Africa has people, markets, innovation, entrepreneurship – and the energy of its young people. At the opening of #AFSForum2026 , IFAD Vice-President Gérardine Mukeshimana, PhD reaffirmed the importance of creating value locally and opening opportunities for Africa’s innovators and entrepreneurs. With nearly 60% of our portfolio directed to the continent, IFAD invests in ecosystems that make food production profitable and resilient – connecting producers to markets and driving rural transformation where the returns are greatest. #FinancingTheFirstMile #IFAD14 | AFS Forum