Opening Ceremony, Youth Town Hall and Presidential Summit

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 agrifood 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.

Venue: Auditorium

Moderators

• Mr. Larry Madowo, CNN International Correspondent

• Ms. Maimouna Dembele, Senior Communications Specialist

Program Flow

• National Anthem of Senegal

• Welcome to the 2025 Food Systems Forum

  • Mr. Amath Pathé Sene, Managing Director, Africa Food Systems Forum

• Video: Africa’s Youth Food Systems Transformation in Africa

Key Remarks by AFS Partners

• Ms. Alice Ruhweza, President, AGRA

• Dr. Paulin Basinga, Africa Director, Gates Foundation

• Lord Collins of Highbury, Minister for Africa, Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), United Kingdom

• H.E. Nardos Bekele-Thomas, CEO, African Union Development Agency-NEPAD (AUDA-NEPAD)

• Dr. Alvaro Lario, President, International Fund of Agricultural Development (IFAD)

• H.E. Moses Vilakati, Commissioner, Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment (ARBE), African Union Commission (AUC)

• H.E. Claver Gatete, Under-Secretary-General, United Nations & Executive Secretary, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA)

• H.E. Hailemariam Dessalegn, Board Chair, AGRA & Former Prime Minister, Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia

Program Flow (continued)

• Host Country Video

• Official Opening Remarks

  • H.E. Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye, President, Republic of Senegal

• Senegalese Cultural Performance

Interaction with Youth and President

• H.E. Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye, President, Republic of Senegal

• H.E. Paul Kagame, President, Republic of Rwanda

Youth Representatives

• Ms. Siny Samba, CEO, Le Lionceau

• Mr. Moustapha Sy Ndiaye, Founder, Maraz

• Ms. Claudia Senghor, Agroeconomist & Founder, AGROBABE

• Ms. Fahima Mohamed Ismael, Agri-influencer & Founder, CarroMaal

• Ms. Adja Boudy Kante, Founder & CEO, Cereal House

African Food Systems Year in Review

How far have we come, and who is truly leading the charge? Acting as powerful advocates, the First Ladies will bring the stories of the continent’s grassroots champions, the women and local leaders, to the main stage. Explore how leadership is driving investment in nutrition-sensitive farming, empowering women-led enterprises, and securing healthier futures for the next generation. This is a unique opportunity to witness how high-level influence can accelerate action on the ground. Through stories and strategy, we’ll unveil the data driving decisions, with tools like the Africa Food Systems Report (AFSR) lighting the way. Join this call to action and help put Africa’s true changemakers, those closest to the soil, at the very heart of the solution.

Venue: Auditorium

Moderator

• Dr. Ismahane Elouafi, Executive Managing Director, CGIAR

Opening Remarks

• H.E. Marie Khone Faye, First Lady, Republic of Senegal

Panel Discussion (as invited)

• H.E. Nardos Bekele-Thomas, CEO, AUDA-NEPAD

• H.E. Rachel Ruto, First Lady, Republic of Kenya

• H.E. Zita Nyangue Oligui, First Lady, Gabonese Republic

• H.E. Jeannette Kagame, First Lady, Republic of Rwanda

Setting the Stage

• Dr. Abebe Haile-Gabriel, Assistant Director General, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

• H.E. Dr. Ibrahim Assane Mayaki, Former Prime Minister, Republic of Niger & African Union Special Envoy on Food Systems, AUDA-NEPA

Launch of the Africa Food Systems Report (AFSR)

• Mr. Andrew Cox, Director of Strategy and MEL, AGRA

• Dr. John M. Ulimwengu, Senior Research Fellow, Development Strategies and Governance Unit, IFPRI

Panelists

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

• Eng. Geoffrey Mamba, Principal Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development, Republic of Malawi

• Ms. Nancy Iraba, CEO, Healthy Seaweed Co.

Food Systems Highlights

• Mr. Amath Pathé Sene, Managing Director, Africa Food Systems Forum & Regional Director for West Africa, AGRA

• Dr. Khaled Eltaweel, Senior Program Coordinator, UN Food Systems Coordination Hub

Infrastructure, Innovations & Industrialization – Meeting Youth Needs

• Mr. Chen Xi, Mayor of Sanya, People’s Republic of China

• Dr. Canisius Kanangire, Executive Director, African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF)

• Ms. Zoe Karl-Waithaka, Managing Director and Partner, BCG Consulting

• Prof. Appolinaire Djikeng, Director General, International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)

• H.E. Amb. Festus Bizimana, Ambassador of Rwanda to Senegal, Republic of Rwanda

Investment Room Launch – Mobilizing Capital for Youth Innovation

• Ms. Binta Touré Ndoye, Board Member, AGRA

• Mr. Sunru Yong, Partner & Co-Director, Dalberg

• Dr. Maximo Torero Cullen, Chief Economist, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)

Commitments Review – Building a Brighter Future

• Dr. Tom Thompson, Global GAP Report, Virginia Tech University

• Mr. Mehdi Filali, Vice-President West Africa, OCP Africa

• Ms. Wambui Chege, Director, Agrifood Systems, Mastercard Foundation

• Ms. Nomsa Daniels, Board Member, Heifer International

Closing Remarks

• H.E. Moses Vilakati, Commissioner, Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment (ARBE), African Union Commission (AUC)

Empower Women in Agri-Food Systems

Advancing Nutrition & Health

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.

Venue: Auditorium

Moderator

• H.E. Hélène De Bock, Ambassador, Kingdom of Belgium in Senegal

Opening Remarks

• H.E. Marie Khone Faye, First Lady, Republic of Senegal

Keynote Presentation

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

Panel Discussion – Empowering Women in Agrifood Systems

• Dr. Jemimah Njuki, Director – Gender, Women, and Civil Society, African Development Bank (AfDB)
• Dr. Lauren Phillips, Deputy Director – Rural Transformation and Gender Equality, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
• Dr. Pierre Kadet, Director – Climate-Resilient Food Systems Division, International Development Research Centre (IDRC)
• Ms. Nana Amoah, Director – Gender, Youth & Inclusiveness, AGRA
• Ms. Bettina Iseli, Chief Program Officer, Welthungerhilfe (WHH)

Panel Discussion – Nutrition and Gender

• Dr. Mbaye Sene, Executive Secretary, National Nutrition Development Council (CNDN)
• Ms. Rania Dagash, Assistant Executive Director, World Food Programme (WFP)
• Dr. Shailendra Mishra, Global Head of Sustainability – Grains, Oilseeds, Edible Oil, Wheat Milling, Feed & Freight, Olam Agri
• Ms. Juliet Laverley, President, Women’s Farmer Network of Sierra Leone

Panel Discussion – High Impact Nutrition Interventions & Outcomes

• Dr. Mohamed Hassan Bullale, Deputy Minister of Health, Federal Republic of Somalia
• Dr. Roy Steiner, Senior Vice President, The Food Initiative, Rockefeller Foundation & Board Member, AGRA
• Dr. Bosibori Bett, Director – Multilateral & Strategic Partnerships, Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR)
• Ms. Sokayna Bellam, Founder, Jodoor, Kingdom of Morocco
• Ms. Surita Sandosham, President & CEO, Heifer International
• Ms. Siny Samba, CEO, Le Lionceau

Closing Remarks

• Hon. Maïmouna Dieye, Minister of Family and Solidarity, Republic of Senegal

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.

Venue: Auditorium

Moderator

• Ms. Femi Oke, Journalist & Media Personality

Fireside Chat

• Hon. Alioune Sall, Minister of Communication, Telecommunications and Digital Affairs, Republic of Senegal

• Hon. Dr. Mark Cyubahiro Bagabe, Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, Republic of Rwanda

• Hon. Sen. Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Federal Government of Nigeria

• Dr. Alvaro Lario, President, International Fund of Agricultural Development (IFAD)

• Dr. Sandra Milach, Chief Scientist, CGIAR

Youth & Innovation Panel: Digital Agriculture

• Ms. Adesuwa Ifedi, Africa Senior Vice President, Heifer International

• Mr. Benjamin Kwasi Addom, Advisor, Agriculture and Fisheries Trade Policy (Digital), The Commonwealth

• Mr. Lahai Makieu, Amputee Trainee, Farming on Crutches Initiatives

• Mr. Bruk Getahun, Co-founder, Chip Chip Inc, Ethiopia

• Mr. Benson Wando, Founder, Soko Kijiji

Resource Mobilization Panel

• Ms. Beryl Agengo, Digital Agriculture Specialist, The World Bank

• Mr. Jens Hartmann, Head of Europe, Middle East, and Africa Crop Science Division, Bayer

• Ms. Fatim Haby Mariko, Senior Manager, IDInsight

• Mr. Maram Kaire, Director, Senegalese Spatial Agency & Former NASA

Closing Remarks

• Dr. Maximo Torero Cullen, Chief Economist, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)

Food Systems Trade & Markets

Connecting food corridors and food supply chains

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.

Venue: Auditorium

Moderator

• Ms. Femi Oke, Journalist & Media Personality

Opening Remarks

• H.E. Claver Gatete, Under-Secretary-General, United Nations & Executive Secretary, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA)

Panel Discussion

• Facilitator: Dr. Agnes Kalibata, Founder & Chair, Connect4Impact Advisory Group

• Hon. Serigne Guèye Diop, Minister of Industry and Commerce, Republic of Senegal

• Hon. Dr. Godfred Jasaw, Chairperson, African Food Systems Parliamentary Network (AFSPaN)

• Ms. Marie Thiam Soumaré, President, African Women Network of AfCFTA

• Mr. Mansoor Ahmad, Deputy Head, Africa Economic Development; and Team Lead, Agribusiness Investment and Food Trade, Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)

Panel Discussion

• Facilitator: Mr. Daniel Njiwa, Director - Inclusive Markets, Trade and Finance, AGRA

• Mr. Baraka Chijenga, Founder & CEO, Kilimo Fresh Foods

• Mr. Alan Kessler, CEO, African Food Security

• Ms. Jacqueline Banda, Founder & CEO, JEYIE Foods

Council of the Wise

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.

Key Remarks

• H.E. Dr. Ibrahim Assane Mayaki, Former Prime Minister, Republic of Niger & African Union Special Envoy for Food Systems (AUDA-NEPAD)

Youth Interrogators

• Ms. Hannah Rotimi-Williams, Founder, Carmella Farms, Federal Republic of Nigeria

• Ms. Nafissatou Traore, Founder & CEO, Debbo Enterprise, Republic of Senegal

Council of the Wise

• H.E. Hailemariam Dessalegn, Board Chair, AGRA & Former Prime Minister, Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia

• H.E. Lionel Zinsou, Former Prime Minister, Republic of Benin & Founder and Managing Partner, SouthBridge

• H.E. Dr. Ibrahim Assane Mayaki, Former Prime Minister, Republic of Niger & African Union Special Envoy for Food Systems (AUDA-NEPAD)

• H.E. Mizengo Pinda, Former Prime Minister, United Republic of Tanzania

• H.E. Mohamed Beavogui, Former Prime Minister, Republic of Guinea

• Mr. Elhadj As Sy, Board Chair, Kofi Annan Foundation & Former Secretary General, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)

Africa Fertilizer & Soil Health Initiative

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.

Venue: Auditorium

• Moderator

  • Ms. Thule Lenneiye, Chief of Staff, AGRA

• Political Leadership Panel: Driving Commitment

  • Hon. Marième Soda Ndiaye - Director General of the Food Security and Resilience Commission, Republic of Senegal

  • H.E. Paul Gulleik Larse, Special Envoy, Ambassador-at-Large for Food Security, Norway

  • Prof. Dr. Obert Jiri, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Republic of Zimbabwe

• • Prof. Dr. Obert Jiri, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Republic of Zimbabwe

  • Dr. Ildephonse Musafiri, Special Advisor to the CEO on Agriculture and Food Systems, AUDA-NEPAD

  • H.E. Ali Mohammed Ibrahim, Senior Advisor to the State Minister of Agriculture and Horticulture, Ministry of Agriculture, Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia

  • Ms. Chidinma Mary Ezeh, FarmCAS Team Lead / Country Representative, YPARD Nigeria

• Resource Mobilization Panel

  • Prof. Aggrey Agumya, Executive Director, FARA

  • Mr. Mehdi Filali, Vice-President, West Africa, OCP Africa

  • Dr. Leigh Ann Winowiecki, Global Research Leader, CIFOR-ICRAF

  • Dr. Christian Witt, Senior Program Officer for Soil Health, Gates Foundation

  • Mr. Oystein Botillen, Director, Strategic Partnerships, Yara International

  • Dr. El Hadj Adama Touré, Practice Manager – Agriculture and Food Global Practice, World Bank

  • Dr. Mamadou Moustapha Diokhane, Researcher, International Society for Academic Researchers (ISfAR)

• Closing remarks

  • H.E. Moses Vilakati, Commissioner, Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment (ARBE), African Union Commission

From Vision to Delivery for the Youth

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.

Venue: Auditorium

• Moderator

  • Mr. Georgie Ndirangu, Director of Programs, Africa Leadership and Dialogue Institute (ALADI) & Media Personality

• Champion and Invest in the Future

  • Ms. Geneviève Dione, Researcher, ISRA-BAME, Republic of Senegal

  • Ms. Stella Kimani, Senior Manager in Policy, Food4Education

  • Mr. Nana Kusi Appiah, Co-Founder, GanaFert Limited & Mastercard Foundation Scholar alumnus

  • Ms. Stephany Namer Adupa, Youth Representative, Uganda

  • Mr. Tajudeen Yahaya, CEO, Extension Africa

  • Mr. Stefano Fatti, Director General for Development Cooperation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Italian Republic

  • Mr. Femi Adekoya, Founder & Director, Integrated Aerial Precision

• Celebration of African Agripreneurs & GAFP Fellows Graduation

  • Award Presenters:

    • Ms. Alice Ruhweza, President, AGRA

    • Ms. Atsuko Toda, Senior Director, Entrepreneurship Development, Pan-African Programs, Mastercard Foundation

    • Ms. Adesuwa Ifedi, Africa Senior Vice President, Heifer International; Ayute competitions

    • Ms. Yemisi Iranloye, Founder & Managing Director, Psaltry International Company Limited

• Closing Communique

  • Mr. Amath Pathe Sene, Managing Director, The Africa Food Systems Forum

• Prime Ministers’ Reflections (as invited)

  • H.E. Sen. Kashim Shettima, Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria

  • H.E. Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, Vice President, Republic of Sierra Leone

  • H.E. Alexandre Barro Chambrie, Vice President, Gabonese Republic

  • Rt. Hon. Ousmane Sonko, Prime Minister, Republic of Senegal

  • H.E. Amadou Oury Bah, Prime Minister, Republic of Guinea

  • H.E. Jean-Emmanuel Ouédraogo, Prime Minister, People’s Republic of Burkina Faso

  • H.E. Ali Lamine Zeine, Prime Minister, Republic of Niger

  • H.E. Robert Beugré Mambé, Prime Minister, Republic of Cote d’Ivoire

  • H.E. Robinah Nabbanja, Prime Minister, Republic of Uganda

  • H.E. Temesgen Tiruneh, Deputy Prime Minister, Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia

• Closing Ceremony

  • H.E. Hailemariam Dessalegn - Board Chair, AGRA & Former Prime Minister, Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia

  • Rt. Hon. Ousmane Sonko - Prime Minister, Republic of Senegal for the closing ceremony