The APA conference provides a great platform to trigger required changes to improve sweetpotato and potato production and competitiveness in Africa by applying new knowledge, tools and technology accessed through the meetings. Various stakeholders will be mobilised to tackle both the persistent and emerging production, handling, processing and marketing constrains for these two value chains. Moreover, with easier travel to Uganda, participation of Africans will be enhanced, increasing opportunities for as acquisition of knowledge and technologies. We are deliberately including the 13 th APA conference among the celebrations of World Potato Day, which is a celebration of the potato, a staple food enjoyed by billions around the globe. The United Nations has designated May 30 th as the International Potato Day, recognizing the potato’s significant role in addressing food security and nutrition challenges. This day is an opportunity to highlight the importance of the potato crop, which contributes to sustainable agriculture and economic opportunities.