India–Africa Food Security Summit Brings 20+ Nations Together to Advance Agricultural Cooperation

24 August 2026, New Delhi: The International Trade & Delegation Federation of Chambers (ITDFC) hosted the curtain-raiser ceremony for the India–Africa Food Security, Agri Trade & Investment Summit 2026 in New Delhi, bringing together representatives from more than 20 countries to discuss cooperation across food security, agriculture, trade, investment and technology.

The event brought together ambassadors, high commissioners, diplomats, government officials, academics, researchers, business leaders and agricultural stakeholders. Organised by ITDFC in collaboration with Christ (Deemed to be University) as Academic & Knowledge Partner, the initiative aims to connect governments, diplomatic missions, research institutions, investors and industry around food security and agricultural development.

India–Africa Cooperation Moves Beyond Trade

The discussions highlighted the potential for India and African countries to deepen cooperation beyond conventional trade, with greater emphasis on technology, agricultural knowledge, investment, research and value-chain development.

H.E. Dr. Birhanu M. Lenjiso, Director General, Oromia Agricultural Authority and Former State Minister, Ministry of Irrigation & Lowlands, Government of Ethiopia, called for a shift from transactions towards longer-term partnerships and shared development. He framed the approach around three priorities: connecting markets and institutions, collaborating on technology and knowledge, and creating more food-secure and prosperous agricultural systems.

Food Security and Nutrition Security

H.E. Paul Soobba Massaquoi, Ambassador of the Republic of Sierra Leone to the Republic of Korea and Australia, emphasised that food security is closely linked to human and nutrition security.

He pointed to Africa’s agricultural resources, biodiversity and young population, while highlighting India’s experience in agricultural research, irrigation, digital agriculture, food processing and value-chain development. He also called for greater South–South cooperation and a stronger focus on access to food that is safe, nutritious and affordable.

Knowledge and Skills Central to Agricultural Transformation

H.E. Rijasoa Josoa, Former Minister of Education, Government of Madagascar, stressed that agricultural modernisation requires investment in knowledge and human capital alongside technology.

She highlighted the need to move from technology transfer to technology adoption and local capacity building, with greater emphasis on farmer education, youth skills, research and innovation. She also underlined the role of women in agriculture and food systems.

Dr. Meenakshi Singh, Former Chief Scientist, CSIR, Government of India, similarly highlighted the long-term implications of decisions taken across food and agricultural systems, stressing the need to build stronger, more sustainable and resilient systems for future generations.

Seeds Positioned as a Key Area of India–Africa Cooperation

The curtain-raiser also marked the launch of the Asia–Africa Seed Trade and Investment Summit 2027, placing seeds and agricultural innovation at the centre of the wider food-security agenda.

Dr. Yacouba Diallo, Secretary General, African Seed Trade Association, Kenya, highlighted the need for stronger collaboration between Asian and African seed sectors. The initiative is expected to focus on seed trade, investment, research, technology, innovation, capacity building and market access, while connecting seed companies, governments, research institutions, investors, farmers and agricultural technology stakeholders.

From International Dialogue to Agricultural Impact

Mr. Moussa Konate, Regional Director – West Africa, ITDFC, emphasised the importance of translating international cooperation into outcomes for farmers, businesses and rural communities. The objective, he said, is to ensure that discussions around food security ultimately create opportunities across farms, communities and agricultural value chains.

The partnership with Christ (Deemed to be University) is intended to strengthen research collaboration, knowledge exchange, youth engagement, capacity building, innovation and evidence-based policy dialogue.

Local Products and Global Market Access

The event also featured the inauguration of the Johar Highland ODOP Box, highlighting the potential for India’s local and indigenous products to reach wider markets through branding, packaging and value addition.

The initiative was developed under the guidance of Harpreet Singh, Sr. Manager, Invest India, and was presented as an example of connecting regional enterprises and products with broader domestic and international markets.

India–Africa Food Security Summit Scheduled for October

The India–Africa Food Security, Agri Trade & Investment Summit 2026 is scheduled for October 7, 2026, in New Delhi. The summit is expected to bring together governments, diplomatic missions, businesses, investors, universities, researchers, farmers, farmer producer organisations, cooperatives and development institutions.

The agenda will cover food security and resilient food systems; seeds and agricultural inputs; rice, grains, pulses and cassava; fertilizers, soil health and irrigation; food processing and value addition; agri-investment, AI and future farming; digital agriculture; trade corridors and global supply chains; research and education; and climate-smart agriculture.

The broader summit is expected to include participation from more than 30 African countries, including government representatives, diplomats, ministers, experts, investors, businesses, farmers, FPOs and cooperatives.

The curtain-raiser positions the upcoming summit as a platform for expanding India–Africa cooperation in agriculture, with food security, technology, investment, knowledge and market access emerging as key areas of engagement.

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