About Us

One voice for African seed

The African Seed Trade Association brings seed companies, national seed associations and their partners together so that farmers across the continent can get quality seed. Since 2000 we have worked for open, well-regulated seed trade between African countries.

  • 2000Founded
  • 32Member countries
  • NairobiSecretariat, Kenya
A young farmer checking his mango trees with a tablet
Digital tools are changing how farmers across Africa manage their crops.

Why we exist

Our vision

African farmers have access to quality seed for food security and prosperity.

Our mission

To create the best environment for trade and innovation in quality seed, to the benefit of members and farmers across Africa.
An agricultural drone spraying a green field

What we work for

Four objectives guide everything the Secretariat, the committees and the Board do on behalf of our members.

A scientist pouring seeds into a tray in a seed laboratory
Seed testing in the lab: quality starts long before planting.

  • Promote quality

    Encourage the use of high-quality and certified seed across Africa.

  • Policy advocacy

    Work towards harmonised seed systems and effective market regulation.

  • Member support

    Offer platforms for networking, knowledge sharing and capacity building.

  • Global representation

    Represent the African seed industry in international fora.

Strategy 3.0, 2025 to 2027

Our strategic plan sets out how AFSTA will serve its members over the current term. Members, national associations, traders and operators remain the backbone of the Association; the plan focuses on what strengthens market access, the sector’s credibility and sustainable business.

“Enhancing quality seed trade across Africa.”Our value proposition for 2025 to 2027

A smiling young farmer in Sierra Leone holding a bag of freshly harvested peppers
A young farmer in Sierra Leone with her pepper harvest. Trade gets quality seed to the people who grow our food.

Four priority areas

Where the plan puts its effort to keep the seed value chain competitive.

  • Market access and seed trade
  • Strategic partnerships
  • (Re)branding of AFSTA
  • Strengthening AFSTA operations

How change happens

Our theory of change links three kinds of work to one result for Africa’s seed sector.

Strategic implementationStrengthening member capacity, credibility and leadership for market-driven growth of the seed sector.
Support from broader stakeholdersDeeper engagement with value chain actors, regulators and development partners.
Member engagementPartnerships for awareness, financial resources, knowledge sharing and collaboration.
The resultA competitive and resilient seed market across Africa

Members in 32 countries

From national seed associations to regional and global seed companies, our members work across the continent. Find your country on the map below, or join them.

Become a member Meet the Board

AFSTA Member Countries

Our network

Members across the continent

Seed companies and national seed associations in 32 African countries are part of AFSTA. Pick a country below or on the map.

32Member countries
1Secretariat, in Nairobi
Member countryOther countriesAFSTA Secretariat