInnovation #DevelopmentFinance @AfDB_Group @Groupe_AfDB @gatesfoundation @GatesAfrica @CGIAR @IITA_CGIAR @TheAGRF @AGRA_Africa @afaasinfo @Afriscience @AFSTA_Seed @SeedFed @ReutersAfrica @Better_Seed @EuroseedsEU @ISTAseedtesting @ScienceAlly @ippcnews @AFP @ReutersWorld @AUC_CAADP @NEPAD_Agency @ccardesa_sadc @CORAFNews @COMESA_HQ @_AfricanUnion @ASARECA @FAO @SAA_africa @WorldBank @WorldBankAfrica @wef @ADB_HQ @isdb_group @jica_direct_en @giz_gmbh @aatfafrica @BiovIntCIAT_eng @Cipotato @FARAinfo @WorldFishCenter @WorldVegCenter @Radiorwanda_RBA @RwandaAgri @mfregene77 @InnocentMus @EnockChikava @CGIAR_EMD @TJKrupnik

From pilots to $3B in continental impact! 🌍 At #AFSF2026, Dr. @InnocentMus from the @AfDB_Group highlighted how #TAAT has influenced 46 investment operations across 31 countries, reaching 25M+ farmers with a >60% boost in productivity. Know more: linkedin.com/feed/update/urn… #EngageTAAT #FeedAfrica #Scale4Impact #AFSForum2026 #AFSF #DevelopmentFinance #AgrifoodSystems #PrivateSector #AgriculturalTransformation @Groupe_AfDB @gatesfoundation @GatesAfrica @CGIAR @IITA_CGIAR @TheAGRF @AGRA_Africa @afaasinfo @Afriscience @AFSTA_Seed @SeedFed @ReutersAfrica @Better_Seed @EuroseedsEU @ISTAseedtesting @ScienceAlly @ippcnews @AFP @ReutersWorld @AUC_CAADP @NEPAD_Agency @ccardesa_sadc @CORAFNews @COMESA_HQ @_AfricanUnion @ASARECA @FAO @SAA_africa @WorldBank @WorldBankAfrica @wef @ADB_HQ @isdb_group @jica_direct_en @giz_gmbh @aatfafrica @BiovIntCIAT_eng @Cipotato @CIMMYT @RwandaAgri @mfregene77 @InnocentMus @EnockChikava @CGIAR_EMD @TJKrupnik @sagizaw_TAAT

Meet our speakers! 🌍👇 🎙️ Keynote Speakers 🔹H.E. Gov. Mallam Umar Namadi – Governor of Jigawa State, Nigeria, Governor's Office Jigawa State, @OfficialJGSG 🔹Dr. Martin Fregene – Vice President for Agriculture, Human & Social Development (OiC), @AfDB_Group 🔹Dr. Solomon Assefa GIZAW – Head, #TAATClearinghouse 💬 Distinguished Panellists 🔹Ms. Maryann Oge Okoli – CEO, Esomchi Foods 🔹Hon. Munir Baba Dan Agundi – Chairman, Rahama Farms 🔹Dr. Oluwasina Olabanji – Food Systems Expert 🔹Prof. Bernadette Fregene – #TAATFish Compact Leader 🔹Dr. Adebayo Abass – #TAATCassava Compact Leader 🔹Dr. Justin Machini – #TAATHighIronBeans Compact Leader 🔹Dr. Wuletaw Tadesse – #TAATWheat Compact Leader 🔹Mr. Noel Muliganya – #TAATYouth in Agribusiness Compact Leader Join us in shaping resilient, technology-driven food systems across Africa! #AASW9 #TAAT #AgriculturalInnovation #ScalingForImpact #FoodSecurity #Agribusiness #AfricaAgriculture #EngageTAAT #FeedAfrica @AfDB_Group @Groupe_AfDB @gatesfoundation @GatesAfrica @CGIAR @CGIARScaling @IITA_CGIAR @AFSTA_Seed @SeedFed @ReutersAfrica @Better_Seed @EuroseedsEU @ISTAseedtesting @ScienceAlly @ippcnews @AFP @ReutersWorld @afaasinfo @AUC_CAADP @NEPAD_Agency @ccardesaa @CORAFNews @ASARECA @SAA_africa @WorldBank @giz_gmbh @jica_direct_en @Cipotato @mfregene77 @InnocentMus @EnockChikava @CGIAR_EMD @simeonehui @TJKrupnik @sagizaw_TAAT @RachelMulangala

As the #ZimbabweSeedBusinessSummit and #SeedRoadmap Workshop progresses, global development partners are spotlighting the specific technological breakthroughs needed to unlock the next level of agricultural productivity. Dr Lawrence Kent, Senior Program Officer at the @gatesfoundation, addressed the summit, commending Zimbabwe for building one of the most robust, public-private-driven seed systems on the African continent—particularly in hybrid maize. However, his core message was a powerful call to action: celebrate the progress, but never sit still. 📌 Key Strategic Insights from the Gates Foundation: 📈 Advanced Genetics: Kent spotlighted revolutionary Seed Production Technology (#SPT). By utilizing female lines that do not produce pollen, SPT completely eliminates labor-intensive manual detasseling—radically driving down seed production costs while securing higher genetic quality and yield. 📈 Diversifying the Portfolio: While Zimbabwe is a regional leader in hybrid maize, he challenged commodity working groups to scale these same genetic and hybridization benefits to under-resourced crops like sorghum and millets, which are critical for climate resilience. 📈 Equitable Delivery & The #Clearinghouse: A robust seed system must deliver technologies to all tiers of farming. He highlighted Zimbabwe’s partnership with the #TAAT as a vital mechanism for matching global scientific innovations with national frameworks to get climate-smart, nutritious varieties into the hands of smallholders. "We encourage you to continue to make progress in these technological and institutional ways. Improved seeds must be made available to all farmers in Zimbabwe, so smallholders can fully benefit." #ZimbabweSeedSummit #AgriculturalTransformation #SeedSystems #Agribusiness #PublicPrivatePartnerships #EngageTAAT #FeedAfrica #Scale4Impact @AfDB_Group @Groupe_AfDB @GatesAfrica @CGIAR @CGIARScaling @IITA_CGIAR @MoLAFWRD_Zim @HeraldZimbabwe @NewsDayZimbabwe @ZiFMStereo @BusinessTimesZW @ZiFMStereoNews @ZBCNewsonline @ChronicleZim @SundayMailZim @farmshopZW @SeedCoZimbabwe @PrimeSeedco @FarmersAfric @ZimTradeAlerts

Speaking at the ongoing #ZimbabweSeedBusinessSummit, Dr @TJKrupnik, Director, @CGIARScaling shared how global research networks are collaborating to transition Zimbabwe's seed sector into an investment-ready model for Africa. 📌 Key Takeaways: 🟣Moving from building a sector to aligning science, policy, and finance so climate-resilient seed seamlessly reaches smallholders, women, and youth. 🟣 Unifying Global Science: Leveraging the #TAATClearinghouse to bring the collective scientific power of world-class centers like @CIMMYT, @ICARDA, @IITA_CGIAR, @ICRISAT, and @BiovIntCIAT_eng directly behind Zimbabwe’s crop priorities. 🟣Engineering an ambitious, evidence-based roadmap that development partners and financial institutions can collectively back. Read on: linkedin.com/feed/update/urn… #ZimbabweSeedSummit #AgriculturalTransformation #SeedSystems #Agribusiness #PublicPrivatePartnerships #EngageTAAT #FeedAfrica #Scale4Impact @AfDB_Group @Groupe_AfDB @GatesAfrica @CGIAR @CGIARScaling @IITA_CGIAR @MoLAFWRD_Zim @HeraldZimbabwe @NewsDayZimbabwe @ZiFMStereo @BusinessTimesZW @ZiFMStereoNews @ZBCNewsonline @ChronicleZim @SundayMailZim @farmshopZW @SeedCoZimbabwe @PrimeSeedco @FarmersAfric @ZimTradeAlerts @MarichoMedia

Speaking at the ongoing #ZimbabweSeedBusinessSummit, Dr @InnocentMus Chief Ag Tech Officer & TAAT Coordinator at the @AfDB_Group delivered a powerful message on the financial execution needed to back Zimbabwe’s 5-Year #SeedRoadmap. He underscored that robust, well-regulated seed systems are the ultimate antidote to climate shocks and rising food import bills. 📌 Key Strategic Takeaways: 🟢 The Impact Blueprint: Through the African Emergency Food Production Facility (#AEFPF), an AfDB facility rapidly transitioned over 100,000 Zimbabwean farmers to certified, high-yield seeds and fertilizers to shield against global supply chain shocks. 🟢 Digital Input Governance: A major highlight is Zimbabwe's pioneering use of secure ICT and digital platforms for input distribution. By embedding digital traceability, the country drastically enhanced transparency and minimized leakage—creating a gold standard that the AfDB is now encouraging other Regional Member Countries (#RMCs) to replicate. 🟢 The TAAT Engine: As the principal delivery platform for the Bank’s #FeedAfrica strategy, TAAT and partners have successfully unlocked 76,000+ metric tons of foundation and certified seed across the continent, reaching over 25 million smallholders. 🟢 Driving Agribusiness Wealth: The ongoing formulation of Zimbabwe’s 5-Year Seed Roadmap will crowd in private enterprises, lower local production costs, and position the nation as a completely self-reliant agribusiness hub. #ZimbabweSeedSummit #AgriculturalTransformation #SeedSystems #Agribusiness #PublicPrivatePartnerships #EngageTAAT #FeedAfrica #Scale4Impact @AfDB_Group @Groupe_AfDB @GatesAfrica @CGIAR @CGIARScaling @IITA_CGIAR @MoLAFWRD_Zim @HeraldZimbabwe @NewsDayZimbabwe @ZiFMStereo @BusinessTimesZW @ZiFMStereoNews @ZBCNewsonline @ChronicleZim @SundayMailZim @farmshopZW @SeedCoZimbabwe @PrimeSeedco @FarmersAfric @ZimTradeAlerts @MarichoMedia

Minisiteri y’Ubuhinzi n’Ubworozi yasinyanye amasezerano y’imyaka ibiri n’Umuryango Mpuzamahanga uteza imbere Ubuhinzi (International Institute of Tropical Agriculture: IITA) yo gushyira mu bikorwa porogaramu yo kuvugurura ubuhinzi hifashishijwe ikoranabuhanga rigezweho. Muri aya masezerano, u Rwanda rwagenewe miliyoni imwe y’amayero azafasha muri gahunda yo gukuba inshuro 13 umusaruro w’ubuhinzi bitarenze mu 2050. #RBAAmakuru

Hon. @solangeuwituze witnessed the signing of an MoU between @RwandaAgri and @IITA_CGIAR on a youth-focused agribusiness initiative that aims to strengthen Rwanda’s seed sector by promoting youth-led seed enterprises and initiating the operationalization of the FOBASI initiative.

Expanding Nigeria’s Agro-Industrial Footprint: #SAPZ Phase II Tranche II Mission Underway! 🇳🇬🚜 Following the successful design of Phase II Tranche I for 10 states in 2024/25, @AfDB_Group & #TAAT teams are back on the ground! From 23 Feb to 13 March, we are undertaking a critical pre-appraisal mission across 11 additional Nigerian states to design Tranche II. While infrastructure forms the skeleton of these zones, Production and Productivity (Component 2) is the heartbeat. As technical lead, the #TAAT team is focused on ensuring these hubs are fueled by high-performing, climate-resilient agricultural systems. Mission Objectives: ✅ Assess state readiness ✅ Strengthen stakeholder ownership ✅ Position hubs for anchor investors ✅ Identify strategic sites for agro-industrial parks ✅ Align co-financing partners Target value chains: #rice, #maize, #wheat, #sorghum, #millet, #sesame, #cowpea, #groundnuts, #cassava, #OilPalm and #cocoa. #TAATinNigeria #AgroIndustrialization #FoodSecurity #ValueChains #EconomicGrowth #ScalingImpact #SeedSystems #DevelopmentInvestment #SustainableAgric #PublicPrivatePartnership #EngageTAAT #FeedAfrica @gatesfoundation @GatesAfrica @CGIAR @CGIARScaling @IITA_CGIAR @isdb_group @ADB_HQ @RegionalDevNG @FinMinNigeria @agronigeria

The @AfDB_Group has officially approved $16 million for Phase III of the #TAAT. Building on the massive success of Phases I and II—which influenced over $3.18 billion in agricultural investments—this new chapter is set to further revolutionize the continent's food systems. Led by @IITA_CGIAR , #TAAT III will focus on: ✅ Strengthening regional seed delivery systems. ✅ Scaling climate-resilient technologies to millions more smallholder farmers. ✅ Expanding digital e-extension and "Seed Tracker" transparency. ✅ Institutionalizing the #TAATModel within the @CGIAR for long-term sustainability. As we navigate global supply chain disruptions, this investment underscores a commitment to Dakar 2's vision of food sovereignty and a prosperous, resilient Africa. More details: linkedin.com/pulse/african-d… #Agriculture #Innovation #ClimateResilience #Africa #SeedSystems #EconomicGrowth #EngageTAAT #FeedAfrica @gatesfoundation @GatesAfrica @CGIAR @CGIARScaling @IITA_CGIAR @isdb_group @AFSTA_Seed @SeedFed @ReutersAfrica @Better_Seed @EuroseedsEU @ISTAseedtesting @ScienceAlly @ippcnews @AFP @ReutersWorld @_AfricanUnion @AUC_CAADP @WorldBank @WorldBankAfrica @giz_gmbh @IFAD @FAO @WFP @jica_direct_en @ADB_HQ

#TAATinAngola has facilitated the establishment of a #HybridMaize field at a local #FarmerFieldSchool (FFS). 📈 Progress at a Glance: 🌽Capacity Building: Since August 2025, FFS members have completed sessions on seed multiplication, land prep, and advanced field management (including detasseling to prevent self-pollination and maintain genetic purity). 🌽Field Establishment: Two strategic fields are now active—one at the Agroecology Centre (harvesting January 2026) and another at the FFS. #SeedSystems #FoodSecurity #AgriculturalTransformation #Maize #EngageTAAT #FeedAfrica @AfDB_Group @gatesfoundation @GatesAfrica @CGIAR @CGIARScaling @IITA_CGIAR @aatfafrica @isdb_group @AFSTA_Seed @giz_gmbh

Today I participated in a Side Event by FAO, “Harnessing AI, Digital Innovations and STI for Sustainable & Advanced Agrifood Systems" where I shared the achievements and lessons of TAAT, illustrating TAAT's progress in scaling proven agricultural technologies across Africa #WSIS

I’m pleased to take part in the event “Harnessing AI, Digital Innovations & STI for Sustainable & Advanced Agrifood Systems: Digital Agriculture & AI Roadmap & Knowledge & Partnership Gateway,” co-organized by FAO and the International Telecommunication Union.

Rigorous Technology Validation Process! Every technology in the TAAT e-catalogs e-catalogs.taat-africa.org/c… is carefully validated✅ ●Tested, credible, and market-ready ●Climate-resilient solutions to grow your business and connect to profitable markets Share your business needs with us — let’s connect you with the right technology! #TAAT4That #ScalingInnovations #Partnership #JoinACLBC #FeedAfrica @AfDB_Group @gatesfoundation @GatesAfrica @CGIAR @CGIARScaling @IITA_CGIAR @isdb_group @MastercardFdn @AFSTA_Seed @SeedFed @ReutersAfrica @Better_Seed @EuroseedsEU @ISTAseedtesting @ScienceAlly @ippcnews @AFP @ReutersWorld @_AfricanUnion @afaasinfo @AUC_CAADP @ccardesaa @CORAFNews @ASARECA @SAA_africa @WorldBank @WorldBankAfrica @giz_gmbh @IFAD @FAO @WFP @jica_direct_en @AfriAgribusCons @AsnetKenya @EAGrainCouncil @eyunati @TJKrupnik @mfregene77 @InnocentMus @EnockChikava @simeonehui @CGIAR_EMD

🌱🌍 Making food systems resilient means taking a systems approach - and that means recognizing and working with all the people who make up our food systems. Together, we can create solutions that endure. From earlier this year at @WEF. #FoodSecurity

“Food security and agricultural development are at the heart of Africa’s progress,” said @AfDBPresident Sidi Ould Tah, highlighting the crucial role of science in agri-food systems. Speaking at the High-Level Plenary session at #UNGA80, he affirmed the @AfDB_Group's commitment to working with all partners to advance #FoodSecurity in Africa.

TAAT, a flagship of AfDB’s Feed Africa Strategy, has demonstrated what transformation looks like in practice – supporting millions of farmers to access proven technologies, creating pathways for resilience, higher yields, and improved livelihoods. #afsf2025 #foodsecurity