The 1st Rwanda National Seed Congress 2023 was held in Kigali, Rwanda between 31st July to 1st August
2023 and was organized by the National Seed Association of Rwanda (NSAR) in collaboration with the
Private Sector Federation and the Government of Rwanda, under the theme “Private Sector’s Strategic
Roadmap for Rwanda Seed Industry 2030”. The event was officially opened by Dr. Ildephonse Musafiri,
the Hon. Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, of the Republic of Rwanda.

The Congress brought together participants from diverse national, regional, and global levels including
researchers, policymakers, seed companies, NGOs, and Development Partners on a single platform to
discuss and share knowledge on seed systems and trade. The four (4) continents, namely Africa, Europe,
Asia, and America were represented in this congress. To mention a few, the congress attracted the key
players in the seed industry such as ISF, ISTA, UPOV, AFSTA, One Acre Fund, Bank of Kigali, Development
Bank of Rwanda, RAB, RICA, Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture (RICA), University of Rwanda,
Seed Associations, and Development Partners such as FAO, TAAT, etc.

The 1st Rwanda National Seed Congress 2023 provided opportunities among key seed industry players to
discuss about stimulating policy reforms and attracting public and private investments to harness the
opportunities under seed systems to ensure the availability and affordability of quality seeds to farmers.
During the congress, a Seven (7) Years’ Strategic Roadmap for Rwanda Seed Industry 2030 was presented
to participants and highlighted the strategic interventions to be implemented by the seed sector actors to
ensure the sustainability of the seed industry. The event also had an exhibition section where the seed
companies, banks, and development partners exhibited their products and services related to seed sector
development.

This Congress was as a pivotal moment, providing a platform for both Rwandan public and private sector
stakeholders to unite and forge a roadmap of transformative actions for the seed industry’s prosperity and
sustainable development.