Africa Conference on Sustainable Agricultural Mechanization

To reverse these trends, has led efforts to improve productivity in crops, livestock, fishery and forestry. The FAO Strategic Framework 2022-31 prioritizes the transformation of agrifood systems to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable, while leaving no one behind, and contributing directly to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

Agriculture remains a cornerstone of rural life and a vital source of economic opportunity across Africa. However, many farmers face challenges, including low productivity, soil degradation limited access to appropriate technologies, and the increasing impactsof climate change. In several regions, limited mechanization means that farmers rely heavily on labour-intensive practices constraining their ability to increase yields, adapt to changing conditions and build long-term resilience. 

SAM offers a powerful pathway to address these challenges. By improving efficiency in field operations and reducing the physical strain of daily tasks, mechanization enables the adoption of practices that conserve natural resources and enhances resilience to environmental stresses. As these approaches are developed and scaled, mechanization is increasingly recognized as a key driver of rural transformation, supporting the emergence of agricultural systems that are more productive, adaptable and environmentally sustainable. 

Today, the agricultural sector has entered a new era of innovation driven by the integration of new technologies particularly digital solutions. Digitalization offers significant potential to enhance productivity, efficiency and sustainability across agrifood systems, creating more opportunities for innovation service delivery, and entrepreneurship, including in low-income countries and resource-constrained settings. 

SAM is closely aligned with FAO's Strategic Framework 2022-2031, particularly with the priority area “Better Production,” which emphasizes innovation for more sustainable and efficient agricultural systems. SAM also supports the objectives of the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Strategy and Action Plan 2026–2035, which promotes agrifood systems transformation through technology adoption, sustainable practices, and increased investment. Furthermore, the Framework for Sustainable Agricultural Mechanization in Africa (F-SAMA), launched by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the African Union (AU) in 2018, provides a comprehensive approach to addressing these challenges. It promotes inclusive, efficient and environmentally sustainable mechanization practices tailored to local contexts and needs.  

In September 2023, FAO hosted the first-ever Global Conference on Sustainable Agricultural Mechanization (GAMC) where a call to action was made to accelerate SAM adoption, highlighting crop production systems, agro-processing, climate resilience and digitalization. The conference emphasized the importance of integrated solutions across agricultural value chain, with a focus on crop production, agro-processing, climate resilience, digitalization and innovative business models capable of driving agrifood systems transformation in Africa. This momentum was further reinforced by recommendations from the 33rd Session of the FAO Regional Conference for Africa which called for strengthened efforts to advance SAM across the continent.  

At the subregional level, FAO’s collaboration with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) has resulted in a SAM for Climate Smart Agriculture (SAM4CSA) roadmap, aimed for approval in May 2025. This roadmap could serve as a model for other African regions. Additionally, several countries are revising or developing national SAM strategies.  

To build on this momentum, FAO, in collaboration with key partners is organizing the Africa Conference on SAM, from 03 to 06 February 2026 in Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania. The conference will convene a wide range of stakeholders to strengthen regional collaboration, enhance institutional arrangements for effective mechanization delivery, foster knowledge exchange and promote sustainable agricultural practices tailored to the needs of African farmers.  

The conference programme will comprise five plenary sessions including an opening ceremony, a Ministerial High-Level Panel, a High-level development partners panel, Strategic Plenary sessions, action sessions and a closing ceremony. In addition, eight technical parallel sessions will address key thematic areas: Supply chain of agricultural mechanization, Research, innovation and knowledge exchange for SAM, Precision and conservation agriculture, SAM stakeholder landscape and their needs for capacity development, Innovative technical and business solutions for SAM in Africa, Strengthening partnerships to accelerate mechanization in Africa, Enhancing investment and financing of mechanization for agricultural transformation in Africa and Digital transformation of mechanization in Africa. 

In addition, the conference will offer a series of complementary activities designed to encourage learning, exchange and practical engagement. These will include a mechanization exhibition showcasing innovations and solutions, a poster exhibition highlighting ongoing research and field experiences, and dedicated youth-focused activities such as a Youth Special Event and a Youth Master Class to support skills development and entrepreneurship. Participants will also take part in a field visit, providing an opportunity to connect discussions with real-world practices and local experiences. 

Mechanization exhibition  

One of the highlights of the conference will be the machinery and equipment exhibition, showcasing the latest innovations in agricultural machinery, tools, and technology solutions tailored to local contexts. Participants will have the opportunity to see, experience and learn about advances in tractors, implements, precision tools, and other essential equipment that are shaping the future of farming. The exhibition provides a unique opportunity to explore practical solutions that address real needs in the field, from improving efficiency and reducing labour intensity to supporting climate-resilient practices and productivity gains.  

Poster exhibition 

The poster exhibition will offer an engaging space where research findings, case studies, and innovative ideas related to agricultural mechanization are presented in a visual and accessible format. Participants are invited to explore the posters at their own pace each day from 09:00 to 17:00, interact with presenters, ask questions and engage directly with authors during designated poster sessions and breaks.  

To reverse these trends, has led efforts to improve productivity in crops, livestock, fishery and forestry. The FAO Strategic Framework 2022-31 prioritizes the transformation of agrifood systems to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable, while leaving no one behind, and contributing directly to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

Agriculture remains a cornerstone of rural life and a vital source of economic opportunity across Africa. However, many farmers face challenges, including low productivity, soil degradation limited access to appropriate technologies, and the increasing impactsof climate change. In several regions, limited mechanization means that farmers rely heavily on labour-intensive practices constraining their ability to increase yields, adapt to changing conditions and build long-term resilience. 

SAM offers a powerful pathway to address these challenges. By improving efficiency in field operations and reducing the physical strain of daily tasks, mechanization enables the adoption of practices that conserve natural resources and enhances resilience to environmental stresses. As these approaches are developed and scaled, mechanization is increasingly recognized as a key driver of rural transformation, supporting the emergence of agricultural systems that are more productive, adaptable and environmentally sustainable. 

Today, the agricultural sector has entered a new era of innovation driven by the integration of new technologies particularly digital solutions. Digitalization offers significant potential to enhance productivity, efficiency and sustainability across agrifood systems, creating more opportunities for innovation service delivery, and entrepreneurship, including in low-income countries and resource-constrained settings. 

SAM is closely aligned with FAO's Strategic Framework 2022-2031, particularly with the priority area “Better Production,” which emphasizes innovation for more sustainable and efficient agricultural systems. SAM also supports the objectives of the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Strategy and Action Plan 2026–2035, which promotes agrifood systems transformation through technology adoption, sustainable practices, and increased investment. Furthermore, the Framework for Sustainable Agricultural Mechanization in Africa (F-SAMA), launched by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the African Union (AU) in 2018, provides a comprehensive approach to addressing these challenges. It promotes inclusive, efficient and environmentally sustainable mechanization practices tailored to local contexts and needs.  

In September 2023, FAO hosted the first-ever Global Conference on Sustainable Agricultural Mechanization (GAMC) where a call to action was made to accelerate SAM adoption, highlighting crop production systems, agro-processing, climate resilience and digitalization. The conference emphasized the importance of integrated solutions across agricultural value chain, with a focus on crop production, agro-processing, climate resilience, digitalization and innovative business models capable of driving agrifood systems transformation in Africa. This momentum was further reinforced by recommendations from the 33rd Session of the FAO Regional Conference for Africa which called for strengthened efforts to advance SAM across the continent.  

At the subregional level, FAO’s collaboration with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) has resulted in a SAM for Climate Smart Agriculture (SAM4CSA) roadmap, aimed for approval in May 2025. This roadmap could serve as a model for other African regions. Additionally, several countries are revising or developing national SAM strategies.  

To build on this momentum, FAO, in collaboration with key partners is organizing the Africa Conference on SAM, from 03 to 06 February 2026 in Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania. The conference will convene a wide range of stakeholders to strengthen regional collaboration, enhance institutional arrangements for effective mechanization delivery, foster knowledge exchange and promote sustainable agricultural practices tailored to the needs of African farmers.  

The conference programme will comprise five plenary sessions including an opening ceremony, a Ministerial High-Level Panel, a High-level development partners panel, Strategic Plenary sessions, action sessions and a closing ceremony. In addition, eight technical parallel sessions will address key thematic areas: Supply chain of agricultural mechanization, Research, innovation and knowledge exchange for SAM, Precision and conservation agriculture, SAM stakeholder landscape and their needs for capacity development, Innovative technical and business solutions for SAM in Africa, Strengthening partnerships to accelerate mechanization in Africa, Enhancing investment and financing of mechanization for agricultural transformation in Africa and Digital transformation of mechanization in Africa. 

In addition, the conference will offer a series of complementary activities designed to encourage learning, exchange and practical engagement. These will include a mechanization exhibition showcasing innovations and solutions, a poster exhibition highlighting ongoing research and field experiences, and dedicated youth-focused activities such as a Youth Special Event and a Youth Master Class to support skills development and entrepreneurship. Participants will also take part in a field visit, providing an opportunity to connect discussions with real-world practices and local experiences. 

Mechanization exhibition  

One of the highlights of the conference will be the machinery and equipment exhibition, showcasing the latest innovations in agricultural machinery, tools, and technology solutions tailored to local contexts. Participants will have the opportunity to see, experience and learn about advances in tractors, implements, precision tools, and other essential equipment that are shaping the future of farming. The exhibition provides a unique opportunity to explore practical solutions that address real needs in the field, from improving efficiency and reducing labour intensity to supporting climate-resilient practices and productivity gains.  

Poster exhibition 

The poster exhibition will offer an engaging space where research findings, case studies, and innovative ideas related to agricultural mechanization are presented in a visual and accessible format. Participants are invited to explore the posters at their own pace each day from 09:00 to 17:00, interact with presenters, ask questions and engage directly with authors during designated poster sessions and breaks.  

Youth special event 

This special session explores how mechanization can create meaningful job opportunities and entrepreneurial pathways for young people in Africa. Agricultural mechanization and related services are increasingly recognized as viable avenues for youth engagement, whether as service providers, equipment operators, technicians or digital innovators supporting mechanization platforms. Mechanization reduces hard manual labour and creates new opportunities for skills development, start businesses, and contribute to vibrant rural economies, helping to make agriculture a more attractive modern and viable career choice for the next generation. 

Youth masterclass 

The Youth masterclass will focus on Mechanization Hire Services as a Business, offering young participants practical insights into transforming mechanization into a viable entrepreneurial opportunity. Mechanization hire services, where machinery and equipment are provided on a fee-for-service basis, are increasingly seen as a sustainable business model that can make mechanization more accessible to farmers who cannot afford to buy their own equipment, while simultaneously creating jobs, generating income, and fostering youth-led agribusiness development. 

Field visit 

As part of the conference experience, a field visit is scheduled for 6 February 2026 to give participants the opportunity to see agricultural mechanization in action and engage directly with practical, real-world applications. Participants will be able to choose between one of two field sites: 

International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA/CGIAR) Youth Incubation Centre, Ubungo Municipalities Dar Es Salaam.  

This site is 25 kilometres from IITA Mikocheni Office, Dar Es Salaam. The IITA Kwembe Youth Incubation Centre, located in Ubungo Municipality, Dar es Salaam, brings together young professional graduates from diverse fields, as well as disadvantaged youth aged between 18 and 35 years. The program seeks to reduce the economic marginalization of African youth by introducing modern agricultural technologies that promote the establishment of new agribusinesses and expand employment opportunities.   

Chauru Ruvu - Rice Mechanization Cooperative.   

This site is located 75 kilometres south of Dar Es Salaam 

Supply chain of agricultural mechanization 

A reliable mechanization supply chain makes a real difference for farmers, ensuring they can get the equipment, spare parts, and maintenance support they need, exactly when they need it. When these tools and services reach rural areas on time, farmers can keep operations moving smoothly, avoid costly delays, and feel confident about investing in the growth and sustainability of their farms. That kind of dependable support not only boosts productivity but also strengthens rural livelihoods. 

The reality in many African countries, however, tells a different story. Supply chains for mechanization remain fragmented, with importers, distributors, local workshops, and farmers often working in isolation from one another. Because local manufacturing and assembly are still limited, most machinery is imported — raising costs and, at times, leaving farmers with equipment that isn’t well-suited to their needs. On top of that, accessible after-sales services like repair, maintenance, and spare parts are often lacking. As a result, machines sit idle or are under-used, causing frustration for both farmers and service providers. 

Addressing these gaps means bringing all parts of the system together. Governments can help by setting the right policies and creating incentives that attract investment. The private sector can play a bigger role in local manufacturing, distribution, and dependable after-sales support. At the same time, mechanics, dealers, and technicians need opportunities to upgrade their skills so they can deliver high-quality services. When these elements work in harmony, the mechanization supply chain becomes more resilient, professional and responsive to the needs of farmers and rural enterprises. 

A strong and well-coordinated mechanization supply chain is the backbone of sustainable mechanization growth, linking technology, services and people to deliver real impact across Africa’s rural economies. 

Research, innovation and knowledge exchange for SAM 

Research and innovation play a powerful role in shaping the future of mechanization in Africa. When decisions are grounded in robust, relevant evidence, local farming systems, soils, crops, labour dynamics and market realities, mechanization solutions become more practical, affordable and directly relevant for the people who use them. This is how meaningful progress begins: with knowledge that truly reflects African contexts. 

But knowledge alone is not enough. It becomes transformative only when researchers, manufacturers, farmers and service providers collaborate closely. These partnerships help turn ideas into real tools and technologies that respond to farmers’ needs. When the different actors in the ecosystem collaborate, new solutions are tested faster, refined more effectively and adopted more widely. 

For innovation to take root and grow, strong institutions are essential. Universities, research centres, and extension systems must have the capacity and resources and networks needed to drive long-term development in sustainable agricultural mechanization. At the same time, cross-country and regional knowledge sharing, learning from successes and failures alike, helps accelerate progress and spread impact far beyond individual projects. 

When research, innovation and collaboration come together, they unlock practical solutions that make mechanization more effective, inclusive and sustainable across Africa. 

Precision and conservation agriculture  

Sustainable farming approaches such as conservation agriculture and precision agriculture are increasingly vital as farmers contend with soil degradation, climate stresses and rising production costs. These methods focus protecting the land, maintaining soil structure, improving water retention and building long-term resilience, enabling farming systems to continue producing food in a changing environment. Conservation agriculture practices, which aim to disturb the soil as little as possible and keep it covered, have been shown to enhance soil health and support crop productivity, especially when combined with technologies that help reduce manual labour and optimize field operations.  

When these practices are integrated with sustainable agricultural mechanization (SAM), they offer an even more powerful pathway for sustainable agriculture. Mechanization adapted to conservation principles helps minimize soil disturbance, manage crop residues effectively, and optimize the use of seeds, fertilisers, and water. Precision tools, such as guidance systems and variable-rate applications, can further strengthen this approach by enabling data-informed decisions about where and how much to apply, reducing waste and increasing productivity.  

Bringing these innovations to scale across Africa means more than just introducing new machines. Farmers, technicians, and service providers need hands-on learning, practical demonstrations, and ongoing technical support to confidently adopt and maintain these approaches. Additionally, continued research and innovation are essential to design machinery and digital tools that truly match the diverse soils, cropping systems and field conditions across the continent. When technology is combined with knowledge and tailored to local realities, sustainable mechanization can help African agriculture become more efficient, resilient and productive. 

Integrating mechanization with conservation and precision agriculture can transform African farming, improving productivity while protecting the environment for future generations. 

SAM stakeholder landscape and their needs for capacity development 

Building strong capacities across the mechanization landscape starts with recognizing that every stakeholder plays a distinct and important role. Mechanics need the practical know-how to keep equipment working reliably in the field, machine operators need confidence and skill in handling the machinery effectively, business owners need the ability to manage and grow sustainable services, and others need to understand how to support an ecosystem that functions as a whole. Without this mix of skills and experience, even the best machinery and policies struggle to deliver lasting results. Developing a skilled and adaptable workforce is therefore essential for mechanization to grow sustainably and make a tangible difference for farmers. 

To achieve this, institutions such as universities, vocational schools, training centres, and extension services must be strengthened, as they are the foundation of long-term capacity development. When training programmes are thoughtfully designed and regularly updated to reflect real mechanization needs, blending hands-on technical learning with modern tools, sustainability principles, and entrepreneurship, future professionals and service providers are better prepared for the diverse challenges they will face. 

At the community level, local organizations, cooperatives, and farmer groups help spread knowledge, build confidence, and create grassroots support for mechanization. Practical demonstrations and advisory services help translate learning into meaningful improvements on the farm. Integrating mechanization into existing Farmer Field Schools, offers a powerful opportunity to improve farmers’ skills, boost productivity, reduce losses and promote better natural resource management. In addition, ensuring that these efforts are gender-sensitive increases inclusivity and expands benefits to women and youth. Well-equipped training facilities and infrastructure further strengthen these efforts by providing spaces for real, hands-on learning across the technical, operational, and business sides of mechanization. 

Investing in people, through strong institutions, relevant training, and inclusive approaches, is the foundation of a sustainable and professional mechanization ecosystem in Africa. 

Innovative business solutions for SAM in Africa  

Mechanization business models, such as hire services, repair workshops, and small value-addition enterprises, are becoming sources of support for rural communities. They make it possible for smallholder farmers to use machinery without having to buy it, while also creating steady income opportunities for local service providers. When these businesses thrive, farmers get better access to technology, rural jobs grow, and local economies are strengthened. 

SAM is also creating higher-quality jobs in rural areas. Machine operators, mechanics, and entrepreneurs can build real long-term careers, and the introduction of new technologies makes the sector more appealing to youth seeking modern and meaningful work. For youth and women to fully participate, support programmes are essential, helping them develop skills, access finance, and build confidence as new business owners in the mechanization sector. 

As technologies evolve, renewable energy solutions offer promising ways to power tools and small tractors, especially in communities with limited access to electricity. Local innovations are equally important. When machines and tools are designed and built within the region, they become more affordable, more accessible, and better suited to the realities of local farming conditions. These home-grown solutions strengthen resilience and make mechanization truly inclusive. 

Mechanization becomes a real driver of rural transformation when it creates opportunities for people, supporting local businesses, empowering youth and women, and delivering affordable, home-grown solutions that work for farmers. 

Strengthening partnerships to accelerate mechanization in Africa  

No single actor can transform the mechanization landscape alone. Sustainable progress happens only when diverse partners collaborate, including governments, the private sector, development organizations, research institutions, and farming communities. Each brings unique strengths, and working together helps fill gaps across the value chain, share responsibilities, and scale solutions that work on the ground. 

Public–private partnerships are especially important. By combining public support with private-sector expertise, they help unlock investment, improve service delivery, and encourage local manufacturing and innovation. Development partners and regional bodies also play a vital role by strengthening capacities, supporting knowledge exchange, and facilitating cross-border cooperation, enabling countries to learn from one another and advance further. 

Most importantly, strong partnerships must be inclusive. Smallholders, youth, and women need to be part of the conversation from the start to ensure equal access to opportunities and services. Better coordination among all actors reduces duplication, aligns efforts with national and regional strategies such as F-SAMA and SAM4CSA, and helps build a foundation for long-term sustainability. 

When partnerships are inclusive, coordinated, and action-oriented, they become a powerful force for scaling sustainable mechanization and delivering real impact for farmers and rural communities. 

Enhancing investment and financing of mechanization for agricultural transformation in Africa  

Mechanization has the power to transform agriculture, boost productivity, and generate new economic opportunities. But this transformation can only happen if both public and private investment increase across the entire mechanization value chain, from importing and manufacturing equipment to financing, servicing, and maintaining it. Without sufficient investment, promising ideas struggle to reach farmers, and the full potential of mechanization remains out of reach. 

Access to finance remains one of the biggest challenges. Smallholder farmers, youth, cooperatives, and local service providers often lack the capital to invest in machinery or build viable mechanization businesses. This makes innovative financing models, such as equipment leasing, blended finance, and risk-sharing instruments, especially important. These solutions lower the barriers to entry and help attract private capital into a sector that has historically been perceived as risky. 

Governments also have a central role to play. By creating enabling policies, offering credit guarantees, providing tax incentives, and strengthening the ecosystem of service providers, they can significantly reduce investment risks and encourage greater participation from the private sector. At the same time, aligning national strategies with donor support and private initiatives is crucial for building long-term, sustainable financing pipelines that can support mechanization at scale. 

Unlocking finance, through smarter policies, innovative models, and coordinated investment, is essential for turning mechanization into a true driver of agricultural transformation. 

Digital transformation of mechanization in Africa  

Digital tools are revolutionizing mechanization in the fields, opening up new possibilities for farmers and service providers. Technologies, such as mobile apps, telematics, and online platforms enable real-time equipment tracking, more efficient work planning and better resource management. For many rural communities, these technologies are becoming indispensable, as they make tasks more efficient and help reduce downtime and improve access to the services that farmers need to continue their operations. Digital solutions have demonstrated their ability to improve productivity and facilitate planning, making them a powerful complement to traditional farming practices. 

Data is fast becoming a valuable resource. When farmers, cooperatives, and service providers harness the information collected through digital tools, for example to schedule maintenance, manage fuel costs, or guide machine use, they can run their operations more sustainably and profitably. Data also contributes to smarter planning by helping decision-makers design more targeted mechanization programmes and policies. But for these benefits to be accessible to all, digital inclusion must be a priority with tools that are affordable, easy to use, and adapted to local realities, whether through simple mobile phones or more advanced platforms. Clear and trusted rules on data ownership and privacy are also essential to build confidence.  

Scaling digital solutions effectively requires collaboration. Technology innovators, policymakers, and service providers need to ensure systems function seamlessly across regions and contexts, so that technologies can be adopted widely and equitably. At the same time, investing in foundational infrastructure, such as rural electrification and reliable internet connectivity, is vital to bridge the digital divide and unlock the full potential of digital transformation in agriculture. With the right support and collaboration, digital tools can help make mechanization smarter, more inclusive, and more resilient. 

Digital technologies can unlock a new era of efficient, accessible, and trusted mechanization, provided solutions remain supported by strong partnerships and robust rural infrastructure.