Africa’s food systems can only thrive if youth are at the heart of the transformation. The 2025 Africa Food Systems Forum puts this belief into action with a powerful Youth Town Hall, an interactive platform where young Africans engage directly with policymakers, innovators, and industry leaders. Under the leadership of H.E. President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and H.E. Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, Senegal’s youth-first vision comes to life through bold initiatives like the Community Agricultural Cooperative (CAC), setting the tone for a continent-wide movement.

Watch as youth leaders in agri food systems from across the continent voice their priorities, pitch groundbreaking ideas, and challenge decision-makers to invest in their vast potential. From demanding inclusive policies to scaling youth-led agribusinesses, the Town Hall is where a new generation of voices meets decisive action. Join this pivotal assembly and witness Africa’s youth actively shape a resilient, productive, and collaborative food future for all.

Be part of a defining moment for Africa's agricultural future at the Africa Food Systems Forum 2025 - the continent's premier platform for transforming food systems. Hosted by Senegal's dynamic leadership, this Presidential Summit confronts today’s critical challenges, declining aid, climate shocks, and global instability, by shifting the focus to unlocking Africa’s vast agri-food potential through domestic resources and bold policy reforms. Anchored in the new CAADP Strategy (2026–2035), the summit galvanizes leaders to reimagine and reinvest in our food systems. Dive into discussions exploring smart financing, from tax reform and local bonds to tapping remittances and pension funds for sustainable transformation. With youth-led innovation pulsing at its core, this forum will elevate African solutions, drive high-level commitments, and decisively position the continent as a global food powerhouse.

Recognizing Africa's vibrant youth as the dynamic engine for change, this researcher's forum directly addresses the importance of engaging young people in the research, science, technology, and innovation (RSTI) that underpin a sustainable and food-secure future for the continent. This forum will explore concrete and actionable strategies to effectively draw young talent into the agri-food sector's RSTI landscape. Panellists will explore innovative approaches to foster youth engagement in research-based initiatives across the entire food value chain – from primary production to processing, distribution, and consumption.

How do we measure our progress and hold ourselves accountable? This powerful plenary celebrates the rapid evolution of Africa’s food systems while calling for greater investment in the people driving change on the ground. We will champion and support Africa’s primary implementers, youth, women, smallholder farmers, and local leaders, who are turning ambition into tangible action. Through compelling personal stories and high-level reflections, this session spotlights real-world progress in scaling digital tools, embedding climate-smart practices, and advancing inclusive business models. Discover how game-changing platforms like the Africa Agriculture Status Report (AASR) are fostering data-driven leadership. Join this rallying call to ensure the people closest to the challenges are placed at the absolute center of the solutions.

Unlock the full potential of Africa’s food and nutrition landscape by championing its most vital players: women. While women form the backbone of our agrifood systems, they remain critically underserved and under-resourced. This powerful plenary confronts this disparity head-on, putting a spotlight on women’s leadership and rights as the key to transformative change. Be present for the official launch of "The Status of Women in Agrifood Systems," a groundbreaking report packed with the latest data and regional trends. Esteemed speakers will unpack the report's key findings on food security, nutrition, and climate resilience, focusing on opportunities for young women. Expect a deep dive into Africa-specific recommendations and actionable strategies designed to forge truly inclusive and equitable agrifood systems.

This session will explore the critical role the private sector must play in actively supporting and collaborating with the youth generation. We will move beyond acknowledging the potential of youth and explore concrete pathways and tools, derisking mechanisms for the private sector to strategically engage and invest in youth-led initiatives supported by public sectors and key reforms needed to achieve tangible progress towards a sustainable and food-secure Africa.

This forum session will focus on the importance for the private sector of moving beyond traditional approaches and embracing innovative strategies for meaningful youth engagement.

While addressing women’s roles in production, processing, trading, and households’ food consumption, we must also consider how the women are positioned in the agri-food systems, their accessibility to innovations, their vulnerability and resilience to climate change, their agency and participation in decision making and how the policy environment influences all these. This session will explore how we are meeting the equitable food systems challenge in Africa and how we can accelerate progress.

Witness the future of food being coded today by Africa’s brilliant youth, who are actively turning agricultural challenges into digital opportunities. This forward-looking session spotlights the raw power of technology fused with the creativity of young minds, transforming our food systems from the ground up. Explore how youth-led solutions, from drone-mapped farms to AI-powered supply chains, are already rewriting the rules of farming, processing, and distribution. Join trailblazing entrepreneurs and tech enablers as they demonstrate how artificial intelligence and digital tools are boosting productivity, building climate resilience, and creating smarter value chains. This session will dive into what it takes to build inclusive digital ecosystems where all farmers and agripreneurs can access the tech they need to thrive.

In response, the Africa Food Systems Parliamentary Network (AFSPaN), in partnership with the Parliament of Senegal, will convene a Parliamentarians Forum. This platform will facilitate structured dialogue to develop a Parliamentary Roadmap with actionable commitments, to be reviewed each year. A key focus will be inclusive dialogue aligned with Kampala’s Commitment 4, bill approvals that are food systems sensitive by committees, promoting youth-informed policy recommendations and meaningful youth participation in advancing decent work across the agrifood value chain.

Africa’s food environments are at a critical time of transformation—shaped by rapid urbanization, market disruptions, climate stress, cultural preferences, and aggressive marketing of unhealthy foods. These factors influence what people eat, how they access food, and contribute to the rise of diet-related non-communicable diseases. With over 60% of Africa’s population under 25, it is essential to centre youth in transforming food systems. This session will explore how to redesign food environments to make nutritious diets affordable, accessible, and desirable for all. It will highlight ways youth can drive innovation in agriculture, community food systems, and policy advocacy to foster inclusive and health-promoting food environments across rural and urban Africa.

Africa stands at a turning point and CAADP is the engine to drive its food systems transformation. This pivotal session will spotlight the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) and its bold 2026–2035 Strategy and Action Plan, launched alongside the Kampala Declaration. With ambitious goals to mobilize $100 billion in investments, boost food production by 45%, triple intra-African agri-food trade, and cut post-harvest losses in half, the future starts now. Join policymakers and food system actors to align around CAADP’s six core commitments, from scaling sustainable production to strengthening governance, key indicators to measures the implantation and accountability framework to investment and financing mechanisms needed. Expect a deep dive into game-changing reforms around regional integration, input access, and logistics that are designed to drive real impact. Be part of the movement to turn this ambitious strategy into concrete, on-the-ground results. It is time to act, invest, and deliver Africa’s food future, together.

Africa stands at a pivotal moment in its journey toward food security, sustainable development, and resilience against global challenges. The intertwining of agri-food systems, energy, and climate offers a unique opportunity to reinvent the continent’s approach to feeding its growing population. These three aspects, when integrated, can serve as transformative forces to enhance productivity, reduce environmental stress, and empower communities.

This High-Level inter-ministerial roundtable is open to Ministers of Agriculture, Energy and Climate as well as Multi-and Bilateral Development Agencies, Heads of International Organizations, Leaders of Private Sector and Investor Organizations to reflect on and share policy and investment insights on how to harness energy solutions and advance food systems transformation in the face of changing climate.

This thematic session will highlight the role of African youth agripreneurs in advancing agroecology as a transformative pathway for sustainable food systems. Through an interactive dialogue format, real-world case studies, and cross-sectoral engagement, the session will demonstrate how agroecological principles—diversification, soil regeneration, circular economies, and local governance—are being put into action by young innovators. It will also unpack the enabling conditions needed—such as policy alignment, access to finance, and knowledge networks—to mainstream youth-led agroecological solutions across the continent.

The CAADP Strategy and Action Plan (2026–2035) and the Kampala Declaration identify weak implementation capacity and coordination as major obstacles to Africa’s agrifood transformation. Strategic Objective 6 emphasizes strengthening agrifood systems governance through improved leadership, coordination, and mutual accountability.

This session co-organized by AGRA’s Centre for African Leaders in Agriculture (CALA) and the African Food Fellowship (AFF) will highlight Food Systems Leadership (FSL) as a practical solution. It will showcase the importance of investing in experienced and emerging leaders across sectors to accelerate progress toward Kampala goals. Using evidence and models like, the session advocates for greater institutional recognition and funding for leadership development as a catalyst for capacity building, inclusion, and systemic change. By fostering collaboration among ministries and partners, the session aims to promote transparent, accountable, and adaptive governance for resilient, inclusive, and nutrition-sensitive food systems in Africa.

Africa stands at a pivotal moment in its journey toward food security, sustainable development, and resilience against global challenges. The intertwining of agri-food systems, energy, and climate offers a unique opportunity to reinvent the continent’s approach to feeding its growing population. These three aspects, when integrated, can serve as transformative forces to enhance productivity, reduce environmental stress, and empower communities.

This High-Level inter-ministerial roundtable is open to Ministers of Agriculture, Energy and Climate as well as Multi-and Bilateral Development Agencies, Heads of International Organizations, Leaders of Private Sector and Investor Organizations to reflect on and share policy and investment insights on how to harness energy solutions and advance food systems transformation in the face of changing climate.

Let’s solve a critical paradox: Africa grows enough food, but inefficient supply chains and siloed policies prevent it from reaching those who need it most. This high-energy plenary gathers bold leaders and youth innovators to shatter these barriers. Together, we will explore how to unlock the full promise of the AfCFTA, modernize logistics and storage, and harness digital tools to connect producers to markets with speed and fairness. Expect a session brimming with fresh ideas and real-world solutions to get food flowing across borders and onto tables. Discover how we can empower SMEs, youth, and women to transform food trade from farm to fork by aligning policies and forging powerful new partnerships that make our food systems efficient and future ready.

Africa’s food future requires more than ambition; it demands bold leadership and a shared vision. This unique high-level plenary convenes the Council of the Wise, a powerhouse of seasoned African leaders, to chart a clear path toward unlocking intra-African food trade under the AfCFTA. The discussion will spotlight the urgent need for harmonized standards, smarter customs systems, and data-driven governance to break down barriers and build trust across borders. Leaders will explore how innovative financing, and digital tools can modernize supply chains and improve market access. With a strong focus on empowering youth, women, and SMEs, this session challenges decision-makers to champion a new era of trade that delivers resilience and prosperity for all.

Let’s solve a critical paradox: Africa grows enough food, but inefficient supply chains and siloed policies prevent it from reaching those who need it most. This high-energy plenary gathers bold leaders and youth innovators to shatter these barriers. Together, we will explore how to unlock the full promise of the AfCFTA, modernize logistics and storage, and harness digital tools to connect producers to markets with speed and fairness. Expect a session brimming with fresh ideas and real-world solutions to get food flowing across borders and onto tables. Discover how we can empower SMEs, youth, and women to transform food trade from farm to fork by aligning policies and forging powerful new partnerships that make our food systems efficient and future ready.

Africa’s food systems face mounting challenges from rapid population growth, climate change, urbanization, and global market disruptions. With the population projected to exceed 2.2 billion by 2050 and food demand rising over 50%, the continent must transition from fragmented, import-dependent systems to integrated, self-sustaining regional food economies. Currently, Africa spends $60–80 billion annually on food imports, despite vast underutilized land and millions of farmers disconnected from formal markets.

To tackle this, African leaders have endorsed the Kampala Declaration and revised CAADP Strategy, emphasizing coordinated action through the Food Baskets and Corridors Initiative. This framework aims to leverage regional strengths, boost investments, and connect surplus zones with demand centers via improved infrastructure, harmonized trade policies, and cross-border collaboration. The session will explore how these integrated food baskets and trade corridors can enhance intra-African trade, reduce losses, promote agro-industrial growth, and build climate-resilient value chains, focusing on smallholder farmers, women, youth, and regional bodies. It will also examine financing, governance, and policy models to attract investment and showcase successful value chain examples, fostering inclusive and resilient African food systems.

Africa stands on the frontline of the world’s climate, biodiversity, and land crises, but it also holds the power to lead the world in solutions. This transformative plenary unites high-level leaders, technical experts, and passionate youth to align actions across the three Rio Conventions. Building on momentum from COP28, the session focuses on translating global commitments into integrated, continent-wide action. Through bold dialogue, speakers will reveal practical pathways for how coordinated governance and community-driven solutions can restore ecosystems and secure resilient food systems. A dedicated youth segment will spotlight the leadership of Africa’s next generation in a compelling fireside chat. Join this urgent call to unite the climate, nature, and land agendas under African leadership to build a sustainable future.

The Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) has evolved as a cornerstone of Africa’s strategy to boost agricultural productivity, enhance food security, and foster inclusive economic growth. The Kampala CAADP Strategy and Action Plan (2026–2035) underscores a shift towards systemic transformation of food systems through sustainable practices, inclusive governance, and youth and women’s empowerment.
Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) have been pivotal in realizing these objectives through advocacy, accountability mechanisms, and innovative programming at community levels.

The session would be run as a Roundtable dialogue that allows CSOs, smallholder representatives, youth groups and other stakeholders in the room to engage in the conversation.

How do we turn political promises into practical action to restore Africa’s soils and feed its people? This dynamic session rallies African Union leaders and key stakeholders to unlock bold investments in fertilizer and soil health. Participants will dive deep into solutions that move beyond simple fertilizer access to focus on building truly resilient, nutrient-rich soils that can sustain future generations. The conversation will tackle persistent funding gaps, explore ways to de-risk procurement and distribution, and push for repurposing existing financing to better serve farmers. Expect candid reflections and a strong call to action to operationalize the Africa Fertilizer and Soil Health Action Plan. Don't miss this opportunity to shape the future where policy meets investment and ambition meets action.

Climate change poses an unprecedented and escalating crisis for African farmers, who, despite contributing minimally to its causes, are disproportionately affected by its severe impacts. To combat and mitigate these dire effects, it's not just beneficial but imperative for farmers to rapidly adopt new, climate-resilient agricultural technologies and innovative practices.

This dynamic Farmers' Forum dialogue at AFSF 2025 will directly address the critical issue of financial access for farmers and farmer organizations. We'll explore practical strategies and innovative mechanisms to enhance the availability of finance for agricultural development and growth. A key focus will be on unlocking climate finance opportunities, empowering farmers to invest in resilient and sustainable practices.

Increasing global temperature and more frequent, intense, and severe extreme weather events are causing more displacements and disrupting the livelihoods of millions, placing considerable stress on Africa’s agriculture sector. African youth are recognised as both vulnerable to climate change and strong advocates for climate action. At the upcoming ‘Trio convention’ in Brazil, youth are expected to present disruptive ideas, business opportunities, and investment plans for climate action. By exchanging policies, financing mechanisms, and innovations that address climate change mitigation and adaption, this session aims to well-equip African youth to negotiate for Africa food systems transformation on the global stage.

The Africa Food Systems Forum 2025 wraps up on a high note, celebrating youth leadership, bold ideas, and game-changing commitments. The closing ceremony kicks off with a powerful spotlight on Africa’s next generation of agripreneurs and innovators. Experience inspiring moments as we honor the graduating Generation Africa Fellowship Program (GAFP) fellows and present the Africa Food Systems Impact Awards to true trailblazers. The Prime Ministers’ Panel then takes center stage, with top African leaders sharing concrete policy actions to unleash the full power of youth for food systems transformation. The Forum concludes with a clear and decisive call to action, highlighting headline investments and breakthrough partnerships in the Closing Communique. Let's celebrate, reflect, and recommit to building a resilient, youth-led food future for Africa.