Internal Event
In person event

Celebrating 50 Years of Impact: IFPRI and the Future of African Food Systems

Starts: Wed, September 3, 2025 at 3:30 PM GMT
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Information
Event Host
IFPRI
Event Venue
Centre international de conférences Abdou Diouf (CICAD) at Hall B (Special Events)
Event Organiser

IFPRI’s 50th anniversary offers an opportunity to reflect on the Institute’s enduring contributions to food systems thinking and transformation—globally and across Africa. From early work on food security measurement and agricultural policy reform to today’s cutting-edge research on food systems, governance, trade, resilience, and nutrition, IFPRI has helped shape how food systems are analyzed, understood, and improved.

Africa has always been central to IFPRI’s mission. With active country strategy support programs, regional initiatives, and growing partnerships across the continent, IFPRI continues to play a vital role in helping African governments, institutions, and communities navigate urgent challenges—from climate shocks, economic disruptions, and conflict to urbanization, malnutrition, and agrifood modernization.

This high-level event, to be held on the margins of the African Food Systems Forum in Dakar, will showcase IFPRI’s contributions to African food systems transformation and spark forward-looking dialogue with African and global partners on the path ahead.

We gratefully acknowledge the generous support of the European Commission, the Gates Foundation, and the Rockefeller Foundation for sponsoring this IFPRI special event at the Africa Food Systems Forum. Their commitment to advancing food security and sustainable development is instrumental in fostering meaningful dialogue and collaboration.

Opening Remarks

The Productivity Imperative: Lessons from a Decade of Research

Markets, Trade, and Value Chains: Connecting Farmers to Opportunities

Natural Resources: Preservation and Access

Nutrition Transformation in African Food Systems

Resilience and Recovery at the Crisis-Food Systems Nexus

Discussant Reactions

  • Francine Picard-Mukazi, Director of Partnerships, Shamba Centre for Food and Climate
  • Fadel Ndiame, Executive Director, Partnership for African Social and Governance Research (PASGR)
  • Ones Karuho, Senior Advisory & Head, Resilience and Food Systems, World Food Programme (WFP)
  • Tadele Fayso Ergetw, Director, Agriculture and Agrifood Systems, Program Impact Support and Advisory, Mastercard Foundation
  • Willis Omondi Ogutu, Public Government Affairs Manager Africa, Bayer East Africa Ltd.

Closing Reflections

  • Steven Were Omamo, Director, Development Strategies and Governance (DSG); and Director for Africa, IFPRI
  • Andrew Jamali, Director, Knowledge and Learning and Food Systems Coordination Focal Point, National Planning Commission, Malawi

Moderator