Communication & Advocacy Committee (ACAC)

The ACAC supports AFSTA’s mission by strengthening communication, public relations, and advocacy across Africa’s seed industry. The Committee promotes visibility, manages outreach, and advances policies that support innovation, quality seed trade, and food security.

Committee Mandate & Purpose

The Committee provides strategic direction for communication and advocacy efforts and ensures AFSTA maintains a strong, unified voice across the continent.

Key Objectives

• Visibility & Branding: Strengthen AFSTA’s presence as the leading voice of the African seed sector.
• Internal Communication: Deliver timely, relevant information to members and NSTAs.
• External Outreach: Address misinformation and promote the benefits of quality seed.
• Policy Advocacy: Advance harmonized, innovation-friendly regulatory frameworks.

Scope of Responsibilities

Communication & Public Relations

• Implement AFSTA’s Strategic Communication & Advocacy Plan.
• Shape content for press releases, website, social media, and publications.
• Establish crisis communication protocols.
• Build engagement with national and international media.

Outreach & Member Engagement

• Distribute member services and technical materials effectively.
• Coordinate communication with NSTAs for unified messaging.
• Support AFSTA event promotion and visibility.
• Guide stakeholder mapping and strategic engagement.

Policy & Regulatory Advocacy

• Review and refine AFSTA’s Position Papers.
• Support regulatory harmonization for seed movement.
• Promote biotechnology, plant breeding innovation, and IP protection.
• Advise on high-level dialogues with RECs and policymakers.

Committee Structure & Operations

• Membership: Open to all AFSTA members; communication and marketing expertise preferred.
• Chair: Appointed by members; leads meetings and reports to the Board.
• Secretariat: AFSTA’s Head of Communication serves as Committee Secretary.
• Meetings: Held 2–3 times annually, virtually or during Congress.
• Reporting: Chair submits progress updates to the Board.

Performance Indicators

• Increase in positive media coverage across Africa.
• Adoption of AFSTA advocacy messages in regional policies.
• Higher member satisfaction and engagement metrics.
• Growth of AFSTA digital presence and outreach.
• Measurable policy or regulatory improvements influenced by AFSTA.

Africa’s food market is set to reach US$1 trillion by 2030, with demand expected to double by 2050. While Africa contributes less than 2% to global seed trade, the need for certified, high-quality seed is rapidly growing.

A unified communication strategy is essential to position quality seed as the foundation for agricultural growth and food security across the continent.