3rd Rwanda National Seed Congress highlights Africa’s push for US$85B global seed market

AFRICA – Africa can increase its share of the estimated US$85 billion global seed market by investing in agricultural research, improving seed systems, supporting innovation and creating a stable business environment that attracts private investment, experts said during the Third Rwanda National Seed Congress.

Africa currently accounts for only about 2.2 percent of the global seed market, or about US$3.45 billion, despite its rich biodiversity, strong agricultural resources and growing number of scientists. Participants at the congress said this gap reflects weaknesses in seed systems rather than limited capacity.

The event brought together policymakers, researchers, private sector leaders and development partners, who agreed that African countries should expand beyond producing seed mainly for local markets and compete more strongly in regional and international trade.

“Every successful harvest begins with quality seed. However, today we must look beyond the traditional understanding of seed simply as an agricultural input,” said Solange Uwituze, Rwanda’s Minister of State for Agriculture and Animal Resources.

Uwituze said the seed industry now supports agricultural productivity, food security, climate resilience, jobs, private investment and trade. She added that Rwanda has increased investment in agricultural research, seed multiplication, certification and private sector growth over the past decade, helping the country become self sufficient in certified seed production for crops such as maize, wheat and soybean.

She also said Rwanda continues to align its seed sector with international standards through the OECD Seed Schemes, the International Seed Testing Association and preparations to join the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants.

Enock Chikava, Director of Economic Opportunity at the Gates Foundation, described seed as the most important agricultural input.

“Seed costs constitute about five to ten percent of what it takes to grow one hectare of crop. Fertiliser helps. Education helps. Machines help. But none of them can create genetic potential that was never there in the beginning,” he said.

Chikava added that Africa has the scientific knowledge needed to compete but must improve systems, standards and financing. “Rwanda is not just targeting African countries. It’s targeting the world. Rwanda has proven it can produce high quality seed. The next test is proving that it can get that seed into every farmer’s hands,” he said.

Former Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa President Agnes Kalibata urged governments to increase support for research institutions, local crops and young scientists. “Most countries that have moved forward didn’t move because they have a lot of land. They moved because they invested in genetics and they invested in people,” she said.

The congress also highlighted the role of private companies in expanding seed production, improving quality assurance, increasing financing and strengthening distribution systems. Participants agreed to align Rwanda’s seed sector with international standards, increase investment in research and seed production infrastructure, expand digital seed traceability and certification, improve extension services and strengthen cooperation among governments, researchers, financial institutions and private companies to support food security and climate resilience across Africa.

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