By gathering policymakers, private
sector leaders, financial institutions,
development partners, and researchers, the
summit creates a dynamic environment
for knowledge exchange and forging
partnerships.
TIME
SESSION
The official opening ceremony formally launches the 11th African Grain Trade Summit, bringing together senior government leaders, private sector actors, development partners, and diplomatic representatives. The session sets the tone for the summit by reaffirming shared commitments to resilient, inclusive, and investment-ready grain markets across the continent and beyond.
With a keynote address by the President of Zanzibar, the ceremony will highlight strategic priorities of the host and partner institutions, while aligning the summit’s agenda with continental frameworks such as AfCFTA and CAADP. It also reflects on progress from past AGTS editions and calls for collective action to address value chain inefficiencies, harmonize trade policies, and drive transformation across Africa’s grain value chains.
Tea Break and Group Photo
This high-level session will open the summit’s dialogue series by confronting the critical question glaring at Africa’s grain trade agenda of whether the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) can shift from bold agreements to measurable action that strengthens food security and builds resilient grain markets.
Anchored by expert insights and policy perspectives, the session will examine AfCFTA’s current implementation status in the grain sector, unpack existing trade bottlenecks, and explore the potential of a harmonized African market to drive scale, efficiency, and investment. Participants will gain a clear picture of the progress that AfCFTA has made, the existing gaps, and the steps required to translate AfCFTA’s objectives into tangible benefits for value chain actors. This session sets the tone for the summit by positioning AfCFTA not just as a trade framework, but as a transformative tool for agricultural development and regional food systems integration.
Networking Lunch; VIP Session; Exhibitions
Innovating for Productivity: Scaling Climate-Smart and Post-Harvest Solutions for Resilient Grain Systems
Session focus discussion areas: Mechanization, improved seeds, irrigation, aggregation, drying and storage technologies
This session will explore how innovation is driving productivity and resilience across Africa’s grain systems, with a focus on practical solutions that can be scaled to meet rising food demand and climate challenges. Discussions will highlight climate-smart technologies, improved seed varieties, irrigation systems, mechanization, and modern post-harvest handling solutions in aggregation, drying, and storage. Through case studies and expert contributions, the session will showcase how these innovations are transforming farming practices, reducing losses, and strengthening value chains from the ground up.
Designed to bring together researchers, agri-tech innovators, service providers, and producers, this session will provide a forward-looking view of the strategies and partnerships needed to accelerate innovation and productivity at scale.
Tea break; exhibitions
End of Day 1 conference programme
The gala dinner is a signature event of the summit, offering an evening of celebration, cultural expression, and high-level networking in an elegant setting. Hosted under the theme of African fashion and cuisine, and set against the scenic backdrop of Zanzibar, the dinner brings together delegates, sponsors, and partners for a memorable social experience that complements the formal summit proceedings.
Beyond the ambiance, the dinner provides a valuable space for reflection, informal dialogue, and the strengthening of professional relationships. Guests will enjoy curated entertainment, local culinary experiences, and brief ceremonial remarks that recognize the contributions of key partners and stakeholders to the grain value chain. The evening marks a moment of connection and shared purpose of honouring the collective effort to advance Africa’s grain sector while embracing the spirit of collaboration that defines the AGTS.
