Organizer: SNV, AGRA, Global Citizens, CGIAR, Helen Keller International (HKI), Kick-Start, Tufts University, Cornell University, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC)

This session explores the investment challenges and opportunities of transforming agrifood systems while protecting indigenous and traditional food systems under climate change to support optimal nutrition. As climate impacts intensify, these systems—rich in biodiversity and local knowledge—face disruption, threatening both nutrition and cultural heritage.

The discussion will emphasize:

• The need for localized climate information and stronger understanding of climate–nutrition interconnections

• Risks of scaling solutions without grounding them in local realities

• The role of locally derived knowledge in informing resilient, nutrition-sensitive adaptation strategies

• How policy, program, and finance frameworks can support bottom-up approaches

The session fosters cross-sectoral dialogue to bridge local action with national and global processes, ensuring nutrition is recognized as a climate imperative.

Speakers

• Dr. Namukolo Covic, ILRI – Keynote Speaker

• Claude Arsène Sawadogo, Bioprotect

• Vivian Maduekeh, FHS Africa

• Dr. Fabio Cresto Aleina, Global Citizens

• Evans Ochuto, Community Seed Bank, Vihiga County, Kenya

• Kindie Fantaye, AGRA RE-GAIN

• Annemieke Beekmans, SNV

Organizer: ISRA, CORAF, AfricaRice, CARD 

By 2030, an estimated 375 million young people are expected to enter the African labor market, representing a massive potential for innovations ready to be deployed through entrepreneurial projects. This context creates a historic window of opportunity to catalyze the convergence between scientific excellence and youth entrepreneurship. 

It is in this framework that the three partner research institutions—AfricaRice, CORAF, and ISRA—seizing the opportunity of the Africa Food Systems Forum 2025, are organizing a special event designed to provide a practical and concrete understanding of seed innovations developed by the three institutions and young African innovators, while exploring their capacity to transform the sector through youth entrepreneurship. 

Speakers 

Dr. Madiama Cissé, Scientific Director, ISRA 

Dr. Prem Bindraban, Deputy Director General & Director of Research and Innovation, AfricaRice 

Dr. Emmanuel Njukwe, Director of Research and Innovation, CORAF 

Dr. Mame Codou Gueye, Researcher and Head of the Intellectual Property and Genetic Resources Office, ISRA 

Mr. Alioune Mbow, Senior Regional Coordinator of the RIZAO Program, AfricaRice 

Dr. Caroline Sobgui, Head of Technical Operations iREACH & Project Coordinator ProPAD-GIRAV, CORAF 

Mr. Mamadou Lamine Ndiaye, Student, ENSA 

Ms. Amy Kebe Sylla, JOKALANTE 

Organizer: Synergos 

This dynamic panel explores how effective policy can transform Africa’s food systems to become more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable. With the continent facing mounting challenges—climate change, conflict, rapid urbanization, and food insecurity—there is an urgent need for policy frameworks that address systemic inequalities while promoting innovation and sustainability. The discussion will bring together policymakers, researchers, agribusiness leaders, and civil society actors to examine strategies for aligning national and regional policies with the goals of food security, climate resilience, and economic inclusion. Panelists will delve into best practices for empowering smallholder farmers, supporting women and youth in agriculture, and leveraging public-private partnerships to scale impact. Attendees will gain insights into how evidence-based policymaking, cross-sector collaboration, and investment in agri-food systems can drive equitable and lasting change. This session aims to catalyze bold policy actions that ensure Africa’s food systems are fit for the future. 

Organizer: SNV (Session Lead); IFAD; Netherlands Food Partnership (NFP) and Young Expert Program (YEP); UN Food Systems (UNFS) Coordination Hub, and Erasmus Centre for Entrepreneurship (ECE) 

In this session entitled: re-imagine the future of leadership and catalysts for food systems transformation; youth leaders and multi stakeholders will unpack the four critical catalysts for food Systems Transformation: Ecosystem Coordination, Economic Opportunities for Youth, Intergenerational Dialogue and Youth Leadership. 

Through this interactive speed dating, panel discussion and strategic foresight workshop featuring youth partners and experts from SNV, IFAD, ECOJES (Senegal Rural Youth Alliance), UN Food Systems (UNFS) Coordination Hub, Netherlands Food Partnership (NFP), the Government of Senegal, and Erasmus Centre for Entrepreneurship (ECE), youth leaders, experts and more experienced experts (investors, policymakers, corporates, private sector, academia, development partners) will come together to re-imagine the future of leadership in food systems, facilitate dialogue and create the connections needed to foster sustainable systems transformation. 

Moderators 

• Mr. Martin Bwalya, Senior Food Systems Regional Consultant – Africa, UN Food Systems Coordination Hub 
• Lena Savelli, Deputy Director, UN Food Systems Coordination Hub 

Speakers 

• Aïnina Aïdara, Technical Specialist, Social Inclusion & Youth Employment, IFAD 
• Ms. Jean Muthamia-Mwenda, Global Lead – Youth Employment & Entrepreneurship, SNV  
• Marjan Riepma, Project Manager, Young Expert Programmes (YEP Agrofood), Netherlands Food Partnership 
• Ms. Wampie Libon, Director of Inclusive Green Growth, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kingdom of the Netherlands 
• Cissé Safoura Ousmane, Founder of Health Secret and Youth Green Business Coach, SNV 
• Bernard Hien, Regional Director for West and Central Africa (WCA), IFAD  
• Mamadou Diop, Youth Projects Officer at CNCR and Technical Facilitator, ECOJES (Senegal Rural Youth Alliance) 
• Michael Nkonu, Head of Portfolio - Agricultural Livelihoods, IKEA 
• Jip Dresia, Education and Partnerships Lead, Erasmus Centre for Entrepreneurship (ECE) 
• Mr. Daouda Seck, Government of Senegal

Organizer: Rikolto 

Africa faces challenges in achieving sustainable food systems, with youth unemployment and gender inequality as key barriers. In the face of population growth, urbanization, and climate change, youth and women are eager to contribute to agri-food transformation, but limited access to resources and business development services hinders their potential. This session will highlight Rikolto’s Generation Food approach, a roadmap that has supported development of inclusive agri-food business models in East Africa for youth  and the Franchise model for women parboilers in West Africa, and demonstrate evidence on how inclusive business models are empowering youth and women in ensuring sustainable food systems transformation.  

Speakers 

• Ms. Josephine Ecklu, Regional Director for West Africa and Inclusive Business Manager, Rikolto 
• Mrs. Alimatou OUEDRAOGO.TRAORE, Permanent Secretary, National Union of Rice Parboiling Cooperative Societies of Burkina Faso (UNERIZ) 
• Ms. Hildagard Okoth, Programme Coordinator & Country Representative, Rikolto in East Africa 
• Ms. Magreth Antony Magubila, Farmer and Processor 
• Dr. Birungi Korutaro, CEO, Kilimo Trust   

Organizer: AGRA 

Organizer: AfCFTA Secretariat & AGRA 

To address persistent trade barriers and unlock the potential of Africa’s agricultural sector, as mandated by the Council of Ministers, the AfCFTA Secretariat, in collaboration with the Government of Rwanda and with support from the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), has developed a continental Agri-Trade Action Plan. This Plan provides a practical and actionable framework for advancing the agricultural trade dimensions of the AfCFTA, with a focus on accelerating intra-African trade in agri-food products, enhancing regional value chains, and promoting agro-industrial development. It operationalizes the AfCFTA Private Sector Strategy by identifying priority value chains with high potential to improve food security, promote import substitution, and deepen regional market integration.  

The plan seeks to (i) strengthen the enabling environment for intra-Africa trade and progressively eliminating tariffs and non-tariff barriers (NTBs) to trade including addressing sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) constraints, (ii) accelerating the development of regional value chains, and (iii) spurring the industrialization of food production and distribution. The Plan is designed to support the AfCFTA's goal of enhancing intra-African trade and strengthening Africa's global trading position. Its vision is of a thriving, interconnected agri-food market that fosters sustainable growth, food 

security, and improved farmer livelihoods across Africa. The plan prioritized seven value chains: maize, rice, soya, fruits and vegetables, palm oil, meat, and fish, on the basis of their (i) economic potential, i.e., job creation potential and contribution to the economy; (ii) trade potential, i.e., import substitution, demand, value addition; (iii) and impact potential, i.e., food security, nutritional value, climate resilience, inclusivity (women, youth, SHFs), as well as (iv) other aspects, such as strategic importance (alignment with government / regional priorities) and geographic diversity. 

Developed through an evidence-based and consultative process with Regional Economic Communities and private sector actors, the Plan also aims to align with existing African Union frameworks to ensure that agricultural trade contributes meaningfully to sustainable development and inclusive economic transformation across the continent. 

This event will seek to popularize the plan as well as mobilize funding and investments towards the implementation of the plan. 

Moderator 

• Mr. Komla Bissi, Senior Advisor, Agriculture, Office of the SG, AfCFTA Secretariat 

Speakers 

• Antoine Kajangwe, Principal Secretary, Ministry of Trade and Industry, Rwanda 
• Watipaso Mkandawire, Regional Food Trade Adviser – Africa Programmes and Expertise Department (APEX), Africa Directorate, FCDO 
• Dr. Edeme, AUC 
• Dr. Gagan Gupta, ARIISE 
• Dr. Baboucarr Manneh, Regional Director, West and Central Africa, CGIAR & Director General, Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice) 
• Mr. Dave Beer, CEO of TMA 
• Mr. Daniel Njiwa, Director, Inclusive Markets, Trade and Finance, AGRA 

Organizer: IFAD, AGRA, UPL, SNV 

Join key policymakers, industry leaders, and agricultural experts for a dynamic session on advancing access to quality seeds, bio-solutions and farm mechanization in Africa. This side event will spotlight innovative technologies and approaches to sustainable agricultural inputs as a driver of youth employment and rural transformation in sub–Saharan Africa (SSA). This high-impact discussion will explore innovative bio-solutions to boost productivity, mechanization coalition to enhance smallholder farmer access to machinery, and scalable solutions to strengthen local production of quality seeds. It will bring together development partners, private sector actors, and youth representatives to share lessons, explore scalable models—such as youth-led mechanization hubs—and identify investment and partnership opportunities. The session will also provide a platform to validate and launch a call to action for inclusive policies and programs that promote access to agro-inputs services, skills, and entrepreneurship for Sub-Saharan Africa. 

Moderator 

• Ms. Mbago-Bhunu Sara, Regional Director East and Southern Africa Division, IFAD 

Speakers 

• Mr. George Marechera, Head – Digital Systems and Solutions for Agriculture, AGRA 
• Mr. Florent Clair, Global Sustainability Manager, UPL Corp – AgriSolutions 
• Mr. Hubert Ehouman, Cocoa/Banana/Mango & Cashew and Vegetables Lead W&CA, UPL Corp – AgriSolutions 
• Mr. Sétchoga Sanhouekoua Sahgui, President of a communal cooperation of soybean producers in Benin 
• Mr. Moctar Ndiaye, Director of Agriculture, Government of Senegal  

Organizer: Rockefeller Foundation 

This side event explores the often-overlooked economic realities of transitioning to regenerative, agroecological, and climate-smart agriculture in East Africa. Drawing on empirical data analysis from smallholder farmers who already in medium or deep transition, In Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda, the session presents evidence on the financial costs, trade-offs, and long-term benefits of regenerative practices for smallholder farmers. 

Speakers 

• Prof Alex Awiti 
• Mr. Simon Kimenju 
• Tim Mwangi 
• Manei Naanyu 

Organizer: OCP Group & ATLAS 

African agri-food systems stand at the heart of the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), uniquely positioned to drive transformative progress in poverty reduction, food security, health, education, and climate resilience. With strategic and targeted investments, Africa’s agrifood systems could close 30–50% of global SDG gaps, addressing the needs of billions while fostering sustainable growth and resilience. Today, Africa is home to 55% of the population living on < $2 a day, 60% of those facing acute food insecurity, and 30% of the world’s stunted children. Yet, the sector remains significantly underfunded and underprioritized—receiving less than 3% of global development funding and accounting for just 5% of total investments in Africa across public, private, and development channels. This chronic underinvestment contributes to low productivity, high input costs, fragmented value chains, and rising food imports. 

Speakers 

• Dr. Ibrahim Mayaki, Co-Chair of ATLAS and Special Envoy for Food Systems, African Union 
• H.E. Moses Vilakati, Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment, African Union 
• Amine Dabchy, Chief Communications & Public Affairs Officer, OCPNutricrops 
• Babafemi Oyewole, Chief Executive Officer, Pan African Farmers Organization (PAFO) 
• Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli, President & CEO, One Campaign 
• Alice Ruwheza, President, AGRA 
• Dr. Mamou Ehui, Executive Director, Global Phosphorus Institute (GPI) 
• Bogolo Kenewendo, Africa Director, UN Climate Champions Team 
• Sonya Hoo, Managing Director & Partner, Boston Consulting Group OCP Africa Start-up partner 
• Facundo Etchebehere, co-founder of Ambition Loop (moderator) 

Organizer: 2SCALE 

This side event will explore how public-private partnerships (PPPs) are catalyzing inclusive agribusiness transformation across Africa. Through youth-led case studies, innovative financing models, and practical examples of inclusive business approaches, the session will highlight how collaboration between government, the private sector, and development actors is unlocking opportunities for young people in agri-food systems. By positioning youth as co-creators and strategic partners, not just beneficiaries, the discussions will emphasize the pivotal role of PPPs in shaping resilient, market-driven and sustainable agribusiness ecosystems across the continent. 

Moderator 

• Theophile Mudenge- 2SCALE Youth Inclusion Specialist 

Speakers 

• Ramata Ndiaye – Director, ImpactHub Bamako, Mali 
• Ms. Yemisi Iranloye, Founder & Managing Director, Psaltry International Company Limited 
• Birhanu Bogale Angessa, General Manager, Jacob’s Integrated Farm, CME 
• Ms. Angela Brefo Yeboah, 2SCALE youth champion & CEO, Angy Farms 
• Alana Sebit – 2SCALE Country Team Leader, South Sudan 
• Mahamadou Halilou Abdoul Aziz - CEO Founder, Goroubi Organic Moringa Company 
• Marina Diboma, 2SCALE Program Director 

Organizer: SNV, ILRI, CGIAR, AGRA

Responding to climate change challenges in African agriculture and food systems requires a paradigm shift from business-as-usual to a transformative approach that yields actionable solutions and outcomes. This session will illustrate cases of gender and youth inclusion in the scaling of climate-smart agriculture and climate information services in West and Central Africa. It will present how science-based solutions and innovative partnerships have been conducive to successful development outcomes and discuss lessons learned for scaling across Africa. The ultimate goal is to inform the wider AR4D communities, development practitioners, and funders of agricultural research in Africa.

Empowering Africa’s youth with digital tools is key for food system transformation. This dynamic side event explores how cutting-edge digital climate adaptation services revolutionize African agriculture. Discover how farmers, especially youth, leverage weather forecasts, climate insights, and bundled services delivered via digital platforms to manage risks, adapt to climate change, and build resilient livelihoods. Hear from experts, innovators,
and practitioners from across the continent, showcasing real-world examples of how these tools boost yields, create jobs, and foster a new generation of climate-smart agricultural leaders. Don't miss this opportunity to learn how digital innovation shapes a more secure and sustainable food future for Africa.

Moderator 

• Pierre C. Sibiry Traore, ILRI 

Speakers

• Hon. Daouda Ngom, Minister of Environment and Ecological Transition, Republic of Senegal
• Dr. Rupsha Banerjee, ILRI
• Dr. Robert Zougmoré, Director, AICCRA
• Nadine Kone, SNV
• Ndeye Amy Kébé, Jokalante
• Kindie Tesfaye Fantaye, AGRA
• Safoura Ousmane Cissé, Green Jobs
• Manzi Nadine Umunyana, IFAD
• Zeynab K. Cissé, ARC Ltd
• Bas Evers, Rabo Foundation
• Fadel Kamara, Manobi Africa
• Ms. Stephanie Piers de Ravenschot, SDC 

Organizer: YARA, IFAD, CABI, AGRA, FAO, Gates Foundation

ChatGPT was the fastest growing digital platform in human history and AI is rapidly transforming how the globe accesses knowledge. At the same time, small-scale producers do not receive relevant, timely advice to deal with extreme events of climate change and market shocks. AI is a promising new tool that can be made easily accessible. Natural language interfaces can overcome digital and language divides. AI reasoning can improve decision making. Integration of localized weather, soil information, input and market services, enables tailored advice for individual farmers. There are risks such as trust, biases, hallucinations, and costs for scalability and sustainability. However, with robust governance and guardrails in place, AI can improve small-scale producer profitability and agricultural productivity across Africa. Join us for a dynamic side event to learn the latest AI developments, see examples of successful AI solutions and discuss the pressing governance issues around AI in African food systems.

Moderator 

• Stewart Collis, Gates Foundation 

Speakers 

• Parvathy Krishnan, World Bank AI for Ag Report  
• Parmesh Shah, Digital Agriculture Global Platform Lead 
• Jamie Collinson, Virtual Agronomist, iSDA  
• Rikin Gandhi, Digital Green 
• Martine Neserwa, Chief Digital Officer, Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources, Rwanda 
• Salim Kinyimu, Director of ICT, KALRO or Girum Ketema, Director, Digital Agriculture and Finance, Agricultural Transformation Institute  
• Ms. Fatema Almulla, Project Study and Development Specialist – International Affairs Office, Presidential Court, United Arab Emirates 
• Ameen Jauhar, CABI, Data Governance Lead  
• Seema Gohil, Director, Safaricom, DigiFarm 
• Jawoo Koo, Deputy Director, CGIAR-IFPRI Digital Transformation Accelerator  
• Kate Kallot, CEO, Amini AI or Seema Gohil, Director, Safaricom, DigiFarm 
• Henry Mibei, CABI 

Organizer: Consortium of African Youth in Agriculture and Climate Change (CAYACC) 

Putting women at the center of agrifood transformation is an urgent imperative that aligns with global goals for gender equality, decent work, and zero hunger. This session will spotlight how gender gaps affect agrifood systems and how we can address these gaps. Discussions will focus on three main pillars including: enhancing women’s access to productive resources and services; promoting decent work and entrepreneurship opportunities; and strengthening women’s voice in policy and governance. This session will contribute to reimagining agrifood systems as engines of opportunity—where women’s work creates wealth for all. 

Moderator 

• Ms. Dorine Odongo, AWARD 

Speakers 

• Dr. Maureen Miruka, Director, GESI, CIMMYT 
• Ms. Elena Ruiz Abril, Regional Policy Advisor, Women’s Economic Empowerment, West and Central Africa Regional Office, UN Women 
• Dr. Marame Cissé, IPAR, Senegal. 
• Rokiatou Traore, Malian entrepreneur, Executive Manager and Co-founder and CEO of Herou Alliance Sarl enterprise. 
• Ms. Winnie Osulah, AGRA 
• Dr. Nomathemba Mhlanga, Agribusiness Officer, FAO Subregional Office for Eastern Africa  
• Dr. Michèle Mbo'o-Tchouawou, AWARD 

Organizer: IFPRI & AGRA 

This high-level side event at the 2025 African Food Systems Forum will launch IFPRI’s 2025 Global Food Policy Report and convene African ministers, policymakers, researchers, and food systems leaders to explore lessons from past policy choices and priorities for the future. Anchored in the 2025 Kampala Declaration’s call for resilient and inclusive agrifood systems, the event will focus on advancing equitable livelihoods—particularly for youth, women, and vulnerable groups—while also addressing broader challenges around sustainability, governance, and investment. Through keynote speeches, report presentations, and a ministerial panel, the session will spotlight emerging approaches, cross-sector coordination, and the strategic pivot to a food systems approach across the continent. 

Moderator 

• Dr. Ousmane Badiane, Executive Chairperson, Akademiya2063 

Speakers 

• H.E. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, Former President, United Republic of Tanzania 
• Ms. Esther Kimani, CEO, Farmer Lifeline Technologies 
• Prof. Chris Barrett, Stephen B. & Janice G. Ashley Professor of Applied Economics and Management International Professor of Agriculture, Cornell University & co-editor of the 2025 GFPR  
• Prof. Jo Swinnen, Director General, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) & co-editor of the 2025 GFPR 
• Dr. Steven Were Omamo, Director for Africa and Director of Development Strategies and Governance, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) & coauthor of the GFPR regional chapter on Africa 
• Dr. Claudia Ringler, Director – Natural Resources and Resilience (NRR), International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) 
• Ms. Alice Ruhweza, President, AGRA 

Organizer: AfDB 

This high-level side event will showcase tangible achievements in implementing Dakar 2 Delivery Compacts, identify mechanisms to sustain momentum and mobilize further investment, and highlight innovations in financing smallholder agriculture. The session will facilitate public-private dialogue on policy alignment and strengthen institutional delivery platforms such as Presidential Delivery Councils to accelerate Africa's food systems transformation. 

Speakers 

• Hon. Dr. Mabouba Diagne, Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Livestock, Republic of Senegal  
• H.E. Prosper Dodiko, Minister of Environment, Agriculture and Livestock of Burundi   
• H.E. Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security of Sierra Leone 
• H.E. Dr. Cyubahiro Marc Bagabe, Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources of Rwanda 
• Mr. Vinay Kumar Vutukuru, Program Leader, Sustainable Development,  World Bank OPEC Fund 
• Ms. Sara Mbago-Bhunu, Director of East and Southern Africa Division, International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD) 
• Dr. Godwin Atser, Country Director Kenya, Sasakawa Africa Association 
• Mr. Cedrick Montetcho, Chief of Business Development, Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) 
• Ms. Gwen Mwaba, Director and Global Head, Trade Finance, Afreximbank 

Organizer: Ghana Food Movement powered by ACIAR 

This side event reveals how West Africa’s culinary and agricultural systems hold the keys to profound societal transformation. West African youth are turning ingredients into opportunity and showing how food culture can increase job opportunities, nutrition, and build new economies. Now they need the tools, visibility, and backing to do more. This movement of young farmers, entrepreneurs, and chefs are leading the way, and it is time to hear from them. Through discussion, shared food, and audience interaction, we explore best practices and co-create new solutions.  

We ask ourselves and the audience: How do we use our food culture to build thriving communities? And what support is needed for those already leading the way?  

Moderator 

• Aimée Wallin 

Speakers 

• Abdallah Smith, Managing Director Ghana Food Movement 
• Armande Lo, Manda Bio  
• Samlara Baah Koduah, Ghana 24Hour Economy  
• Hamet Diallo, Sahel Vert 

Organizer: WRI, AGRA, GAIN, SDSN, KASA, Regen Organics, CIRF Rwanda 

This event will be highlighting the transformative impact of the role of youth and showcase circular solutions led by youth and MSMEs circular agrifood practices in regenerative agriculture, food loss and waste reduction, health diets and productive use of waste and general resource use efficiency. Through interactive dialogue and case presentations, the event will promote inclusive partnerships and policy alignment to scale circular food system innovations across Africa, especially among the youth. It will centre on gender-inclusive FLW solutions and strengthen youth agency in transforming agri-food systems, policy, and sustainability in Africa. 

Moderator 

• Susan Onyango - Director for Communications and Engagement, WRI  

Speakers 

• Dr. Robert Mbeche – Director Food Program, WRI Africa 
• Ms. Annette Muindi - Project Officer Influencing and Advocacy, GAIN 
• Mr. Amani Twagirayezu- Managing Director, Triumvirate Food 
• Ms. Melody Mukami – Finance and Partnerships, Regen Organics 
• Prof. Tilahun Amede, Head – Resilience, Climate & Soil Fertility, AGRA 
• Ms. Sowrya Kilaru, Programme Manager, Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) 

Organizer: AGRA, IFAD, GF, CABI, FAO, YARA 

Join us for a dynamic side event where we will discuss on DPI which is the bedrock for transformative agriculture development for Africa. DPI refers to foundational digital systems such as digital identification, payment platforms, and data exchange networks that enableMsecure and inclusive access to services. In agriculture, DPI is transformative because it is an enabler of population scale, empowering farmers with real-time information regarding weather and market prices. It improves access to finance through digital credit and insurance, and it streamlines supply chains through e-traceability, and e-marketplaces. By reducing inefficiencies, bridging gaps in rural connectivity, and fostering transparency, DPI enhances productivity, resilience, and increases efficiency and income for smallholder farmers. For Africa, where agriculture employs over 60% of the population, investing in DPI is critical to driving food security, climate adaptation, and economic growth in a rapidly digitizing world. 

Moderator 

• Brenda Mulele Gunde, IFAD 

Speakers 

• Emmanuel Khisa, Gates Foundation 
• Salim Kinyimu, Farmer Registries in Kenya (KIAMIS), KALRO 
• Mr. George Marechera, Head – Digital Systems and Solutions for Agriculture, AGRA 
• Seema Gohil, CEO DigiFarm 
• Ms. Sara Mbago-Bhunu, Director of East and Southern Africa Division, International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD) 
• Parmesh Shah, World Bank 
• Jagadish Babu, VISTARR representative –OpenAgriNet  
• Aaron Cheruiyot – (Yara) Africa Digital Product Deployment 

Organizer: WHH and IFDC 

The collapse of Overseas Development Assistance will lead to a sharp spike in hunger, malnutrition and livelihood impoverishment on the African continent. At the same time, soil degradation and the climate crisis increasingly risk derailing African food systems. Political, social, economic and environmental fragility will rise, particularly in critical nutrition security, land degradation, climate and biodiversity hotspots such as the Congo Basin, the Sahel zone and other regions in SSA.  

Given that far less funds are available, humanitarian assistance should only be sustained where it is inevitable (e.g. war, disasters) and be replaced by effective long-term development strategies that promote zero hunger and a healthy planet synergistically. Such a paradigm shift is urgently needed toward strengthening the resilience and the ability of local food systems to deliver food and nutrition security for all at all times in a way that benefits both people and the planet.  

In this session, we will showcase how organizations such as IFDC, WHH and partners scale soil health, sustainable agricultural production and seed system development as a way to boost the resilience and ability of African food systems to deliver on the Rio conventions synergistically (biodiversity, climate change and desertification) which improve livelihoods and support zero hunger.  

Speakers 

• Mr. Henk van Duijn, CEO, International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) 
• Bettina Iseli, Chief Program Officer, Welthungerhilfe (WHH) 
• Dr. Moumini Savadogo, Executive Director, Conseil Ouest et Centre Africain pour la Recherche et le Développement Agricoles (CORAF) 
• Priscilla Wakarera, CEO, Rhea   
• Zeinaba Narabene, President, Network of Young Sahelians for Climate 
• Prof. Joachim von Braun, President, Pontifical Academy of Sciences, former head of Center for Development Research at the University of Bonn 
• Prof. Alain Sy Traoré, Director of Agriculture and Rural Development, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) 

Organizer: GEF 

Africa has the world’s largest youth population, yet young people remain underrepresented in agrifood systems. This session highlights how the Global Environment Facility’s investments, across Small Grants, Integrated Programs, and private sector initiatives, empower youth as innovators, leaders, and negotiators. Through first-hand stories and interactive dialogue, participants will learn how the GEF’s bottom-up, whole-of-society approach is unlocking youth potential, advancing climate-smart agriculture, and making food systems more innovative, equitable, and sustainable across the continent. 

Speakers 

• Peter Umunay, GEF Secretariat, Senior Environment Specialist 
• Genna Tesdall, Director of Young Professionals for Agricultural Development (YPARD), TBC 
• Young Entrepreneur Grantee from Small Grants Program 
• IFAD / FAO Rural Youth Representative, 
• Youth delegate from AGRA Innovation Window Program, 
• FOLUR Global Coordination Platform, 

Organizer: GAIN, AGRA, Akademiya 2063, GIZ, Netherlands Food Partnership, SUN, Act4Food

Location: Knowledge Hub - Stage 2

Food System Transformation (FST) is happening, but not quickly enough. It faces new headwinds in the shrinking of aid, disruptions to trade and threats to multilateralism. This session will explore the enablers and barriers to faster FST and will introduce a multiparter initiative—the Accelerator—designed to accelerate FST by (a) partnering with governments to quickly turn their policy priorities into investible actions that leverage the private sector and (b) mobilising and connecting DFIs to FST policy and capacity to help finance these actions to accelerate food system transformation. The Accelerator aims to partner with 50 countries globally by 2030.

Moderator

• Dr. Ousmane Badiane, Executive Chairperson, Akademiya2063
• Mr. Boaz Blackie, Director for Policy and State Capability, AGRA

Speakers

• Dr. Lawrence Haddad, Executive Director, Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN)
• H.E. Dr. Ibrahim Assane Mayaki, Former Prime Minister, Republic of Niger & African Union Special Envoy for Food Systems (AUDA-NEPAD)
• Dr. Maximo Torero Cullen, Chief Economist, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
• Hon. Dr. Mark Cyubahiro Bagabe, Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, Republic of Rwanda
• Dr. Dossa Aguemon, Director of Cabinet in the Ministry of Agriculture and National Convenor, Food Systems, Republic of Benin
• Victor Mbumwae, National Convenor for Food System Transformation, and Director of Planning and Information, Office of the Vice President, Zambia
• Clement Adjorlolo, Principal Programme Officer for Agriculture and Rural Transformation, AUDA-NEPAD
• Philip Boahen, Lead Partnership and Coordination manager of the Agriculture and Agro-Industry Department, AfDB
• Pacifique Ishimwe, Youth Leader, Act4Food
• Olusola Sotunde, Senior Food Systems and Nutrition Advisor, Global Affairs Canada
• Marjan Riepma, Medior Partnership Builder, Netherlands Food Partnership
• Eve Gossiaux, Regional Representative for SUN

Organizer: AGRA, AUDA-NEPAD, SNV, ATNi, GAIN, FAO 

Africa faces a growing nutrition crisis with one-third unable to afford healthy diets. As donor aid declines, private sector innovation and investment become vital. This session explores how the African private  

sector is responding. It also touches upon post-N4G financial commitments and generates solutions for inclusive nutrition financing through investment in youth entrepreneurs and positive innovation. 

Speakers 

• Greg Garrett, Executive Director, Access to Nutrition initiative (ATNi) 
• Freddy Bob-Jones, Managing Director, Aceli Africa  
• Nadine Gbossa, Director, Food Systems Coordination, External Relations and Governance Department, IFAD 
• Neil Watkins, Deputy Director for Global Policy and Advocacy, The Gates Foundation 
• Arnaud Dagbenon – Coordinateur du centre de l’employabilité et l’entrepreneuriat des étudiants de l’UAC - Université d’Abomey Calavi 
• Polly Mwongera, Manager, Nutritious Foods Financing (N3F) Technical Assistance and Innovative Finance, GAIN 
• Bertha Mkandawire, Nutrition Lead, AGRA 

Organizer: Heifer International 

Africa’s agricultural transformation depends on its greatest untapped asset, its youth. This side event will spotlight the innovations, energy, and resilience of young Africans creating disruptive solutions for food systems. From climate-smart agriculture to access to finance and markets, the session will showcase youth-led models driving transformation and resilience. Participants will hear directly from young entrepreneurs and ecosystem builders about the structural shifts required to support youth innovation, from policy to capital access to mentorship. 

Designed as a dynamic, unfiltered dialogue, this side event will build cross-sectoral momentum for youth inclusion in shaping Africa’s agri-future, placing them at the heart of policy, investment, and implementation strategies to achieve resilient, self-determined, and prosperous food systems across Africa. It will intentionally highlight underrepresented perspectives in the development discourse, especially those who are typically excluded from agenda setting spaces. The session format (panel + “hard talk” dialogue) will encourage open, cross-generational, cross-sectoral engagement that is grounded in local realities and solutions. 

Moderator 

• Flavia Nalubega, Comms Manager Uganda Heifer International  

Speakers 

• Daouda Ndao, Country Director Senegal, Heifer International  
• Randi Hedin, Board Member, Heifer International  
• Carolyn Mwangi – Founder, Kimplanter Seedlings and Nurseries 
• Ifeoluwa Olatayo – CEO, Soupah Farm-En-Market 
• Peninah Wanja – Founder, DigiCow 
• Tajudeen Yahaya – CEO, Extension Africa 
• Clarice Bugo-Kionge – Interim Country Director, Kenya, Heifer International 
• Hon. Dr. Mabouba Diagne, Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Livestock, Republic of Senegal  
• Rachael Kadama – Director Market Development, Community Pass, Mastercard 
• Mark Tsoxo – Country Director, Tanzania, Heifer International 

Organizer: Clim-Eat, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), One Acre Fund, Agriculture and Climate Risk Enterprise (ACRE Africa) 

Recent estimates suggest that less than 3% of African smallholder farmers have access to insurance coverage to protect them from climate-induced losses. With the African continent being increasingly affected by climate challenges, innovative products must be developed to build climate resilience among farmer communities and ensure that agricultural production is maintained. However, the adoption of agricultural insurance faces various challenges that need to be addressed to successfully scale this climate risk mitigation approach. 

This event will present current agricultural financial tools. including insurance initiatives across the African continent, and showcase key lessons to enable the upscaling of these products.  

Furthermore, the event will particularly dive into the options offered by the digital space to make agricultural insurance accessible and upscaling efforts affordable. Thereby, this session will present the opportunities agricultural insurance offers for young farmers, particularly to build a resilient next-generation of African farmers.  

Speakers 

• Kennedy Okech, Agriculture Economy and Financial Advisor, GIZ Kenya  
• Elizabeth Nsimadala, President, EAFF 
• Annie Wakanyi, Director, Global Government Partnerships, One Acre Fund 
• Stella Kimani, Chief Operations Officer, ACRE Africa 
• Kenya Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (MoALD), Government of Kenya 
• Wiebe Smit, Policy and Impact Innovator, Clim-Eat  

Organizer: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), CGIAR Gender Equality and Inclusion Accelerator, 2SCALE 

Despite the rising number of innovative young men and women agripreneurs, access to finance remains a critical bottleneck, particularly among the "missing middle”- SMEs too large for microfinance but unable to access loans from commercial banks. The session will examine innovative financing mechanisms to boost youth-led agribusiness development including value chain financing, market linkages, private equity, and venture capital. It will also explore the role of a conducive business environment, including PPPs, for delivery of inclusive finance. 

The session will bring together youth, private and financial sector players, and other stakeholders to unpack gaps and opportunities in fostering a more youth-inclusive, sustainable agribusiness sector. 

Speakers 

• Dr. Nicoline de Haan, Director, Gender Equality and Inclusion Accelerator, CGIAR  
• Ms. Ena Derenoncourt, Gender-Smart Investment Specialist, CGIAR Hub for Sustainable Finance 
• Mr. Theophile Mudenge, Youth Program Lead, 2SCALE 
• Ms. Angela Brefo Yeboah, 2SCALE youth champion & CEO, Angy Farms 
• Ms. Grace Njoroge, Technical Director, Mercy Corps AgriFin 
• Mr. Mark Fynn, Policy Officer, FAO Regional Office for Africa 

Organizer: AGRA, AWARD, IDRC, CGIAR Gender Impact Platform 

Entrepreneurship has become a proven route for young African women to generate income, build assets and influence decisions that shape food-system priorities. The next frontier is scale. Digital input marketplaces, gender-smart supply contracts and shared-value off-take agreements are already delivering larger and more consistent pay-outs to thousands of female founders. Replicating these models continent-wide could unlock billions in productivity gains. This side event is meant to spotlight this momentum. We intend to use data, lived experiences and demonstrations to ensure the session presents a curated portfolio of scalable solutions. Participants will leave with a clear picture of what works, why it works and how to plug in, whether as investors, policymakers, ecosystem builders or next generation agripreneurs. This will not be just another ‘talk-shop’ but a conversation that will make one clear point: when entrepreneurship is treated as a systemic lever rather than a side project, it builds an empowered generation of women who can (and are) driving Africa’s inclusive food-system transformation. 

Speakers 

• Ms. Nana Amoah, Director, Gender, Youth & Inclusiveness, AGRA  
• Ms. Wambui Chege, Director, Agrifood Systems, Mastercard Foundation 
• Ms. Adesuwa Ifedi, Africa Senior Vice President, Heifer International 
• Ms. Aisha Raheem, CEO, Farmz2U 
• Ms. Claudia Senghor, Agroeconomist & Founder, AGROBABE 
• Ms. Karine Kouacou, Economist, World Bank Gender Innovation Lab 

Organizer: GOGLA, SNV, and IKEA Foundation 

As per the recent Kampala Declaration by the CAADP, agriculture requires a complementary approach that integrates energy, market access, among others. This session explores the potential of Renewable Energy (RE), particularly the decentralized renewable energy (DRE) solutions, to power transformative change in African food systems. With climate risks intensifying and energy access still limited, particularly in rural areas, integrating solar and other DRE solutions into food systems offers a path to sustainability, resilience, and inclusive growth. 

For this to happen, multi-stakeholder coordination and collaboration efforts by ministries need to align with international and local development and financial actors, which equally need to embed their energy efforts into their programmatic agricultural interventions, hence de-risking their interventions and increasing investment into the DRE sector. This is only possible when championing countries and institutions take the lead and showcase avenues, mechanisms, good practices, and learnings. The HOW turns therefore crucial to sustainably boost the deployment of DRE solutions into the food systems transformation agenda. 

Drawing on insights and experiences from leading countries, the event will spotlight innovative financing mechanisms, cross-sector partnership models, and coordinated strategies that align (D)RE solutions with food system transformation. Rather than treating energy and agriculture in isolation, the session will emphasize the importance of joint planning, investment, and implementation to scale equitable energy access and drive resilient, inclusive, and climate-smart food systems. 

Speakers 

• Mr. Patrick Tonui, Head of Policy and Regional Strategy, GOGLA 
• Mr. Jakob Vrka, Senior Research Lead – Energy Access, Energy Saving Trust 
• Ms. Judith Jacobs, Multi-Country Project Manager – Power of Food, SNV 
• Dr. Christopher Emmott, Associate Director, Investing in Energy Access, Acumen 
• Mr. Richard Midikira, Senior Manager, Innovation & Partnerships, Aceli Africa 
• Mr. Nico Janssen, Programme Manager, Agricultural Livelihoods, IKEA Foundation 
• Mr. Boaz Blackie, Director for Policy and State Capability, AGRA 
• Mr. Hilary Murwisi, Research Engineer, Ministry of Lands and Agriculture, Republic of Zimbabwe 
• Mr. Wilson Kariuki, Senior Superintending Engineer, State Department for Energy, Ministry of Energy & Petroleum, Republic of Kenya 

Organizer: WorldVeg 

This thematic session will showcase the role of agroecological production systems in transforming food systems. Using an interactive panel format, diverse stakeholders including policy experts, investors, farmers, and off-takers will share real-world experiences and challenges. The discussion will demonstrate how agroecological approaches can drive improved livelihoods, job creation, and income generation. In addition, the session will unpack the enabling conditions required to scale youth-led agroecological solutions across the continent such as supportive policies, access to finance, and strengthened knowledge networks.

Speakers 

• Ms. Ruth Okowa, Country Director, GAIN Kenya 
• Françoise L. SMs. ayi, Country Director for the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) in Benin 
• Dr. David Amudavi, Executive Director of Biovision Africa Trust (BvAT) 
• Ms. Cherotich Rutto, Founder s CEO, Tawi Fresh Kenya Limited 
• Mr. Oswald Urassa (CPA), Member of the Board of Directors, CRDB Bank Foundation Tanzania 
• Ms. Janet Ndungwa Ndiki, Programmes Assistant at the Biodiversity and Biosafety Association of Kenya (BIBA-Kenya) 
• Mr. Samuel Ndungu, agripreneur from Githunguri, Kiambu County 
• Ms. Mary Wamuyu Gathemia, 41, is a last-mile vegetable vendor and mother of two from 
• Ms. Muthumi Village, Kabete Sub-County, Kiambu County, Kenya 
• Mr. Seid Zewdu, Sirinka, Habru Worea, North Wollo, Amhara Region, Ethiopia 

Organizer: IFAD, Platform for Agricultural Risk Management (PARM), INSURED, Université Cheikh-Anta-Diop (UCAD), Coopérative d'Epargne et de Crédit du RESOPP (COOPEC/RESOPP), Centre National de Formation des Techniciens de l'Élevage et des Industries Animales (CNFTEIA) 

The dynamic session will explore how strategic agri-risk management can unlock investments in Africa’s agri-food systems, with a focus on youth-led enterprises. We will spotlight innovative tools and partnerships that reduce exposure to climate, market, and financial risks, while also emphasizing the importance of building long-term capacity. The session will also advocate for the institutionalization of agri-risk management in university curricula and private sector practices to ensure sustainability, innovation, and resilience in food systems, particularly targeting youth preparing to enter the market and investment landscape. 

Moderator 

• Ms. Dorcas Mayala Ntumba, Knowledge Management, Communication and Partnership, PARM 

Speakers 

• Jean-Claude Bidogeza, PARM  
• Manzi Nadine Umunyana, IFAD 
• Assane Faye, COOPEC/RESOPP 
• Dr Fatou Ka, CNFTEIA  
• Dr Ablaye Ngom, ISAE-UCAD  

Organizer: ILRI; AU-IBAR; SNV; IFAD; GIZ 

It is almost impossible to overstate the importance of pastoralist systems in Africa. Pastoralist systems are a critical source of income and nutrition for over 268 million people across 36 countries. In West Africa, pastoralists produce about 65% of the region’s beef and 75% of its milk. Beyond food, these systems offer social, cultural, and environmental benefits.  

The inclusion of livestock in the CAADP 2026–2035 Strategy and the Kampala Declaration marks a shift toward greater policy recognition. The Nouakchott+10 declaration further identified priority actions: integrating pastoralism into public policy, improving animal health and infrastructure, enabling cross-border trade, and strengthening social resilience. 

Strengthening pastoralist systems in West Africa offers an opportunity simultaneously address livelihoods and food security efforts, climate mitigation, adaptation, peace, and economic stability in the region. 

This session will make the case for investing in pastoralist food systems, showcase innovations in West African livestock systems and opportunities for the youth and women to contribute, and examine the policy and financing shifts required. It will offer concrete recommendations for AFSF and the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralism. 

Speakers 

• Stephane Tuina, Country Director, SNV Benin  
• Astou Diao Camara, Directrice BAM  
• Amadi Coulibaly, MOPSS 
• Paterne A. Peftipe, Mercy Corps, FCDO-funded JASS program 
• Baba Ba, Researcher, ILRI  
• Prof. Appolinaire Djikeng, Director General, International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) 
• Mare Ena Derenoncourt, Alliance of Bioversity and CIAT (ABC) 

Organizer: University of Maryland, XylemLab-NASA Harvest, COMESA 

This session addresses critical agricultural monitoring challenges by combining technical innovation, including satellite Earth observations and AI, with practical country implementation. Co-presented with XylemLab/NASA Harvest, COMESA, and AGRA's RFBS team, we showcase how machine learning-based yield estimation approaches can improve monitoring and early warning while highlighting data gaps across commodities and countries in Africa. Partner countries will demonstrate their remote sensing implementations for crop monitoring, emphasizing country ownership and practical adaptations. Through interactive discussions, we explore solutions to data challenges, share lessons learned from real-world applications, and develop frameworks for sustainable regional monitoring systems, fostering peer learning and identifying scalable approaches. 

Moderator 

• Prof. Catherine Nakalembe, Director, XylemLab-NASA Harvest & Assistant Professor, University of Maryland 

Speakers 

• Dr. Sixbert Maurice (Sokoine University of Agriculture, Tanzania)  
• Edrick Bwambale (Sustainable Agri-Food Initiative, Uganda)- Youth Org 
• Dr. Albert Novas Somanje, Principal Agricultural Officer for Field Crops (MOA, Zambia) 

Organizer: Helen Keller International

This dynamic panel will explore how nutrition-focused innovations, standards, and policies can transform African food systems to better serve women and young children in vulnerable populations. It will highlight strategies across large-scale food fortification (LSFF), SME-led complementary food production, nutrition-sensitive agricultural interventions, and regulatory frameworks. Speakers and panelists from government, private sector, and civil society will share challenges, successes and evidence that are helping scale impact and catalyze investment. Emphasis will be placed on inclusive, gender-sensitive, climate-resilient solutions that align with the N4G Commitments, CAADP 2026–2035, and Senegal’s National Nutrition Strategy.

Moderator 

• Ndeye Yaga Sy, Nutrition Policy & Advocacy Advisor, Helen Keller Intl.

Speakers

• Dr. Tom van Mourik, Global Advisor Food Systems, Helen Keller Intl.
• Mr. Shawn Baker, Chief Program Officer, Helen Keller Intl
• Dr. Ndèye Fatou Ndiaye, COSFAM Coordinator, Institute de Transformation Alimentaire
• Mr. Habib Ndaw, Chief Sales and Operations Officer, Olam
• Mr. Assane Pam, Chef de Projet Normalisation et Certification, Association Sénégalaise de Normalisation
• Mrs. Mariama Diallo, Director, Maria Distribution