Africa Food Systems Forum in Kigali: Prime Minister Justin Nsengiyumva urged leaders to treat agriculture as a modern investment and jobs engine, not just farming, as delegates pushed for urgent financing, climate resilience, better markets, and fewer trade barriers. Smallholder focus: Speakers at the forum said Africa’s farm output has risen, but gains are still “piecemeal” without whole food-system support like irrigation, seeds, extension, and reliable finance for farmers. Water security for farming: Rwanda is moving to expand water storage capacity dramatically—needs are projected to rise from about 83.5 million m³ today to 693.7 million m³ by 2034 to meet irrigation demand. Soil restoration research: Rwanda hosted announcements on enhanced rock weathering trials, linking improved soil health and resilience with carbon-removal support for smallholders. Conservation spotlight: Rwanda marked 21 years of gorilla conservation, highlighting community-rooted efforts and ecotourism’s role in protecting wildlife. Policy delivery push: President Kagame told the Rwanda Development Board to turn investor interest into results by improving how businesses operate, expand, and deliver outcomes. Plastics and waste: Rwanda’s single-use plastics crackdown continues, with a styrofoam ban described as the first phase.