At the 2026 Africa Seed Trade Association(AFSTA) Congress held from the 23rd to the 25th of March, in Cape Town, South Africa, our Chief Executive Officer, Dr. John Mukuka, along with our Agribusiness and Policy Advisor, Mr John Chambamakasa, joined other experts in providing practical and actionable insights on a thought-provoking session dubbed: “Trading Seeds, Growing Economies: 15 years after harmonisation protocols – what should come next?”
The conversation was both timely and strategic, providing a valuable platform for speakers and delegates to reflect on progress and explore ways to bridge the gap between policy and practice, and exchange insights on addressing emerging challenges while aligning with broader continental priorities.
In his remarks, the ACTESA CEO remarked on COMESA’s crucial role in championing regional seed regulation towards boosting intra-regional trade and improving food security in Eastern and Southern Africa through its COMESA Seed Harmonisation Implementation Program (COMSHIP).
He noted public-private partnerships as key in driving the achievement of full regional harmonisation of the COMESA Seed Trade Regulations to deliver a tangible impact on smallholder access to quality seeds.
The 2026 edition of the#AFSTACongress2026, themed “Empowering Africa’s Future, One Seed at a Time, " was positioned as a premier gathering for seed industry leaders, experts, and stakeholders from across the continent and beyond.
