By Abbas Nazil
The Africa Food Systems (AFS) initiative is stepping up efforts to engage African youth in agricultural transformation, recognizing their critical role in ensuring food security and driving innovation across the continent.
In collaboration with Senegal’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty, and Livestock, AFS will host the 19th edition of the Africa Food Systems Forum (AFSF) in Dakar, Senegal, bringing together more than 6,000 food systems leaders from around the world.
Themed “Africa’s Youth: Leading Collaboration, Innovation, and Implementation of Africa’s Food Systems Transformation,” the 2025 forum will be the most significant agriculture and food systems event on the continent.
Organizers aim to amplify the leadership of youth already shaping the agricultural space while inspiring others to join the movement.
Senegal’s Minister of Agriculture, Mabouba Diagne, emphasized that with nearly 60 percent of Africa’s population under 25, youth are the continent’s most powerful force for change.
He said Senegal is honored to host this influential event, confident it will influence policy, attract investment, and spark innovation in Africa’s food systems.
The minister added that the forum serves as a platform to show the world that Africa can attain food resilience through sustainable practices.
Participants are expected from over 90 countries, including representatives from the African Union, United Nations agencies, major development institutions, the private sector, academia, NGOs, farming communities, youth, and women’s groups.
Senegal’s hosting of the event reinforces its leadership in regional agricultural development.
The country employs nearly 69 percent of its labor force in agriculture and contributes about 17 percent to its GDP.
As a Sahel nation, Senegal has made significant investments in irrigation systems, storage infrastructure, and climate-resilient farming techniques to tackle food insecurity and strengthen its economy.
Amath Pathe, Managing Director of the Africa Food Systems Forum, said the event is a crucial opportunity to engage youth and young women as leaders and co-creators in shaping the future of agriculture.
He noted that the forum is not just a conversation but a movement, where 6,000 global voices will converge to design practical solutions and build sustainable food systems.
He added that the government of Senegal is fully committed to delivering a high-impact conference, with comprehensive plans for security, visa facilitation, logistics, multilingual services, and smooth protocol implementation.
The forum is scheduled to be held in August 2025, and registration is currently open on the AFS Forum’s official website.
Organizers hope the event will serve as a springboard for long-term collaboration, investment, and youth engagement that will redefine the future of agriculture across Africa.