From October 10 to 13, 2025, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) will mark its 80th anniversary in Rome, Italy, with its inaugural global exhibition, “From Seeds to Foods.” As part of the World Food Forum, the event will showcase agri-food systems from FAO’s six regions, including Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Europe and Central Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, the Near East and North Africa, and North America.
Africa will take center stage, with FAO’s 54 member states highlighting the richness and diversity of their agricultural products, technological innovations, and food cultures. Participating countries will present initiatives led by youth, women, and small-scale producers, demonstrating how African agri-food systems are evolving while remaining deeply rooted in traditional knowledge and flavors.
FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu emphasized the organization’s long-standing mission, noting that FAO has spent 80 years working alongside countries and small producers to build agri-food systems capable of feeding a global population that has more than tripled. Abebe Haile Gabriel, FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Africa, highlighted that Africa’s greatest wealth lies in its people, particularly youth, women, and smallholder farmers, who drive innovation and resilience in the continent’s agri-food systems.
Ms. Bintia Stephen Tchicaya, Acting Subregional Coordinator for West Africa, underscored that the subregion embodies a living alliance between tradition and innovation. She expressed pride in showcasing Africa’s diversity, products, achievements, and commitment to sustainable and inclusive agri-food systems at the exhibition.
The event will be organized into four main sections: Agricultural Products, Agricultural Technologies, Foods, and Promotional Activities. Visitors can experience culinary demonstrations, cultural presentations, scientific discoveries, and field-based testimonials.
“From Seeds to Foods” will provide an immersive journey through Africa’s transformation and dedication to reshaping agri-food systems. Through this global showcase, the continent will illustrate its contribution to FAO’s Strategic Framework 2022–2031, which aims to ensure better production, nutrition, environment, and quality of life for all, leaving no one behind.
