On Friday, August 22, 2025, the Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA), in collaboration with the Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences (JIRCAS) and the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), will host an official side event of the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) at Pacifico Yokohama.

This event will focus on regenerative agriculture and soil health as key entry points for achieving sustainable agricultural growth in Africa. Experts and practitioners will discuss policies, strategies, and partnerships to empower youth and farmers. The session will also introduce the progress of the Soil Initiative for Africa (SIA)—a continent-wide soil regeneration movement—and Japan’s contributions to this effort.

Participation is free of charge, but it requires pre-registration.
Details of the Event  and registration:https://www.saa-safe.org/pastevents/ticad9-2025/en/saa-soil-ticad9/

Event Details

Date: Friday, August 22, 2025
Time: 10:00–11:30 (Japan Time)
Venue: Exhibition Hall D, Pacifico Yokohama, Japan
Format: Hybrid (on-site and online)
Language: English (simultaneous interpretation available)
Organizer: Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA)
Partners: JIRCAS, FARA

Tentative Program Highlights

MC: Ethiopia Tadesse (Head of Communications and Advocacy, SAA)

• Opening Remarks: Dr. Amit Roy (Chair, SAA)
• Keynote Address:
  “Science-Based Regenerative Agriculture: Enhancing Resilience and Productivity in Africa”
  Speaker: Dr. Ishmahane Elouafi (Executive Managing Director, CGIAR)
• Special Address:
  “Human Capital Development and Capacity Building to Support Soil Health in Africa”
  Speaker: Dr. David Nielson (Former Lead Agriculture Economist, World Bank)
• Presentation:
  “The Soil Initiative for Africa: A Continental Strategy for Sustainable Agriculture”
  Speaker: Dr. Wole Fatunbi (Director of Research, FARA / SIA Secretariat)
• Presentation:
  “Empowering Youth and Women for Farmer-Led Sustainable Agriculture”
  Speaker: Elizabeth Nsimadala (President, Eastern Africa Farmers Federation)
• Panel Discussion:
  “The Role of Agricultural Extension in Strengthening Sustainable and Resilient Food Systems”
  Moderator: Dr.Mel Oluoch (Director, Strategic Partnerships Office, SAA)
  Panelists:
  • Dr. Lilian Lihasi (Executive Director, AFAAS)
  • Dr. Stella Kabiri (Lead Specialist, Regenerative Agriculture, SAA)
  • Dr. Papa Saliou SARR (Senior Researcher, JIRCAS)
• Closing Remarks: Shuichi Suzuki (President, SAA)

Event Details and Registration

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