AFSF 2026: Jackson Kinyanjui on putting agri-SMEs first at AFSF

1. Why is this year’s AFSF important to your work?

This year’s AFSF theme is Investing in Africa’s Agri-Food Systems: Nourishing Nations, Growing Jobs, Building Resilience. This resonates with my work where we are investing in SMEs so that they can grow their revenues, and reduce food loss while increasing full-time employees (especially decent jobs). The AFSF is a great opportunity to hear from like-minded players on what they are doing across Africa to eliminate access to finance barriers for these SMEs. The 20th anniversary will also be a great learning and networking opportunity in building on the gains made so far in the continent and region

2. How are you looking forward to contributing your skills and expertise at the AFSF?

I’m showing up at the forum in two big ways: first, as a food system leader in the AFF network who is doing impactful work to boost food security across East Africa. Part of this is participating as a panellist in a food systems masterclass where I am eager to contribute my experiences as a leader in the agri-finance space.  Secondly, I am proud to represent my organisation’s O-farms program that touches on finance, policy work and building a supportive eco system across Africa.

3. What are the most important outcomes you are hoping will come out of the AFSF?

I am looking forward to making new connections with policy makers and financiers so that we can continue having conversations with beyond the summit. Conversations will be at policy levels to exchange ideas on how we can better close the access to finance gap for SMEs at those two levels.

4. Who are you most looking forward to meeting or hearing from at the AFSF, and why?

I am most keen to meet with the our partners for some in person meetings about our current work and future projects.