THE EAST AFRICA FOOD, ENERGY, WATER NEXUS: 

LOOKING INTO THE FUTURE

14-16 July 2025: Conference in Mbeya, Tanzania

The East Africa FEW (Food-Energy-Water) International Conference is set to take place from 14-16 July 2025 in Mbeya – Tanzania at The Eden Highlands Hotel. The conference is designed to address the interconnected challenges of food security, sustainable energy, and water management in the East Africa under the influence of climate change, population growth, and economic shifts that threaten agricultural productivity and resource availability. This thought- interdisciplinary event turns ideas into action, providing the momentum needed to transform potential into real progress, integrates solutions across these sectors for long-term sustainability. This conference is more than just a gathering, it is a working meeting aimed at fostering meaningful collaborations, strengthening partnerships, and catalysing concrete initiatives that will extend beyond the event itself.

Key Objectives

1.    Knowledge Exchange & Innovation: Present cutting-edge research and technological solutions in agriculture and the FEW Nexus.

2.    Policy & Strategy Development: Provide a platform for evidence-based policy advocacy in agriculture, water and energy.

3.    Strengthening Partnerships: Facilitate collaboration between universities, research institutions, private sector, and development agencies.

4.    Implementation & Action: Develop a policy brief and collaboration roadmap to drive actionable outcomes beyond the conference.

Conference Themes

1.    Shaping the Future of the FEW Nexus in East Africa: Regional challenges and opportunities, Policy frameworks and governance, The role of universities, research institutions, and private sector.

2.    Integrated Solutions for Food, Energy & Water: A Systems Approach: Cross-sector collaboration, Circular economy and resource efficiency, Case studies in different countries.

3.    Powering Progress: Renewable Energy for Water & Agriculture: Solar-powered irrigation and water management, Off-grid energy solutions for rural agriculture, Financing and scaling renewable energy initiatives.

4.    Irrigation 2.0: Smart Water Management for Agriculture: The needs of irrigation technologies, Water conservation and climate-resilience, Private sector's role in water management.

5.    Climate Resilience, Health & Livelihoods: Climate adaptation strategies for farmers, Water quality and health outcomes, Sustainable land and soil management.

6.    Innovations Shaping the Future of FEW: Agri-tech and digital solutions, AI, IoT, and automation in FEW managements, Entrepreneurship and investment in innovation.

7.    Building Sustainable Agricultural Value Chains: Market access and farmer inclusion, Financing models for sustainable agribusiness, Case studies of Value chains, regional trade and investment in agriculture

8.    Evaluating Impact & Scaling Solutions: Monitoring & evaluation frameworks, Lessons from past projects and programs, Scaling successful models.

Conference Highlights:

• Inspiring Talks: Keynote Speeches, Expert lectures, Ted Talks, International case studies highlighting innovative solutions and proven strategies from around the globe.

• Scientific Workshops: Expert-led sessions exploring advancements in the Food, Energy, and Water Nexus.

• Networking and Collaborative Discussions: Connect with industry leaders and peers in discussions designed to spark cross-sector partnerships and drive impactful collaboration.

• Exhibition & Innovation Showcase: Discover cutting-edge products, technology and innovations for solutions from leading companies and organizations.

·       Poster Sessions: Engage in one-on-one discussions through poster presentations, providing opportunities for networking, knowledge-sharing, and professional connections.

• Field Visits: Tour of Mbeya University of Science and Technology (MUST), engaging real-world agricultural challenges.

• Scenery Visits:

Audience Profile

·       Researchers & Academics: From Tanzania, East Africa, Israel, and USA.

·       Government Policy & Decision Makers: Ministries of Agriculture, Water, and Energy.

·       Food, Energy and Water Industry Professionals

·       Private Sector & Agribusinesses: global companies, regional/national companies, Entrepreneurs, SMEs, and technology providers.

·       Local and International Development Organizations & NGOs: Engaged in agricultural development, energy access, water security and climate resilience.

·       Students & Young Professionals: Fostering the next generation of leaders in the FEW nexus

·       Media

Key Outcomes:

• Powerful cross-sector collaborations: Build meaningful connections across industries and regions to drive real impacts.

• Turning research into action: Transform cutting-edge insights into practical, scalable solutions.

• Game-changing partnerships: Join forces with top experts to tackle FEW challenges through bold, innovative
  strategies.

• Shaping the Future of FEW in East Africa: Contribute to an influential opinion paper outlining key opportunities and priorities for lasting change.

After Conference Activities:

• Optional Field Trips: 17-19 July 2025: Visits to CultivAid Agricultural Innovation and Technology Centre (AITEC) sites in Dodoma or Safari tours

Join us to explore innovative solutions and shape the future of the FEW Nexus in East Africa!

Pre-Register for the Conference Here