Theme: Winning the Race against Food Insecurity, Malnutrition, and Climate Change through Genetic Innovation.
October 6 – 8, 2025
Pre-Conference, October 4 – 5, 2025
Venue: Elephant Hills Resort, Zimbabwe
| Early Bird (Deadline: Apr 30, 2025) | General (Deadline: Aug 31, 2025) | Late (Deadline: Sep 30, 2025) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Members | $350 | $450 | $600 |
| Students | $300 | $350 | $500 |
| Non-Members | $500 | $600 | $700 |
CONFERENCE DETAILS FOR PARTICIPANTS
Introduction
The African Plant Breeders Association (APBA) is proud to announce its 4th Conference, a landmark event set to take place from October 6 to 8, 2025, with pre and post conference activities schedules for the 4th and 5th and 9th and 10th of October 2025 respectively, at the breathtaking Elephant Hill Resort in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Under the theme “Winning the Race against Food Insecurity, Malnutrition, and Climate Change,” this conference will bring together leading plant breeders, researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders from across Africa and beyond to address some of the most pressing challenges facing the continent and the world.
With the dual threats of climate change and population growth exacerbating food insecurity and malnutrition, the role of innovative plant breeding has never been more critical. This conference will serve as a platform for sharing cutting-edge research, fostering collaboration, and exploring sustainable solutions to enhance agricultural productivity, improve nutrition, and build resilience in the face of a changing climate.
The pre and post conferenceactivities, will feature workshops, training sessions, and networking opportunities designed to equip participants with the tools and knowledge needed to drive transformative change in the field of plant breeding.
The conference promises to be an inspiring and impactful gathering, uniting minds and efforts to secure a food-secure and sustainable future for Africa and beyond. Join us as we work together to win the race against food insecurity, malnutrition, and climate change.
Overview
The African Plant Breeders Association (APBA) Conference 2025 is a landmark event that brings together plant breeders, researchers, policymakers, and agricultural stakeholders from across Africa and beyond. Under the theme “Winning the Race against Food Insecurity, Malnutrition, and Climate Change,” the conference will focus on addressing the pressing challenges of food security, nutrition, and climate resilience through innovative plant breeding and sustainable agricultural practices.
The conference will serve as a dynamic platform for sharing cutting-edge research, technologies, and strategies to enhance crop productivity, improve nutritional outcomes, and build climate-resilient food systems. Participants will engage in keynote presentations, panel discussions, technical sessions, and networking opportunities designed to foster collaboration and drive actionable solutions.
Pre-conference activities, including workshops and field visits, will provide hands-on learning experiences and facilitate knowledge exchange. The event will also highlight the importance of biodiversity conservation and the role of plant breeding in achieving sustainable development goals.
Hosted at the Elephant Hills Resort in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, the conference promises to be an inspiring and impactful gathering. It is a call to action for all stakeholders to unite in the fight against food insecurity, malnutrition, and climate change, ensuring a prosperous and resilient future for Africa.
Key Objectives:
- Showcase advancements in plant breeding technologies and practices.
- Promote collaboration among researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders.
- Develop strategies to combat food insecurity and malnutrition.
- Strengthen climate-resilient agricultural systems.
- Enhance capacity building and knowledge sharing in plant breeding.
Target Audience:
- Plant breeders and researchers.
- Agricultural scientists and practitioners.
- Policymakers and government representatives.
- Development organizations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
- Private sector stakeholders.
- Students and young professionals in agriculture.
1. Venue and Accommodation
Elephant Hills Resort & Conference Centre
Address: 328 Parkway Drive
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Tel.: +263 83244793-9
E-mail: bqmgr@ehr.africansun.co.zw & assistbqtmgr2@ehr.africansun.co.zw
Website: https://www.elephanthillshotel.com
Delegates are requested to make their own accommodation arrangements by contacting hotels directly:
a) Phone numbers and email addresses are provided in Annex 1 to make your own reservations.
b) Upon booking, delegates should specify that they will be attending the #APBAConf2025 Conference.
c) Delegates are encouraged to make their accommodation bookings on time to avoid any inconveniences.
d) Discounted rates have been negotiated (refer to Annex 1).
***Please note that the organizers will not be able to arrange accommodation for participants.
2. Geographical Location
Zimbabwe is a landlocked but land linked country sharing borders with South Africa, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia and Mozambique. It has a total area of about 390,757 square kilometers. The host town of Victoria Falls is located in Matabeleland North Province and lies on the southern bank of the mighty Zambezi River.
3. Visa and Immigration Requirements
Delegates must have a passport that is valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Zimbabwe. With the introduction of the visa regime, ALL– countries around the globe have been grouped into three categories as follows,
CATEGORY A – Countries, whose nationals do not require visas at all;
CATEGORY B – Countries whose nationals are granted visas at the port of entry on payment of the requisite visa fees; and,
CATEGORY C – Countries whose nationals are required to apply for and obtain visas prior to travelling.
Kindly refer to the website for detailed lists of countries.
a) Visas can be applied online, please visit the following link: www.evisa.gov.zw.
b) Delegates in Category C are encouraged to apply for their visas well on time online to avoid any inconveniences.
Should you be facing any challenges with the online system please do not hesitate to contact the Emigration Department at the following email: evisazim@gmail.com, or alternatively you can contact the Zimbabwe Plant Breeders Association (ZPBA) Secretariat at: zimplantbreedersassociation@gmail.com or zpba.secretariat@gmail.com.
4. Airport Reception and Transportation
All delegates are expected to arrive in Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) from the 5th of October 2025, depending on the availability of flights.
The host Government will provide a meet-and-greet service at Victoria Falls Airport, where a dedicated conference protocol desk clearly labeled with the conference banner will be established. Delegates are encouraged to arrange their transfers in advance to avoid any inconveniences, those needing assistance should get in touch with the ZPBA Secretariat at: zimplantbreedersassociation@gmail.com or zpba.secretariat@gmail.com, or call/Whatsapp on the following numbers: +263 78 461 8719 (Patience Nyakanda) / +263 71 928 1597 (Tendai Hove) / +263 78 241 6171 (Natasha Mbiza).
Delegations are requested to provide their travel itineraries to allow for adequate planning. There will be a receiving team at the airport to welcome all delegates coming for the event.
Shuttle services will be available at designated conference hotels in the morning and after the conferences. Shuttle times will be advised in due course to confirmed delegates
5. Registration and Accreditation
All delegates are required to register in advance for the conference. A link will be availed in due course for delegate registration. Delegates are encouraged to complete all their details online on or before 30 September 2025 and collect their badges at the registration booths on arrival at the conference venue.
Onsite Accreditation will open on 4 October 2025. Country delegations are required to share their delegations lists by the 15 September 2025 on: info_apba@wacci.ug.edu.gh, or call/Whatsapp on the following numbers: +233 55 322 3252 (Lucia) / +233 50 376 3127 (Gloria).
6. Pavilions and Exhibition Stands /Booths
Countries and delegates intending to establish pavilions and or/participate in the exhibition are required to contact ZPBA Secretariat at: zimplantbreedersassociation@gmail.com or zpba.secretariat@gmail.com and make space reservations by 1 August 2025. Pavilion and exhibition booth space will be made at a fee. Deadline for pavilion and exhibition stand/booth bookings is 1 August 2025.
Each reserved exhibition pavilion and/or booth/stand will have complimentary tables and chairs. However, where additional chairs and tables are needed, these should be communicated in advance, and there shall be an extra charge. For additional information and bookings please feel free contact ZPBA Secretariat at: zimplantbreedersassociation@gmail.com or zpba.secretariat@gmail.com, or APBA Secretariat at: info_apba@wacci.ug.edu.gh, or call/WhatsApp on the following numbers: +233 55 322 3252 (Lucia) / +233 50 376 3127 (Gloria).
7. Health Care and Safety
Attendance for medical emergencies will be provided free of charge by medical personnel at the conference venue. Ushers will be available to assist or usher conference delegates to the clinic at the venue, when the need arises.
Delegates are advised to update local medical aid and international travel health insurance to cover health care and emergency evacuation during the conference and when travelling.
Delegates on medication for chronic conditions should ensure that they pack enough stock for the entire stay in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Please note that some medications may be sold under different brands in different countries.
Vaccines against common transmissible diseases are also advised. Delegates from countries prone to Yellow Fever will be required to produce their vaccination certificates on arrival. The list of countries for which yellow fever vaccination is mandatory is available from the World Health Organization website on the link below @ https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/countries-with-risk-of-yellow-fever-transmission-and-countries-requiring-yellow-fever-vaccination-(november-2022).
8. Weather
Zimbabwe experiences winter from May to August, with June and July marking the peak of the winter season. We advise travelers to carry appropriate clothing. However, Zimbabwe does not experience snow during the winter period. The average temperature in Zimbabwe in the months of June/July ranges from 12–13° C (54–55° F) to 24° C (75° F)
9. Internet Connection and Power Adaptor
There is internet connectivity in all hotel rooms and at the meeting venue. Please be advised that the venue has both round and square sockets/plugs.
10. Language
The Conference will be conducted in English. Please note that Zimbabwe has 16 official languages. English is widely spoken, and Shona and Ndebele are the main Indigenous languages.
11. Documents
Working documents for the meeting will be shared via the African Plant Breeders Association website prior to the meeting. The final programme of the Conference will also be available on the African Plant Breeders Association website.
12. Local Currency/Forex
The local currency of Zimbabwe is the Zimbabwe Gold (ZWG). However, the following currencies are accepted USD/Euro/Rand and Pula. Please feel free to visit https://www.rbz.co.zw/ for daily bank exchange rates. Major credit cards, including American Express, Diners Club, Mastercard and Visa, are accepted in Zimbabwe. Although an ATM will be made available onsite, delegates are encouraged to carry enough cash to cover their Sundry expenses.
13. Side Events
Will be updated after confirmations.
14. Work and Play
Take a break from the agenda and immerse yourself in the charm of our Tourism Capital, Victoria Falls activities and adventure from;
a) Tour of the Majestic Victoria Falls
b) Bungee Jumping
c) Bridge Swing
d) Boat Cruise-sunset/day
e) Crocodile Farm Tour and Cage Diving
f) Rafting
g) Game Drive (am/pm) and Walking Safari
h) Elephant Interactive Safari /Rhino Encounter
i) Helicopter Flight over the Zambezi River
j) Boma Dinner
k) Visit to Hwange National Park, 100Km from Victoria Falls
There’s something here for everyone from the more than 50 activities available in town! These activities are not only a chance to relax but also an opportunity to connect with fellow delegates in a more casual and enjoyable setting.
15. Electricity and Voltage
The standard voltage in Zimbabwe is 220–240 volts and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. Power sockets are type G (the standard socket type used in the United Kingdom, which takes plugs with three round/square pins).
16. Customs Requirement
To comply with the national customs regulations, you should declare all laptops and conference equipment in your possession upon entering Zimbabwe.
17. Media Requirements for Journalists
All foreign journalists wishing to cover the 4th APBA Conference from 4 to 8 October 2025 in Victoria Falls are welcome to do so; and are further advised to apply for clearance to cover the conference before arrival in Zimbabwe.
a) Foreign media applications for media work in Zimbabwe should be on letterheads and forwarded via email or by fax to:
The Permanent Secretary
Ministry of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services
1st Floor, Munhumutapa Building
Corner Samora Machel Avenue/Sam Nujoma Street
Harare
ZIMBABWE
Email: commservicesinternational@gmail.com
The Ministry will respond to applications, directing successful applicants to be issued with accreditation cards by the Zimbabwe Media Commission (ZMC) before or upon arrival in Harare or Victoria Falls.
Journalists are urged to apply early to avoid any inconveniences. The Ministry of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services is reachable on +263 242 764088/ +263 242 701437 and the contact person is Mr B. Muchineuta on + 263 712 236 449. Detailed information on normal clearance and accreditation regime as well as applicable fees is readily available upon request on commservicesinternational@gmail.com.
18. Contact Persons
1. Zimbabwe Plant Breeders Association (ZPBA) Secretariat: Email:zimplantbreedersassociation@gmail.com or zpba.secretariat@gmail.com, or call/Whatsapp on the following numbers: +263 78 461 8719 (Patience Nyakanda) / +263 71 928 1597 (Tendai Hove) / +263 78 241 6171 (Natasha Mbiza).
2. African Plant Breeders Association (APBA) Secretariat: Email: info_apba@wacci.ug.edu.gh, or call/WhatsApp on the following numbers: +233 55 322 3252 (Lucia) / +233 50 376 3127 (Gloria).
Annexure 1:
Below is the List of some designated conference hotels that will be used as pick up points for shuttles by the Ministry of Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife in Zimbabwe:
| FACILITY NAME | CONTACT NUMBER | RATE | |
| ELEPHANT HILLS RESORT | +263781707146 | resevations.her@africansun.co.zw | USD175 Single |
| RAINBOW HOTEL | +263772307130 | reservations.vfrh@rtg.co.zw | USD130 Single USD160 Twin |
| CRESTA SPRAYVIEW | +26383 2844344 | fom@sprayview.cresta.co.zw | USD130 Single USD170 Twin |
| VICTORIA FALLS SAFARI LODGE | +263712207381/2 | resman@saflodge.co.zw saflodge@saflodge.co.zw | SADC Guests Victoria Falls Safari lodge room – $188 per person per night sharing and $236 per person per night |
| A’ZAMBEZI RIVER LODGE | +263776306281 | reservations.Azambezi@rtg.co.zw | USD180 Standard Single USD200 Standard Double |
| BHEJANE LODGE | +263774946542 | bhejanelodge@gmail.com | USD110 standard single USD120 Standard Double USD130 Delux Single USD 140 Delux Double |
| THE SHRUB LODGE | +263788746909 | reservations@theshrublodge.com | USD140 Single USD160 Twin USD160 Double |
| MIOMBO MEWS | +263789458231 | info@miombomews.com | 2 Bedroom Apartment US$110 pp NB- Each Apartment can sleep 2 people with own bedroom and bathroom |
| PALM RIVER HOTEL | +263832844737/8 | reservations@palmriverhotel.com | USD504 Single USD354pp sharing |
| TABOKANA HOUSE | +263784902197 | tabokanahouse@gmail.com | USD75.00 Single |
| MOPANI LODGE MOPANI VILLA DELUXE | +263789277000 | tadiwa@mopani.travel | USD115 Single USD125 Double USD140 Deluxe USD240 2 Bed |
| THE LITTLE OUTLOOK | +263774944129 / 122 | reservations@theoutlook.co.zw | USD135 Single USD150 Double |
| BATONKA | +263717734933 | reservations@batonkaguestlodge.com | USD241Single USD185pp sharing Rates subject to change |
| NGUNI LODGE | +263777468991 +263780589932 | reservations@ngunilodge.com | USD99pp sharing |
| INSIKA | +2638677009851 | res@insikalodge.com | USD160pp sharing standard room USD200pp sharing signature room |
| KABAKWE LODGE | +263780589932 | USD150 | |
| THE VIC FALLS OASIS | +263780392412 | bookings@vicfallsoasis.com | USD92pp sharing USD120 Single |
| BISHOPS HOUSE | +263788746867 | info@bishopshousevicfalls.com | USD120.00 |
| KASAMBABEZI LODGE | +263716355194 | judith@kasambabezilodge.com | USD180.00 Single |
| LIVINGSTONE LODGE | +263782818181 | info@livingstonelodge.com | |
| VICTORIA FALLS BACKPACKERS | +263713575413 | info@victoriafallsbackpackers.com | USD55 Twin USD70 Double |
| FURUSA LODGE | +263772694074 | info@furusaguesthouse.com | |
| PENIEL RETREAT CENTRE | +263788092361 | res@penielvicfalls.com | USD155 Single USD200 Exec USD160 Twin USD400 Family |
| SHONGWE LOOKOUT | +263775298598 | reservations@shongwelookout.com | USD140pp sharing USD200 single |
| SHONGWE OASIS | +263832844209 | reservations@shongwe-oasis.com | USD150pp sharing USD220 single |
| AMAKHOSI HOTEL | +263788533532 | res@amakhosivicfalls.com | USD150/room |