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What happens after the 2025 Africa Food Systems Summit ends?

This was the pressing question at the May 9 launch of the 2025 Africa Food Systems (AFS) Forum in Dakar, Senegal. The launch, held at the Grand Théâtre de Dakar, convened hundreds of delegates including ministers, partners, ambassadors, and youth, setting the stage for a transformative forum later this year.

Senegal, the host of this year’s Forum starting in late August, made its vision clear: A legacy that is built for Africa, by Africa, and powered by youth.  

This bold, future-shaping declaration emerged at the launch, and Senegal’s leadership believes it will outlast any forum agenda or photo op.

At the core of the launch was the Community Agricultural Cooperative (CAC), Senegal’s flagship legacy programme, which was unveiled as a platform for community-driven agricultural transformation.

The Minister for Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Livestock, Hon. Dr. Mabouba Diagne, described the CAC as a scalable model designed to revolutionise local food systems by placing young people and women at the centre of Africa’s agri-future.

“Our agriculture hasn’t hit its full stride yet. It hasn’t created the jobs our young people are ready for. But we’re not waiting on others. This isn’t just about Senegal. This is about the whole continent,” said Hon. Diagne.

The CAC’s ultimate intention is to reclaim sovereignty, and it is grounded on community action, innovation, and inclusive growth, and forms a key pillar of Senegal’s Vision 2050 transformation agenda.

“The State of Senegal is implementing several reforms designed to attract more private investment into agriculture,” added M. Bakary Séga Bathily, Director General, APIX.

A Youthquake in the offing

At the AFS Forum launch, youth leadership took centre stage, opening with a high-level dialogue led by young professionals and a powerful Vision 2050 presentation from a young innovator. The youthful energy prevailed across all aspects of the program, providing a glimpse of what to expect at the Forum later in the year. 

“I tell you with conviction: let us not wait for an opportunity to knock at our door. We must create it, seize it and transform it. Nelson Mandela reminded us that it always seems impossible until it’s done,” said Cheikh Awa Balla Mbacke of Miname Export, setting the tone for a movement defined by bold action and determination.

This moment confirmed that this year’s convening will go beyond youth participation to ascertain youth ownership.

The decision to select Senegal as this year’s host was the result of careful consideration. Senegal, which has one of the youngest governments globally by average ministerial age, earned the right to host the event after a competitive three-month selection process. The country was chosen in recognition of its bold agricultural strategies and its strong, youth-centred vision for the future.

To amplify this commitment, the launch also featured a youth-led media roundtable with three standout changemakers: Nafissatou Traoré, Daouda Seck, and El Hadji Malick Sagne, nominated by AFS Forum partners the Mastercard Foundation, FAO, and Heifer International, respectively. A reminder that youth voices aren’t just present, they’re leading.

Africa’s Next Chapter Starts in Dakar

Following this nomination, from August 29 to September 5, Dakar will welcome more than 6,000 leaders, innovators, farmers, and policymakers for a week of high-level dialogue and deal-making. Yet, as with the launch event, the real spotlight will be on the future architects of Africa’s food systems — the continent’s more than one billion young people.

“Every day, across our continent, young farmers and tech pioneers are redefining what’s possible,” said Amath Pathe Sene, Managing Director of the Forum.

“Dakar 2025 will be their launchpad. And it’s our job to give them the runway.”

This year’s Forum builds on a decade-plus of game-changing work, inspired by multi-million-dollar investment deals and bold policy shifts. In 2024 alone, African governments mobilised over $13.5 billion toward food system transformation. 

And Dakar is ready to raise the bar again.

What Will Remain?

“We don’t attend a summit just to leave afterwards,” said Sene.

“What stays behind? What takes root?” he posed. 

With platforms like the CAC, Senegal’s answer was loud and clear: A legacy. A movement. A blueprint for transformation that belongs to Africa and its youth – the pioneers of the continent’s next food revolution.

Welcome to AFS Forum 2025 in Dakar, where the future of Africa’s food systems has already begun.