18 August 2026, New Delhi: The International Trade & Delegation Federation of Chambers (ITDFC) will formally launch the India-Africa Food Security, Agri Trade & Investment Summit 2026 at a high-level curtain raiser in New Delhi on 20 August, bringing together diplomatic representatives, policymakers, government officials, agribusinesses, investors, researchers and academic institutions.
The summit is being organised under the theme “Partnering for Prosperity, Nourishing Future Generations” and is aimed at expanding cooperation between India and African countries in food security, agricultural trade, investment, technology and sustainable agriculture.
Representatives from more than 25 African countries are expected to participate in the curtain raiser, including ambassadors, high commissioners and senior diplomatic officials. The programme will also bring together stakeholders from India’s agriculture and agribusiness ecosystem, along with research institutions, development organisations and academic bodies.
The initiative is being organised in collaboration with CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Delhi-NCR, which is serving as the Academic and Knowledge Partner.
Food security emerges as a key area of cooperation
The summit comes at a time when food security, agricultural productivity and resilient food supply chains are becoming increasingly important for countries across the Global South.
The India-Africa platform will focus on strengthening food production and distribution systems, expanding agricultural value chains, facilitating investment and improving access to technology and knowledge.
The discussions will cover a wide range of areas, including seeds and grains, fertilizers, soil health, irrigation, food processing, agricultural technology, logistics and trade.
The central focus of the initiative is to explore how India and African countries can build stronger agricultural and food systems through trade, investment, technology transfer and institutional cooperation.
Summit scheduled for October in New Delhi
The main India-Africa Food Security, Agri Trade & Investment Summit 2026 is scheduled for 7-8 October 2026 in New Delhi. The organisers expect participation from stakeholders representing more than 30 African countries.
The summit will bring together government representatives, diplomats, investors, agribusiness companies, research institutions, universities and international development organisations.
Key areas on the agenda include:
Food security and resilient food systems
Rice, grains, pulses and cassava
Seeds, fertilizers and soil health
Irrigation and climate-resilient agriculture
Food processing and value addition
Agricultural investment and financing
Artificial intelligence, digital agriculture and future farming
Trade corridors, logistics and supply chains
India-Africa agribusiness partnerships
Research, innovation and academic collaboration
The event is also expected to facilitate business-to-business and business-to-government meetings, trade matchmaking, investment discussions, institutional partnerships and academic-industry engagement.
Focus on South-South cooperation
The summit will also place India-Africa agricultural cooperation within the broader framework of South-South cooperation and the growing role of the Global South in addressing food and development challenges.
India and African countries have complementary strengths across agriculture, technology, research, entrepreneurship, markets and human resources. The organisers intend to use the platform to identify opportunities for knowledge exchange, investment, trade, innovation and capacity building.
The organisers said stronger cooperation between India and Africa could contribute to more resilient food systems while creating opportunities for agricultural businesses and communities in both regions.
Curtain raiser to set agenda for October summit
The 20 August curtain raiser will provide an opportunity for diplomatic representatives and other stakeholders to discuss priorities for the October summit and identify areas where cooperation could lead to practical outcomes.
The discussions are expected to focus on food security, agricultural transformation, trade, investment, technology, innovation and sustainable development.
Speaking ahead of the curtain raiser, Mr. Hussain, Chief Executive Officer, ITDFC, said, “Food security is no longer only an agricultural issue; it is a question of economic resilience, trade, investment and global stability. India and Africa have complementary strengths, capabilities and markets. Our objective through this platform is to convert that potential into meaningful partnerships, investment opportunities and long-term cooperation that can strengthen food systems across both regions. We also believe that India-Africa cooperation can become a powerful expression of South-South Cooperation, where countries of the Global South work together through knowledge, innovation, investment and trade to build shared prosperity and a more secure future for generations to come.”
The October summit is expected to provide a platform for governments, businesses, investors, researchers and academic institutions to explore partnerships across agricultural value chains linking India and Africa.
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