OFFICIAL OPENING :
- Moderator Paddy Siyanga Knudsen - African Non-state Actors Platform on Migration & Development
- Welcome remarks from Food Bridge vzw - Dr. Maureen Duru, Founder The Food Bridge vzw
In her welcome remarks, Maureen Duru, Founder of The Food Bridge vzw and Convener of the African Diaspora Agrofood Forum, reflected on the African diaspora entrepreneurship ecosystem, the changes in international development funding and the opportunities it presents for African diasporas. As she stated, reimagining remittances does not mean diverting money intended to support families and communities, rather it means exploring how diaspora members who wish to invest can be supported to channel a portion of the resources they send home into impactful investments in agrofood enterprises. However, such diaspora investments require credible, transparent and professionally managed investment structures that can safeguard diaspora investments, reduce risks and create opportunities for sustainable returns on investment
She also highlighted the changes in international development financing and stated that this can be an opportunity for African diasporas to play a greater role in closing funding gaps and reducing dependence on foreign aid. Furthermore, with the growing global interest in African indigenous crops and their nutritional potential, she also called for greater diaspora participation across the agrofood value chain, from production and processing to marketing and international trade.
She encouraged diasporas to engage with the Collective Action on Forgotten Foods (CAFF) and explore investment opportunities in indigenous and underutilised African crops.
Opening Remarks
- Mr. Rob de Lobel — Head of LabourMobility Unit, International Organization for Migration (IOM), Belgium and Luxembourg
- Mr. Raschad Al- Khafaji — Director, FAO Liaison Office with the European Union and Belgium.
- His Excellency, Dr Adebayo Emmanuel Adeyemi— Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to the Kingdom of Belgium.
- Keynote Speech: His Excellency Henry Tachie-Menson, Ambassador of Ghana to the Kingdom of Belgium
High - level Panel Discussion
- Mauro Martini, Senior Technical Specialist - Remittances, Migration and Development at the UN International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)
- Francois Stepman, Advisor Global Forum on Agricultural Innovation and Research
- Esther M. Mbidi, Founder- Credassur Group Europe
- Latifa Ait-Baala, Member of Brussels Parliament
PANEL 1 African Diaspora Entrepreneurs: Building the Future of
Africa's Food Systems
Diaspora entrepreneurs are creating businesses, introducing African
products to new markets, investing in processing and agriculture, and
connecting African producers to international consumers.
Central question: What will it take for African diaspora entrepreneurs to
move from individual business success to becoming major drivers of
Africa's food systems transformation?
- Nana Adjoa Sifa Amponsah, Founder, Guzakuza & WiFAI Global United Kingdom
- Nvenakeng Suzanne Awung, Deputy CEO Suzy-Farms Ltd Cameroon
- Kamogelo Thumankwe, Founder & CEO, Tsarona Germany
- Ana Tavares, AECV France
SPECIAL PRESENTATION - Launch of the 2026 Compendium of African Diaspora Agrofood Entrepreneurs
Special African Diaspora Agrofood Entrepreneur Award
Recognition of an outstanding African diaspora entrepreneur demonstrating innovation, impact, entrepreneurship and contribution to African food systems.
PANEL 2 - INVESTMENT & FINANCE
From Remittances to Investment: Mobilizing
Diaspora
Capital for Africa's Agrofood Growth
Central question: What will it take to move diaspora capital from
remittances and savings into investable, scalable and profitable African
agrofood enterprises?
- Ayele Sikavi Gabiam, Co-founder & Director of partnerships LadyAgri Impact Investment Hub Belgium
- Jaona Ravaloson, Partner Arborenscence Capital France
- Kizito Odhiambo, Founder & CEO agriBORA , Germany
- Giulia Castro, Project Coordinator, Migration Team, FAO-Headquarters Rome Italy
- Moderator: Fridah Ntarangwi- Co founder, ZidiCircle
10 Years of Building Diaspora Agrofood
Bridges: Moving from Community Initiatives to Global Agrofood Ecosystem
A retrospective and forward-looking conversation about diaspora entrepreneurship ecosystem, marking the 10th edition of ADAF.
24/10 INNOVATION WORKSHOP & PRODUCT SHOWCASE
An interactive entrepreneurship session generated at least four potential business connections, demonstrating ADAF's commitment to connecting entrepreneurs with opportunities for growth. Participants also enjoyed an innovative tasting experience featuring Attiéké Ladou, developed by entrepreneur Lucie Adou, showcasing the potential of African traditional foods in contemporary markets
DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS' ROUNDTABLE
Beyond Remittances: Rethinking the Role of
Development Agencies in Diaspora-Led Agrofood
Projects. Central question: How can development agencies move from engaging diasporas primarily as remittance senders to partnering with them as development actors, investors, entrepreneurs, innovators and market connectors?
CLOSING SESSION
From Conversation to Action: Building the Diaspora Agrofood Investment Ecosystem. Representatives from the workshops briefly present 3-5 actions or recommendations emerging from their sessions. Closing remarks, acknowledgements, partner recognition and announcement of next steps.
Building on Ten Editions of Impact
ADAF26 reaffirmed the importance of recognising African diasporas not only as remittance senders and consumers, but also as investors, entrepreneurs, innovators and strategic partners in transforming African food systems.
We extend our sincere appreciation to all our distinguished speakers, panellists, moderators, entrepreneurs, exhibitors, participants and partners, including Francois Stepman, Paddy Siyanga Knudsen, Mirana Rojaharison, Nathalie Cordas, Mary Ngu and the African Non-State Actors Platform, for their valuable contributions and support.
As we celebrate ten editions of connecting people, food and opportunities, The Food Bridge remains committed to promoting indigenous African foods, strengthening diaspora entrepreneurship and facilitating equitable partnerships. Our goal remains clear: to move beyond dialogue towards partnerships, investments and actions that deliver lasting impact.
The ADAF26 Forum Report will be published soon, highlighting key discussions, recommendations and opportunities for future collaboration.
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