IMF outlook highlights India’s dominance and Africa’s uneven growth

Africa's digital agriculture sector is now focusing on sustainable business models capable of supporting millions of smallholder farmers. This shift will be highlighted at the 10th AgriFin Learning Event (ALE 10) in October 2026, in Nairobi. The event aims to examine what has worked, what hasn't, and what needs to change for digital agriculture to deliver lasting value.

The theme for ALE 10 is "Leveraging Evidence for Connected, Scalable and Inclusive Digital Agriculture." The convergence of artificial intelligence, data infrastructure, and climate services has presented new opportunities but also raised questions about commercial viability, inclusion, and sustainability. The Agtech Investment in Emerging Markets report, commissioned by Mercy Corps AgriFin and developed by Briter and ISF Advisors, provides data on US$4.39 billion in agtech funding across 17 emerging markets from 2023 to the third quarter of 2025.

The report reveals an uneven recovery across markets, highlighting a need to identify viable markets and business models, determine the required capital, and establish sustainable growth conditions. At ALE 10, discussions will focus on translating evidence into next-generation partnership models, unlocking capital for agricultural technology businesses, and supporting agricultural small and medium-sized enterprises.

The event will also explore how collaboration between technology providers, financial institutions, governments, and development partners can strengthen connections and create effective service delivery models. Additionally, the programme will address how public and private actors can work together to sustain weather and climate services at scale, which are crucial for farmers to manage risks and make informed decisions in uncertain conditions.