The AWARD side event, titled “Are we meeting the equitable food systems leadership challenge in Africa?” is convened by a consortium of partners including African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD), the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), and Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), in recognition of the critical role that inclusive leadership plays in transforming food systems. The session will draw on evidence from the status of Women in Agrifood Systems in Sub-Saharan Africa report, and lessons from initiatives working to diversify food system’s leadership.