Mercy Corps AgriFin Hosts 8th Annual Learning Event in Nairobi

Mercy Corps AgriFin, in collaboration with several strategic partners, will hold its 8th Annual Learning Event (ALE) in Nairobi on October 15-16, themed “Enabling Rural Economies: Creating Lasting Impact for the Digital Ecosystem in Africa.”

Mercy Corps AgriFin, 8th Annual Learning Event (ALE) will bring together over 400 stakeholders, including digital agriculture service providers, policymakers, investors, and donors, to explore innovative solutions for Africa’s agricultural sector.

Key discussions will focus on leveraging advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and alternative data, to enhance smallholder farming and strengthen rural economies.

Grace Njoroge, Technical Director of Programs at Mercy Corps AgriFin, emphasized the event’s goal of highlighting emerging technologies to scale digital agriculture solutions across Africa. “The 8th AgriFin Learning Event will highlight emerging pathways to drive adoption and scalability of technology-driven solutions for smallholder farmers in Africa. We will explore how AI and alternative data can create lasting impacts on rural economies,” said Grace.

Partners such as FSD Tanzania, Climate Policy Initiative, FSD Kenya, The World Bank, and Farm to Market Alliance will contribute to fostering sustainable innovation. Participants will reflect on lessons learned, share success stories, and explore pathways for expanding digital agriculture services.

The ALE will address key challenges such as food security, climate resilience, and access to digital tools. It will also explore regulatory frameworks to support startups, with a focus on data privacy, sustainable innovation, and financing models for scaling AgTech and climate-smart solutions.

With AI and alternative data as focal points, the event will examine how these technologies can boost productivity and resilience for small-scale producers, while engaging investors to create sustainable financing strategies. Regulatory discussions will focus on policies that foster an inclusive and thriving digital agriculture ecosystem in Africa.

Additionally, participants will examine financing models to support climate-resilient food systems. The event will address the challenges African entrepreneurs face in accessing capital and explore new funding models to help scale digital agriculture innovations