Zambia is set to host the 22nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM) from 30 November to 4 December 2026. 

The gathering is expected to draw more than 600 delegates, including university leaders, researchers, policymakers, students, and private sector actors. Beyond a routine institutional meeting, the event is being positioned as a strategic platform to redefine how higher education contributes to Africa’s transformation, particularly in agriculture, innovation, and youth employment.

Held under the theme “Translating higher agricultural education, innovation, and research into action for Africa’s agricultural transformation and development,” the AGM reflects a growing shift from knowledge generation to implementation. Stakeholders are increasingly calling on universities to move beyond traditional academic roles and actively drive solutions to real-world challenges.

The event will be co-hosted by the Government of Zambia alongside University of Zambia, Copperbelt University, Mulungushi University, and Kapasa Makasa University. Organizers have structured the five-day meeting as a multi-track platform that blends policy dialogue with innovation and entrepreneurship. Discussions will explore how universities can strengthen their role in building resilient agri-food systems, supporting job creation, and fostering inclusive economic growth.

Four core themes will guide the deliberations. These include strengthening human capital development to better align graduate skills with labor market needs, advancing resilient and inclusive agricultural systems, positioning universities as engines of innovation, and transforming teaching and learning through more experiential and technology-enabled approaches.

This agenda comes at a pivotal moment for the continent. As Africa advances the goals of Agenda 2063 and prepares for the next phase of agricultural development frameworks beyond 2026, higher education institutions are increasingly seen as critical enablers of long-term transformation.

Speaking at the previous AGM, Patrick Okori emphasized the urgency of this shift, noting that universities must become more responsive, inclusive, and impact-driven in addressing Africa’s development priorities.

The Zambia meeting is expected to build on this momentum by fostering stronger collaboration between academia, government, and industry. 

Photo courtesy / RUFORUM

Article by Jed Mwangi

https://news.ruforum.org/ruforum-to-hold-2026-annual-general-meeting-in-zambia/