Rwanda Hosts Third National Seed Congress to Drive Agricultural Transformation
Kigali, Rwanda – July 20, 2026 – Rwanda opened the Third National Seed Congress today at the Kigali Marriott Hotel, bringing together over 300 stakeholders from across Africa and beyond to strengthen the country’s seed sector and position it as a regional hub for quality seeds.
The two-day event, organized by the National Seed Association of Rwanda (NSAR) in partnership with the Government and the Private Sector Federation, focuses on the theme “Seeds as a Strategic Engine for National Transformation: Advancing a Competitive, Private-Sector-Led Seed System for Food Security, Jobs and Trade.”
Minister of State for Agriculture Solange Uwituze officially opened the congress, emphasizing Rwanda’s ambition to move beyond national seed security.
“Our ambition is to build a modern, innovative, internationally competitive, and private-sector-led seed industry capable of serving regional and international markets,” she said.
NSAR Chairperson Innocent Namuhoranye described the congress as a vital platform to showcase private sector contributions and accelerate implementation of Rwanda’s seven-year strategic roadmap for seed industry development through 2030.
Participants include policymakers, seed companies, researchers, farmers, development partners, and financiers who are exploring partnerships, innovation, and regulatory improvements to ensure timely access to certified, climate-resilient seeds.Exhibitions at the venue highlight advances by seed producers, research institutions, and agribusinesses, demonstrating how quality seeds can boost productivity, build resilience to climate change, and enhance market competitiveness for Rwandan farmers.
The congress builds on the successes of previous editions, fostering collaboration to make Rwanda’s seed system more resilient, inclusive, and globally competitive.
Discussions over the next two days will review progress on the national seed roadmap and identify new opportunities for investment and technology adoption.
Rwanda continues its agricultural modernization journey and events like the National Seed Congress underscore the central role of quality seeds in achieving food security, creating jobs, and driving sustainable economic growth.
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