Africa Agriculture Science Week
(AASW9)
Event Background
The Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) is the apex continental body mandated to coordinate and facilitate agricultural research and innovation across Africa. It serves as the technical arm of the African Union Commission (AUC) and the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) for mobilizing science, technology, and innovation (STI) in support of the continent’s food and agricultural development goals. These goals are anchored in the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Program (CAADP) and reinforced by the 2014 Malabo Declaration on agricultural growth and transformation.
Headquartered in Accra, Ghana, FARA has operated for over two decades and works closely with the four sub-regional agricultural research organizations (SROs):
- ASARECA – Association for Strengthening Agricultural Research in East and Central Africa
- CCARDESA – Centre for Coordination of Agricultural Research and Development for Southern Africa
- CORAF – West and Central African Council for Agricultural Research and Development
- NAASRO – North Africa Agriculture Sub-regional Organization
FARA also partners with the African Forum for Agricultural Advisory Services (AFAAS), the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), Education, Extension, and Research, among many others. Together, these institutions support national agricultural research and innovation systems to deliver results that enhance food and nutrition security, increase incomes and employment, strengthen resilience, and promote sustainable natural resource management.
FARA has championed the development of continental frameworks such as the Science Agenda for Agriculture in Africa (S3A), and initiatives on innovation systems, climate-smart agriculture, soil health, agro-industrialization, and food systems transformation.
The Africa Agriculture Science Week
Every three years, FARA convenes the Africa Agriculture Science Week (AASW), a premier continental gathering that brings together researchers, educators, extension agents, farmer organizations, policymakers, civil society, the private sector, and development partners. The AASW serves as a premier platform for advancing dialogue on agricultural progress and innovation across the African continent. It provides a space to reflect on achievements to date and to strategize Africa’s priorities for the next three years in this critical sector.
The event brings together stakeholders through high-level dialogues, plenary presentations, side and bilateral meetings, and an exhibition space, fostering collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and forward-looking strategies to drive agricultural transformation.
Running in parallel is the FARA General Assembly (GA), the highest decision-making organ, which guides governance and strategic directions. These events are internationally recognised for convening approximately 1000 to 1,500 African and global leaders to debate issues, share knowledge, and showcase innovation.
The week will be opened by the Host Country’s President, followed by a Ministerial roundtable to discuss strategic issues on agriculture in the region, focusing on how African governments are supporting agriculture as the principal driver of their economies. The week’s agenda will be centered around a major theme and its subthemes, endorsed by the FARA Board on behalf of FARA constituents.
AASW9 Thematic Areas
Africa’s Agriculture and Agribusiness Market Set to Top US$ One Trillion in 2030
The Africa Agribusiness and Science Week (AASW) in July 2026 is the continent’s MUST-ATTEND Science-to-Business platform for SPONSORS AND OR EXHIBITORS as it provides a one-stop platform to develop relations, exchange knowledge and assess opportunities