President Paul Kagame has called for greater focus on food security in Africa, saying access to food is fundamental to human life, health and productivity.
Kagame made the remarks during a discussion with young Africans working in agriculture, food processing and other areas of the food value chain at the Africa Food Systems Forum 2026 in Kigali.
He said food should not be viewed only as a human right, but also as an essential foundation for people to live healthy and productive lives.
“I heard the Vice President of the United Nations Secretary-General say that food is a human right, but in reality, it is more than that; food is life itself. A person cannot work well or have the strength to live and do what is expected of them without food,” Kagame said.
The discussion brought together young entrepreneurs developing businesses and innovations aimed at addressing challenges across Africa’s food systems.
Among the participants were Fareeda Mustapha, head of Ghana-based PureLube; Musa Mishamo, who leads Tanzania’s Rada360; Imungana Malikana, head of Zambia’s Cranitech Software Solutions Limited; and Rwandan entrepreneur Lydia Murekatete, founder of All Greens.
Kagame said Africa’s food challenge should be addressed across the entire value chain, from agricultural production and processing to markets and consumers.
He also stressed the role of young people in developing solutions to the challenges affecting the continent’s food systems, particularly as governments and investors seek to expand opportunities in agriculture and agribusiness.
The Africa Food Systems Forum, whose 2026 edition is being held in Kigali, has brought together thousands of policymakers, investors, farmers, businesses, researchers and young entrepreneurs to discuss investment and transformation of Africa’s agri-food systems.
Kagame has also called for greater support for young entrepreneurs, particularly those with viable ideas but limited access to capital. He argued that financial systems in many African countries tend to favour people who already have assets or collateral, making it difficult for young people with promising ideas to secure financing.
He urged governments to help bridge the gap between young entrepreneurs and financial institutions and create conditions that enable them to participate more effectively in the food economy.
For Kagame, strengthening food security therefore requires more than increasing agricultural production. It also involves improving the systems that connect farmers, businesses, investors and consumers across the food value chain.
The engagement with young Africans formed part of the broader discussions at the forum on how investment, innovation and youth participation can contribute to stronger and more resilient food systems across the continent.
