Agile Data & Digital Public Infrastructure Summit 2026: Paving the Way for Sustainable Agriculture
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe – February 16, 2026 – The upcoming Agile Data & Digital Public Infrastructure Summit 2026, scheduled to take place from March 1 to March 4 in the stunning locale of Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, promises to be a landmark event for those invested in the future of sustainable agriculture. The summit will convene an eclectic mix of stakeholders, including policymakers, practitioners, researchers, civil society representatives, leaders from the private sector, and farmers. Participants from Africa and various other regions around the world will engage in vital discussions aimed at addressing a pressing challenge: how to harmonize data, digital systems, and policy frameworks to create tangible value at the farmer level.
This summit marks a significant milestone as it merges Agile Data methodologies with the concept of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) in a shared space, encouraging an exchange of insights and innovations directly related to the farming community. The objective is clear: to design interconnected infrastructures alongside the policies that facilitate the application of these insights on a larger scale.
Over the four-day period, attendees will participate in a working convening intended to shift the focus from mere diagnosis to actionable solutions. The format has been deliberately structured to foster real dialogue through short presentations, interactive labs, and facilitated discussions. Such an approach is designed to empower participants to collaboratively tackle pressing issues and participate in co-creating practical solutions aimed at overcoming common challenges faced in agricultural settings.
The urgency of the quest for effective data utilization was aptly articulated by Liam Brody, CEO of the Committee on Sustainability Assessment (COSA). “In agriculture, we find ourselves awash with data; however, we continue to grapple with the fundamental challenge of converting insight into actionable change,” he stated. “This Summit is crafted to bridge that gap, ensuring that the generation, governance, and application of data are aligned — always with a focus on benefiting farmers and supporting informed decision-making.”
A cornerstone of the summit is the incorporation of direct farmer experiences within the framework of high-level decision-making. This alignment is crucial as it opens avenues to discuss future innovations and best practices that can lead to impactful transformations in the agricultural landscape.
Richard Caldwell, Senior Program Officer for Agricultural Development at the Gates Foundation, remarked, “Digital Public Infrastructure has the potential to accelerate progress—provided it is designed with the end-users in mind and oriented towards measurable outcomes. By connecting farmer-centered insights with those who create supportive systems and make strategic decisions, the Summit aims to delineate the practical steps necessary for effective real-world application of data systems.”
The summit enjoys the backing of esteemed organizations, including the Gates Foundation and GIZ, through the Digital Integration of Agricultural Supply Chains Alliance (DIASCA), which receives funding from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). COSA is responsible for organizing and facilitating the event, bringing together diverse stakeholders who work at the cross-section of agile data practices, digital public infrastructure, and farmer-centered system design.
Lars Kahnert, an Advisor for Digitalization at GIZ and part of the DIASCA initiative, underscored the significance of collaborative efforts during this summit. “Impact hinges upon alignment—between technology, institutions, and policy,” he stated. “The Agile Data and DPI Summit is a platform for governments, practitioners, funders, and farmers to collaboratively navigate these complex issues, seeking to identify what truly is required to implement systems that can scale effectively.”
As the summit draws to a close, the focus will shift to actionable outcomes. Participants will identify priority actions and commit to next steps aimed at ensuring momentum. Clarity will be of utmost importance as stakeholders will evaluate what has shifted, what tangible actions will be taken, and how these initiatives will continue beyond the confines of the event.
For those interested in joining this pivotal gathering, more information and registration details can be found at Agile DPI Summit.
About COSA
The Committee on Sustainability Assessment (COSA) is a global non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing decision-making in agriculture by providing reliable, farmer-centered data. Through rigorous methodologies and innovative tools, COSA aims to support partners in understanding the real costs, incomes, risks, and outcomes tied to sustainable agricultural practices.
About DIASCA
The Digital Integration of Agricultural Supply Chains Alliance (DIASCA) is a transformative global initiative; it seeks to revolutionize agriculture through digital public infrastructure that empowers farmers and promotes data interoperability across supply chains. DIASCA is supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by GIZ.
About the Agile Data & DPI Summit
The Agile Data & Digital Public Infrastructure Summit serves as a global forum focused on linking farmer-centered data with the requisite systems, standards, and policies needed for meaningful scalability. The event brings together diverse actors dedicated to fostering alignment, trust, and practical impact within the realm of agricultural data to enhance the livelihoods of smallholder farmers and promote sustainable supply chains.
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