India is set to host representatives from more than 30 African countries at the India-Africa Food Security, Agri Trade & Investment Summit 2026, an initiative aimed at deepening cooperation on food security, agricultural trade, investment and technology between the two regions.
The International Trade & Delegation Federation of Chambers (ITDFC) will officially launch the summit during a high-level curtain-raiser event in New Delhi on Aug. 20, bringing together diplomats, policymakers, government officials, agribusiness executives, investors, researchers and academics.
Held under the theme “Partnering for Prosperity, Nourishing Future Generations,” the initiative seeks to strengthen India-Africa collaboration in agricultural development, food production, sustainable farming and investment.
More than 25 African countries are expected to participate in the curtain-raiser through ambassadors, high commissioners and senior diplomatic representatives. Stakeholders from India’s agricultural sector, research institutions, development organizations and academic bodies will also attend.
The summit is being organized in collaboration with CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Delhi-NCR, which serves as the event’s academic and knowledge partner.
Addressing food security challenges
The initiative comes as countries across the Global South face mounting pressure to improve food security, boost agricultural productivity and build more resilient supply chains amid climate and economic challenges.
Discussions will focus on strengthening food production and distribution systems, expanding agricultural value chains, encouraging investment and improving access to technology and expertise.
Key sectors expected to feature prominently include seeds and grains, fertilizers, soil health, irrigation, food processing, agricultural technology, logistics and trade.
Organizers say the platform is designed to explore practical avenues for cooperation through trade, investment, technology transfer and institutional partnerships between India and African nations.
October summit planned in New Delhi
The main India-Africa Food Security, Agri Trade & Investment Summit is scheduled for Oct. 7-8 in New Delhi and is expected to attract participants from more than 30 African countries.
Government officials, diplomats, investors, agribusiness companies, research institutions, universities and international development organizations are expected to attend.
The agenda will cover food security and resilient food systems, rice and grain production, fertilizers and soil health, climate-resilient agriculture, food processing, agricultural financing, digital agriculture, artificial intelligence, logistics, trade corridors and agribusiness partnerships.
The event will also facilitate business-to-business and business-to-government meetings, trade matchmaking, investment discussions and research collaborations.
South-South cooperation in focus
Organizers say the summit will position India-Africa agricultural cooperation within the broader framework of South-South cooperation, highlighting the role of developing economies in addressing food and development challenges.
India and African countries possess complementary strengths in agriculture, technology, research, entrepreneurship and market development, creating opportunities for deeper collaboration, according to the organizers.
“Food security is no longer only an agricultural issue; it is a question of economic resilience, trade, investment and global stability,” Hussain, Chief Executive Officer of ITDFC, said ahead of the curtain-raiser.
He continued: “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.”
The Aug. 20 curtain-raiser is expected to help shape the agenda for the October summit by identifying priority areas for cooperation and practical outcomes in food security, agricultural transformation, trade, investment and sustainable development.
