France, through AFD, and Valorial mark Farm’Innov success with high-level event to strengthen agri-food innovation in Kenya

Launched in 2024, Farm’Innov has supported 14 Kenyan agri-food companies through a tailored acceleration programme combining Kenyan and French expertise. The initiative has enabled participating businesses to strengthen their models, develop innovative solutions and access new market opportunities. 

The closing event, held at the French Embassy in Nairobi, brought together over a hundred people, including key figures from the public and private sectors brought together key public and private stakeholders, including H.E. Arnaud Suquet, Ambassador of France to Kenya, and Anne-Gaël Chapuis, AFD Country Director. The programme featured presentations of the project’s impact, pitch sessions from participating companies, and testimonials highlighting the value of Franco-Kenyan cooperation in advancing sustainable agriculture and food systems. 

“Farm’Innov is a good example of what AFD - Kenya partnership looks like in practice,” said Anne-Gaël Chapuis, AFD Country Director for Kenya. “Behind the programme are entrepreneurs who are testing ideas, taking risks and building businesses that respond to real needs. AFD is proud to support agri-food innovation in Kenya connecting expertise, opening opportunities and helping these companies grow in a sustainable way.”

A catalyst for business and market access

Held on 31 March 2026 at Novotel Westlands, The Trade Convention, provided a platform for concrete business engagement between agri-food companies and Kenyan distributors. The programme included a high-level round table on market access, bringing together major retail actors, as well as B2B meetings and product showcases. 

By connecting producers with distributors and facilitating dialogue on standards, product listing requirements and value chain integration, the convention addressed key challenges facing agri-food SMEs in Kenya and helped unlock new commercial opportunities.

“We have been able to put our expertise and 20 years’ experience as an agro-industrial innovation cluster at the service of this cooperation project between France and Kenya,” said Jean-Luc Perrot, Director of Valorial. “In keeping with the spirit of Farm’Innov, I would say that all stakeholders are now delighted that this project has succeeded in “connecting the fields of possibility” between the Kenyan and French agri-food sectors. That’s where innovation really happens—and why these partnerships have a future beyond the project itself.”

Driving innovation for food security 

Farm’Innov was designed to address a central challenge: strengthening food security in Kenya while supporting the growth of competitive agri-food businesses. Through its support to companies operating across diverse value chains, from dairy and meat to horticulture and food processing, the project has contributed to building more resilient, inclusive and sustainable food systems.

The initiative also highlighted key cross-cutting priorities, including women’s entrepreneurship, circular economy approaches and value creation from agricultural by-products, demonstrating how innovation can drive both economic growth and social impact.

Part of a broader partnership

Taking place just weeks ahead of the Africa Forward Summit to be co-hosted by France and Kenya in 11 - 12 May , the Farm’Innov closing events underscored the importance of international partnerships in supporting Africa’s economic transformation and strengthening local value chains. 

By fostering collaboration between Kenyan and French stakeholders, Farm’Innov has laid the groundwork for continued cooperation in the agri-food sector, with the ambition of scaling solutions that contribute to food sovereignty and sustainable development.