Mbabane – Eswatini will host a high-level African Union (AU) seed meeting from October 5 to 7, 2026, bringing ministers, government officials, business representatives and delegates from across Africa and the international community to the Kingdom.
The meeting will be held at the Palazzo International Convention Centre (ICC) in Ezulwini, where the country is expected to welcome a number of ministers and other delegates for discussions centred on the development of Africa’s seed sector.
The gathering will bring together stakeholders from government, the private sector and development partners, with the meeting expected to provide a platform for engagement on issues affecting the continent’s agricultural development.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, the event is part of efforts to advance discussions around seed production and access, which are considered important to agricultural development and food security across Africa.
The ministry said the country was preparing to host delegates from different parts of the continent as well as members of the international fraternity.
Business sector asked to support summit
Ahead of the meeting, the Ministry of Agriculture has turned to the business community and potential partners for financial assistance to help cover expenses associated with hosting the gathering.
The ministry will hold a support meeting on Monday, September 21, where representatives from the business and private sectors are expected to discuss ways of supporting the event.
Letters have already been sent to companies and potential partners inviting them to pledge financial support towards the hosting of the meeting.
The ministry said the financial contributions would help meet some of the costs associated with the event, while appealing to businesses to contribute generously.
The ministry also highlighted the importance of the seed sector to Africa’s agricultural development, noting that access to quality seed is essential for communities to increase agricultural production and generate income.
It further linked the availability of seed to wider economic activity, including opportunities within the aviation sector, as increased agricultural production can contribute to economic activity and revenue generation in communities.
The ministry said it was hopeful that the business sector and other partners would come on board to support the hosting of the high-level meeting.
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