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.

Venue: Thematic Hall Stage

Moderator

• Ms. Dorine Odongo, Senior Communications Manager, African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD)

Opening Remarks

• Dr. Aïssatou Mbodji, General Delegate, Women and Youth Rapid Entrepreneurship (DER/FJ)

Keynote Speaker

• Dr. Susan Kaaria, African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD)

Discussants

• Dr. Nicoline de Haan, Director, Gender Equality and Inclusion Accelerator, CGIAR

• Dr. Edidah Lubega Ampaire, Senior Programme Specialist, Climate Resilient Food Systems, International Development Research Centre (IDRC)

Fireside Chat

• Ms. Nana Amoah, Director – Gender, Youth & Inclusiveness, AGRA

• Dr. Clara Mi Young Park, Senior Gender Officer, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

• Dr. Mariame Maiga, Regional Gender and Social Development Adviser, Conseil Ouest et Centre Africain pour la Recherche et le Développement Agricoles (CORAF)

• Ms. Sefora Kodjo, Board Chair, Foundation, Sephis & Member of the Civil Society Committee, AfDB Group

• Ms. Marieme Esther Dassanou, Director Gender, Mastercard Foundation

• Ms. Sokhna Mbaye Diop Mbacké, Agricultural Engineer, Technical Advisor & Coordinator of the Gender Unit, Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty, and Livestock, Republic of Senegal

Closing Remarks

• Hon. Khady Diene Gaye, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, Republic of Senegal

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.

Venue: Thematic Hall Stage

Moderator

• Dr. Lawrence Haddad, Executive Director, Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN)

Framing Remarks

• Dr. Lawrence Haddad, Executive Director, Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN)

Fireside Chat

• Hon. Dr. Ibrahima Sy, Minister of Health and Social Action, Republic of Senegal

• Dr. Mohamed Hassan Bullale, Deputy Minister of Health, Federal Republic of Somalia

• Hon. Dr. Youba Ba, Minister of Livestock and Fisheries, Republic of Mali

• Dr. Mwaka Namukonde, Executive Coordinator, Consortium of African Youth in Agriculture and Climate Change; UNFSS Youth Champion

• Dr. Shailendra Mishra, Global Head of Sustainability – Grains, Oilseeds, Edible Oil, Wheat Milling, Feed & Freight, Olam Agri

Policy and Programme Setting

• Dr. Amadou Oury Diallo, National Focal Point of the Coalition on Agroecology, Institut Sénégalais de Recherches Agricoles (ISRA)

• Dr. Djibril Bagayoko, Head of Nutrition Coordination Unit, Ministry of Health, Republic of Mali

• Mr. Paul Troy, Nutrition Lead, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Ireland

• Mr. Shawn Baker, Chief Program Officer, Helen Keller Intl

• Mr. Samson Ogbole, Lead Trainer, Soilless Farm Lab, Nigeria

Building the Case

• Ms. Claudia Senghor, Agroeconomist & Founder, AGROBABE

• Mr. Joseph Fashola, CEO & Co-Founder, Agrolinking

• Mr. Oliver Oliveros, Executive Coordinator, Agroecology Coalition

• Ms. Aimée Wallin, Co-director, Ghana Food Movement

• Ms. Efi Chatzinikolaou, Head of Partnerships, Access to Nutrition initiative (ATNi)

Closing Remarks

• Prof. Myriam Sidibé, Founder and Chief Mission Officer, Brands on a Mission

Regenerating Africa: How are young agripreneurs are leading food systems transformation through agroecology for people and planet? 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.

Venue: Thematic Hall Stage

Moderator

• Dr. Susan Chomba, Director of Vital Landscapes for Africa, World Resources Institute

Opening and Keynote

• Dr. Marco Wopereis, Director General, WorldVeg

3 Pitches (policy, investment, youth)

• Ms. Crescentia Mushobozi, Founder & CEO, MbeguNzuri BiotechFarms

• Mr. Freddy Bob-Jones, Managing Director, Aceli Africa

• Mr. Ajuna Tadeo, Country Representative, YPARD

2 Panel Discussions and Q&A

• Mr. Oliver Oliveros, Executive Coordinator, Agroecology Coalition

• Ms. Manei Naanyu, Head of Programmes, PELUM Kenya

• Dr. Ginya Truitt Nakata, Global Director – Agriculture and Food Systems Policy, The Nature Conservancy

• Dr. Kaushik Majumdar, Director General, African Plant Nutrition Institute (APNI)

• Ms. Kagwiria Koome, Manager – Food Initiative, Rockefeller Foundation

• Ms. Dongxin Feng, Director, Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture

• Mr. Ibrahima Sow, Special Advisor on Environment, Cabinet of the Senegalese Presidency

Call to Action

• Mr. Nico Janssen, Programme Manager, Agricultural Livelihoods, IKEA Foundation

Closing Remarks

• Mr. Juan Lucas Restrepo, Director General, Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT

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.

Venue: Press Conference Room

Moderator

• Dr. Debisi Araba, Visiting Research Fellow at the Centre for Environmental Policy, Imperial College London

Transformational Stories

• Ms. Proscovia Alando, Aquaculture Fellow, African Food Fellowship & Founder & CEO, SAMAKY Hub

• Mr. Ledama Masidza, Marine Conservationist, Impact Filmmaker & Global Advocate for Indigenous and Community-Led Food System Solutions

• Ms. Sarah Igitego, Strategy and Expansion Manager, Aflakiosk Ltd

Building Food Systems Leadership

• Prof. Kingsley Moghalu, President & Vice-Chancellor, African School of Governance (ASG)

• Mr. Jonathan Said, Vice President for Technical Expertise, AGRA

• Mr. Abdrahamane Dicko, Director of Programs and Impact, African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF)

• Ms. Anushka Ratnayake, Founder & CEO, MyAgro

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

• Ms. Nadine Gbossa, Director, Food Systems Coordination, External Relations and Governance Department, International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)

Stakeholder Reflections

• Dr. Janet Edeme, Head of Rural Economy Division, Department of Rural Economy and Agriculture, African Union Commission

• H.E. Carmen Hagenaars, Ambassador of the Netherlands to Senegal, Kingdom of the Netherlands

• Mr. Enock Chikava, Director – Agricultural Delivery Systems, Gates Foundation

• Mr. Ali Badarneh, Chief – Food Security and Food Systems Division, United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)

• Mr. Peter Kaindaneh, Presidential Initiative on Climate Change, Renewable Energy and Food Security, Republic of Sierra Leone

• Dr. Nteranya Sanginga, Emeritus Director General, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) & Board Member, Africa Food Prize

• Mr. Njoya Tikum, Director, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Sub-Regional Hub for West and Central Africa (UNDP WACA) & Resident Representative, UNDP Senegal

Call to Action

• Mr. Joost Guijt, Director, African Food Fellowship

This session will explore how digital agriculture services can become more economically viable, scalable, and broadly adopted through robust multistakeholder business models.

Despite exciting innovation across Africa, adoption remains low and many services struggle to scale or remain financially viable. The session will highlight key challenges, including weak business models, and share examples of practical solutions.

A multistakeholder, innovation-driven approach is essential to overcome adoption challenges and unlock the full potential of digital agriculture. By combining technology, inclusive business models, and strong partnerships, the sector can drive productivity, sustainability, and resilience in global food systems.

Venue: Thematic Hall Stage

Moderator

• Mr. Jonathan Said, Vice President for Technical Expertise, AGRA

Speaker

• Mr. Birane Kane, Head of Diversification Program Development Department, Orange Finances Mobiles Senegal

Case Study Presentations

• Ms. Anne Dioh, Senior Director of Development, MyAgro, Republic of Senegal

• Mr. Alexander Zanders, CEO & Founder, UfarmX, Republic of Nigeria

• Mr. Worlali Senyo, Country Manager, Ghana, Farmerline

• Mr. William Warshauer, President & CEO, TechnoServe

• Mr. Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba Fall, Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Digitalization Expert, Enabel

Panel Discussion

• Mr. Birane Kane, Head of Diversification Program Development Department, Orange Finances Mobiles Senegal

• Ms. Aisha Hadejia, Partner, Sahel Consulting

• Mr. Dayo Aduroja, Director, Youth & Tech Innovation, Africa, Heifer International

• Mr. Henry Mibei, Manager, Digital Development for Africa, Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International (CABI)

• Ms. Kira Everhart-Valentin, Alliance Manager for Cowpea, Gates Agricultural Innovations, Gates Ag One

• Mr. Femi Adekoya, Founder & Director at Integrated Aerial Precision, Republic of Nigeria

Closing Remarks

• Prof. Amb. Muhammadou Kah, Ambassador of the Gambia to Switzerland and the Geneva-based international organizations & Member Malabo Montpellier Panel

Building Inclusive Food Systems Transformation through innovative Food Baskets and Food Corridors

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.

Venue: Oval Room

Moderator

• Mr. Yohannes Asefa, Managing Director, Stalwart Management Consultancy Services

Segment 1: Creating Value through Markets

• Hon. Dr. Remy Pale, Permanent Secretary of the Coordination of Sectoral Agricultural Policies, Minister of Agriculture, Animal and Fisheries Resources, Republic of Burkina Faso

• Mr. Alain Traore, Director of Agriculture and Rural Development, ECOWAS & Chairman, ECOWAS Rice Observatory

• Mrs. Nunana Addo, Senior Policy Advisor, MOVE/ComCashew

• Mr. Kweku Koranteng, Director, Head of West Region, AgDevCo

Segment 2: Feeding Africa’s Growing Demand for Protein

• Dr. Babafemi Oyewole, CEO, Pan-African Farmers Organisation (PAFO)

• Mr. Ablaye Gaye, President, Comite Local Thies de Racines

• Ms. Felisters Gitau, CEO, Farmers Choice

• Mr. Tom Kehoe, Programs, Agricultural Development, Gates Foundation

• Mr. Ankur Shukla, Business Head – Animal Feed, Olam Agri

Closing Remarks

• Mr. Mansoor Ahmad, Deputy Head, Africa Economic Development; and Team Lead, Agribusiness Investment and Food Trade, FCDO

Empowering African Youth, Women, and Farmers for Climate Action in Food Systems

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.

Venue: Thematic Hall Stage

• Moderator

  • Mr. Zachary Bleicher, Food Systems Lead, Executive Office of the Secretary-General, United Nations & Global Coordinator, Technical Cooperation Collaborative (TCC)

• Opening Remarks
  
  • Mr. Zachary Bleicher, Food Systems Lead, Executive Office of the Secretary-General, United Nations & Global Coordinator, Technical Cooperation Collaborative (TCC)

• Fireside Chat

  • Mr. Amadou Thiam, Community Actor, Republic of Senegal

  • Dr. Wanjiru Kamau-Rutenberg, Panel Member, Malabo Montpellier & Managing Director, Africa, Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT

  • H.E Claudia Mosquera Rosero, Ambassador of Colombia to Senegal, Republic of Colombia

• Round Table I: Setting Africa climate ambitions in the context of Three Rio Conventions

  • Dr. Steven Crimp, Research Director, Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR)

  • Dr. Shailendra Mishra, Global Head of Sustainability – Grains, Oilseeds, Edible Oil, Wheat Milling, Feed & Freight, Olam Agri

  • Dr. Rebbie Harawa, Africa Director & Global Research Program - Resilient Farming Systems Director, ICRISAT

  • Ms. Nachilala Nkombo, Country Director, Bridges to Prosperity (B2P) Zambia; Founder, Women Leaders on Climate Action (WLCA); Member, Africa Food Prize

  • Ms. Rokiatou Traoré, Founder and Executive Manager, Herou Alliance

• Roundtable II: Localized climate finance for food systems, creating youth jobs and building climate resilience

  • Dr. Martin Fregene, Director, Department of Agriculture and Agro-Industry, African Development Bank (AfDB)

  • Ms. Jane Baldwin, Program Manager, Mastercard Foundation

  • Ms. Jean Muthamia-Mwenda, Global Lead – Youth Employment & Entrepreneurship, SNV

  • Dr. Mamadou Konate, Program Lead – Green Growth, Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI)

• Call-to-Action & Closing Remarks: Highlights and Future Directions

  • Prof. Tilahun Amede, Head – Resilience, Climate & Soil Fertility, AGRA