Kenya Prepares for FINAS Summit 2025 to Drive Sustainable Agricultural Financing.


Hon. Dr. Paul Ronoh, Principal Secretary, State Department for Agriculture, 

 Preparations are underway for the highly anticipated Financing Agri-Food Systems Sustainably (FINAS) Summit 2025, scheduled to take place from May 20–22 in Nairobi. The summit aims to address critical financing gaps in agriculture, promote sustainable food systems, and explore innovative financial solutions to enhance the sector's resilience. With agriculture playing a crucial role in Kenya’s economy, contributing 22% to GDP and employing 27% of the workforce, this event is expected to bring together financial institutions, policymakers, agribusiness leaders, and technology innovators to chart a new path for agricultural growth.

One of the key figures leading discussions ahead of the summit is George Kubai, CEO of the Agricultural Finance Corporation (AFC). He has emphasized the need for affordable financing models to support farmers, highlighting AFC’s loan structure at 10% per annum on a reducing balance. Kubai also revealed new financial products specifically tailored for women, offering them better rental rates and improved access to land and credit facilities. These initiatives, he noted, are designed to bridge financial inequalities in the sector and empower more women in agribusiness.

At the government level, Hon. Dr. Paul Ronoh, Principal Secretary, State Department for Agriculture, has outlined the administration’s strategy to revolutionize agricultural financing. He stressed that rain-fed agriculture is no longer a reliable model, given the increasing impact of climate change. As a response, the government has introduced blended financing models, green bonds, and other innovative financial instruments to support farmers in adopting climate-smart agricultural practices. Dr. Ronoh also called for extraordinary measures to make agriculture more attractive and profitable, particularly for young people, by integrating modern agritech solutions and ensuring efficient land utilization.
George Kubai, CEO of the Agricultural Finance Corporation (AFC).

With the African population expected to increase by 100 million by 2050, the summit will explore strategies to enhance food security, build resilient agricultural systems, and boost productivity. Experts agree that a collaborative approach involving financial institutions, agribusiness stakeholders, and policymakers is essential to achieving long-term success. The FINAS Summit 2025 will provide a platform to discuss funding solutions, youth engagement in agriculture, market access, and trade opportunities that can transform the sector.

The upcoming summit also seeks to address the reasons why agriculture remains unattractive to many young people. Dr. Ronoh challenged stakeholders to go beyond traditional approaches and apply their expertise to develop scalable and sustainable solutions. Key discussions will revolve around making financing more accessible, leveraging technology for efficiency, ensuring profitable land use, and strengthening agricultural trade networks.

As preparations continue, stakeholders from across the agricultural value chain are encouraged to actively participate in shaping the future of sustainable agribusiness in Africa. The FINAS Summit 2025 is expected to drive impactful conversations that will help reposition agriculture as a profitable, technology-driven, and well-funded sector.

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