The African Seed Trade Association (AFSTA), established in 2000, is the continental voice of the seed industry. AFSTA works to strengthen seed systems across Africa by promoting policy harmonisation, innovation, and collaboration among stakeholders to ensure access to quality seed and sustainable agricultural growth.
AFSTA works collectively with stakeholders to promote good seed practices, knowledge sharing, and improved access to quality seed and technologies.
AFSTA builds trust through ethical conduct, sound governance, professional engagement, and evidence-based decision-making.
AFSTA is committed to delivering value to African farmers by strengthening seed systems that improve productivity, choice, and long-term sustainability.
AFSTA promotes learning, innovation, and continuous enhancement of seed quality, business practices, and sector-wide standards.
AFSTA is registered in Kenya as an international organization with diplomatic status and is headquartered in Kenya with its own fully operational office.
AFSTA has over 120 members from Africa and beyond, including National Seed Trade Associations, private seed companies, and agricultural research centers.
AFSTA has successfully implemented 14 long-term seed projects, focusing on biotechnology awareness, plant breeding innovations, and accelerating varietal adoption in Uganda and Malawi.
For more than a decade, AFSTA has published The African Seed Magazine, addressing key issues in seed trade and production across the African continent.
16–17 July 2026 | Livingstone, Zambia
The Zambia Seed Trade Association (ZASTA) invites seed industry stakeholders, policymakers, researchers, development partners, agribusiness professionals, and seed companies to participate in the ZASTA Seed Congress 2026 in Livingstone, Zambia.
Under the theme:
"Sustainable, Resilient and Viable Seed Industry: Enhancing National Prosperity through Local and Transboundary Trade"
the congress will serve as a premier platform for dialogue, knowledge sharing, and collaboration on the future of Zambia's seed sector and regional seed trade.
Participants will benefit from expert presentations, insightful panel discussions, valuable networking opportunities, and engagement with key stakeholders shaping the seed industry across Zambia and the region. Discussions will focus on strengthening seed systems, promoting innovation, enhancing market access, and fostering policies that support sustainable growth and prosperity.
Hosted in the iconic city of Livingstone, home to the world-famous Victoria Falls, the congress offers an exceptional opportunity to combine professional engagement with one of Africa's most renowned destinations.
Whether you are a seed company, researcher, regulator, investor, development partner, or agricultural professional, the ZASTA Seed Congress 2026 provides a unique opportunity to contribute to the advancement of a resilient and competitive seed industry.
Click "Read More" to access registration details, the programme, sponsorship opportunities, and additional event information.
Read More Registration Link →
20–21 July 2026
Kigali Marriott Hotel, Kigali, Rwanda
The African Seed Trade Association (AfSTA) invites seed sector stakeholders across Africa to participate in the 3rd Rwanda National Seed Congress 2026, organized by the National Seed Association of Rwanda (NSAR) in collaboration with government institutions, development partners, and industry stakeholders.
The Congress will bring together seed companies, policymakers, regulators, researchers, farmers, financial institutions, development organizations, and agribusiness professionals to discuss the future of Rwanda's seed industry and its contribution to agricultural transformation and food security.
Participants will engage in discussions on seed sector development, innovation, access to quality seed, investment opportunities, policy and regulatory frameworks, sustainable agricultural growth, and regional trade opportunities. The event will also provide a valuable platform for networking, business partnerships, knowledge exchange, and collaboration among key actors across the seed value chain.
Hosted in Kigali, one of Africa's leading business and innovation hubs, the Congress offers an excellent opportunity to connect with industry leaders and contribute to shaping a resilient and competitive seed sector in Rwanda and the wider region.
Click "Read More" to access registration details, sponsorship opportunities, and the full programme.
08–10 September 2026 | Cotonou, Benin
Registration is now open for the Africa Vegetable Breeding Consortium (AVBC) Annual Workshop 2026.
Join vegetable breeders, researchers, seed industry professionals, policymakers, and development partners from across Africa for three days of knowledge exchange, collaboration, and innovation in vegetable breeding and seed systems.
The workshop will provide a unique platform to discuss the latest developments in vegetable breeding, strengthen partnerships across the vegetable seed value chain, and explore practical solutions to improve productivity, resilience, nutrition, and sustainable food systems across Africa.
Participants will have the opportunity to:
Whether you are a researcher, breeder, seed company representative, policymaker, or development practitioner, this workshop offers an excellent opportunity to engage with a vibrant community committed to advancing vegetable seed systems and agricultural development.
The Africa Vegetable Breeding Consortium (AVBC) is a joint initiative of the World Vegetable Center and the African Seed Trade Association (AfSTA).
Join AVBC Registration Link →
15–18 September 2026 | Hyderabad, India
The African Seed Trade Association (AfSTA), in partnership with the Indian Chamber of Food and Agriculture (ICFA), invites AfSTA members across Africa to participate in the 2nd India–Africa Seed Summit 2026.
The summit will bring together seed industry leaders, policymakers, researchers, development partners, and private sector stakeholders from Africa and India to explore opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and investment in the seed sector.
As agriculture faces increasing challenges from climate change, food insecurity, and evolving market demands, the summit will provide a platform to discuss advancements in seed technology, climate-resilient varieties, biotechnology, seed trade, regulatory harmonization, and sustainable agricultural development.
Hosted in Hyderabad, India's renowned Seed Capital and a leading hub for agricultural innovation, the event offers participants a unique opportunity to engage with industry experts, research institutions, seed companies, and policymakers while strengthening Africa–India partnerships in agriculture.
AfSTA members are encouraged to register through AfSTA to benefit from dedicated support throughout the participation process, including registration guidance, visa facilitation support, travel coordination assistance, and on-site assistance during the summit.
Interested in participating? Click "Read More" to access the registration form and additional event information.
Read More Registration Link →
4–5 November 2026
EKA Hotel, Nairobi, Kenya
The African Seed Trade Association (AfSTA) invites stakeholders from across the seed value chain to participate in the 2026 Seed Trade Association of Kenya (STAK) Congress, a premier platform for dialogue, collaboration, and innovation within Kenya's seed sector.
Held under the theme:
"Securing Kenya's Seed Future: Innovation, Farmer Protection, and Food Security"
the Congress will bring together seed companies, policymakers, regulators, researchers, farmers, development partners, and agribusiness professionals to discuss the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of the seed industry.
Participants will gain valuable insights into policy and regulatory developments, emerging technologies, market opportunities, seed quality assurance, farmer protection mechanisms, and strategies for strengthening resilient seed systems that contribute to national and regional food security.
The Congress will feature expert presentations, panel discussions, networking sessions, and opportunities to engage with key stakeholders driving innovation and growth in the agricultural sector.
Join industry leaders and decision-makers in Nairobi as they explore practical solutions to secure Kenya's seed future and enhance agricultural productivity.
Nairobi Kenya
16–19 March 2027
The African Seed Trade Association (AfSTA) invites seed industry stakeholders from across Africa and around the world to participate in AfSTA Congress 2027, the continent's premier gathering for the seed sector.
The Congress will bring together seed companies, policymakers, researchers, regulators, development partners, investors, and agricultural professionals to discuss emerging opportunities, share knowledge, and strengthen partnerships that support agricultural transformation and food security across Africa.
Through high-level plenary sessions, technical discussions, exhibitions, and networking opportunities, participants will engage on critical issues affecting the seed industry, including seed trade, innovation, regulatory harmonization, climate resilience, market development, and investment.
AfSTA Congress 2027 provides a unique platform for stakeholders to connect, collaborate, and contribute to the growth of a vibrant and competitive seed sector that supports sustainable agricultural development across the continent.
Click "Read More" to access event details, sponsorship opportunities, exhibition packages, and registration information.
Read More Event Details & Registration Virtual meetings
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Key updates from AfSTA’s congresses, leadership, and seed sector initiatives.