This post has been cross posted from the IFPRI Events Page
Smart Agriculture: Innovation, Digital Transformation, and Trade for a Climate-Challenged Africa
Co-organized by IFPRI and the African Association of Agricultural Economists (AAAE)
Mövenpick Hotel, Westlands
Nairobi, Kenya
September 22 to 25, 2026
- 9:00 – 1:30 pm (Africa/Nairobi)
- 2:00 – 6:30 am (US/Eastern)
- 11:30 – 4:00 pm (Asia/Kolkata)
IFPRI is pleased to support the upcoming 8th African Conference of Agricultural Economists (8th ACAE), scheduled for 22–25 September 2026 at the Mövenpick Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya. ACAE is a premier continental gathering focused on advancing agricultural economics through innovation, digital transformation, and strengthened trade systems. Anchored on the theme “Smart Agriculture: Innovation, Digital Transformation, and Trade for a Climate‑Challenged Africa,” the conference brings together leading scholars, policymakers, development partners, and practitioners to explore how technology, data-driven systems, and climate‑smart solutions can reshape Africa’s agri‑food landscape. IFPRI will play a prominent role in the conference, with Oliver K. Kirui serving as Chair of the Local Organizing Committee and IFPRI Director General Jo Swinnen delivering a keynote address.
Agenda is available at: https://aaae-africa.events/program
September 22, 2026
Opening Plenary | 9:00–10:30 AM (Africa/Nairobi)
- Oliver Kiptoo Kirui, Research Fellow and Acting Program Leader, Nigeria, IFPRI
Keynote Address | 11:00–12:00 PM (Africa/Nairobi)
- Johan Swinnen, Director General, IFPRI
Estimating the link between climate change and food safety in Africa, using an economic and multi-disciplinary framework | 1:30–5:00 PM (Africa/Nairobi)
- Nina Jovanovic, Associate Research Fellow, IFPRI
September 23, 2026
The Future Agriculture in Africa and Developing World | 9:45–10:45 AM (Africa/Nairobi)
- Steven Were Omamo, Director, Development Strategies and Governance (DSG); Director for Africa, IFPRI
The Future of Agrifood Work in Africa: Youth, Women, and Inclusive Employment Pathways | 4:30–6:00 AM (Africa/Nairobi)
- Fantu Bachewe, Research Coordinator, IFPRI
September 24, 2026
Measuring impacts of international agricultural research | 9:00–10:30 AM (Africa/Nairobi)
- Alan de Brauw, Senior Research Fellow, IFPRI
September 25, 2026
Evidence-Based Pathways for Agrifood System Resilience and Recovery in Conflict-Affected Settings: Insights from Sudan | 9:30–11:30 AM (Africa/Nairobi)
- Hala Abushama, Research Analyst, IFPRI