Launch of a new Platform to connect all African youth working in Food Systems

Building the momentum to kick off the Africa Food Systems Forum (AFSF) 2025 in Senegal, this ‘Youth Welcome and Networking Event’ is an inaugural event designed and curated to generate excitement and engagement among youth delegates. Hosted by the AFSF Secretariat, the networking event will welcome the youth delegates and high-level stakeholders from around the continent to the forum in Senegal to demonstrate and strengthen the objectives behind the theme of the AFSF 2025 on youth and inclusion, which addresses both gender and youth gaps within food systems.

The Welcome Event embodies the forum theme by positioning young people as transformational leaders in the agri-food systems. The session will provide an interactive platform, presenting opportunities for youth engagement and intergenerational collaboration during and beyond the AFS Forum. Youths will have the chance to ask agrifood leaders specific questions during this session. The leaders will then engage in a discussion regarding the youths' enquiries, ideas, innovations, and proposals.

• Moderator

  • Ms. Nafi Solange Thiam, Managing Partner, Strategis

• Scene Setting: Live Interactive Engagement

• Youth Speaks: Spotlighting Youth Role in Africa Food Systems Transformation

  • Dr. Iddi Mohamed Faried, Founder, Kodu Technology, Ghana & Generation Africa Fellow

• Entertainment: Musical and Cultural Performance

Sequence 1

• Youth Event Opening

• Opening Remarks

  • Hon. Dr Mabouba Diagne, Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Livestock, Republic of Senegal

• Keynote Speakers

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

  • Ms. Wambui Chege, Director of Agriculture, Pan-African Programs, Mastercard Foundation

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

Sequence 2
Interactive Panel Discussion between Youths and Leaders: Empowering Young Leaders in Agri-food Systems – Lessons from Senegal

• Moderator

  • Ms. Nafi Solange Thiam, Managing Partner, Strategis

• Panel Conversations

  • Hon. Dr. Mabouba Diagne, Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Livestock, Republic of Senegal

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

  • Mr. Elhadji Malick Sagne, Founder of Cactus Innovation, Senegal & Generation Africa Fellow

  • Ms. Arristine Mendes, Founder, Shaddaï Aquaculture, Republic of Senegal & Generation Africa Fellow

Sequence 3
Panel Discussion
Sports and Culture to Foster Youth Inclusion and Engagement in Agri-food Systems

Moderator

• Ms. Nafi Solange Thiam, Managing Partner, Strategis

Speakers

• Hon. Ms Khady Diène Gaye, Minister of Youth, Sports, and Culture, Republic of Senegal
• Mr. Maide Hamit Lony, Minister of Youth and Sports, Republic of Chad
• Mr. Amadou Gallo Fall, President Basketball Africa League (BAL)
• Ms. Nana Amoah, Director for Gender, Youth and Inclusiveness, AGRA
• Mr. Farmer Ogbole Samson, Team Lead for Eupepsia Place Limited (Soilless Farm lab)
• Ms. Konan Grace Adjoua Divine, Youth Refugee Advocate, Côte d'Ivoire

Sequence 4

Call for Youth Platform Sponsors and Collaborations

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

Youth Dome Unveiling

• Mr. Henry Lagat, Lead, Generation Africa, AGRA

Organizer: CGIAR Scaling for Impact Science Program 

This platform is geared towards spotlighting 10 leading youth-led agribusinesses across Africa working to solve critical challenges in agrifood systems. The shortlisted finalists will pitch live at AFSF in the Youth Dome for a chance to win grant funding and a 6-month tailored science-based technical assistance package coupled with networking opportunities, visibility, and integration into the CGIAR ecosystem. 

Moderators

• Ms. Abena Ofosu, Senior Research Officer – Innovation Scaling, International Water Management Institute

Opening Remarks

• Dr. Tim Krupnik, Interim Director of Scaling for Impact (S4I), International Water Management Institute 

Judges Introduction 

• Dr. Iddo Dror - Team Leader for Impact at Scale, International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)
• Mr. Paswel Phiri Marenya, Associate Program Director SAS, CIMMYT- Kenya
• Ms. Cofie Olufunke, Africa Director for Research Impact, IWMI 

Youth Innovation Pitches 
 
Winner announcements and Closing 

• Dr. Tim Krupnik, Interim Director of Scaling for Impact (S4I), International Water Management Institute  
• Ms. Mahlatse Nkosi, Research Officer: Inclusive Agricultural Finance, International Water Management Institute (IWMI)

(Leadership Mentorship Session)

The youth population is key to Africa’s future and the agrifood systems transformation agenda. The food and agriculture industry provide unique opportunities for young people to develop into strong leaders who will go on to lead agricultural transformation and development in Africa. Achieving the much-needed food systems transformation on the continent requires harnessing the leadership, bold ideas, innovation and energy of young people. Evident in the youth-centric theme of this year’s Africa Food Systems Forum, the development of leadership skills and knowledge remains one of the most powerful instruments for engaging and empowering youth leaders in Africa to become champions of change and is fundamental for sustainable socio-economic development.

This session aims to provide landscape insights into youth leadership in agrifood systems and explore how it can contribute to career success for youth-led agribusiness ventures and across the broader agricultural and economic sectors.

Moderator

• Ms. Meron Sileshi Mekonnen, Chief of Voice, NextGen Agri Voices

Sequence 1: Agripreneurs On-the-Mic (The Youth Perspectives)

• Dr. Akpem Terese Shadrach, Founder Vet Konect, Nigeria & Generation Africa Fellow

• Ms. Inota Cheta, Founder, She Entrepreneur and Wattles and Combs, Zambia

• Ms. Anthea Ibembe, Co-Founder & Chief Operating Officer, APA Tea Company Limited, Republic of Uganda

Sequence 2

Dialogue Session

Founder Fuel

• Dr. Donal Brown, Associate Vice-President, Programme Management Department, International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)

Disruptive Conversations

• Prof. Hamadi Boga, Vice President Program Delivery, AGRA

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

• Mr. Maram Kaire, Director General, Senegalese Agency for Space Studies - Former NASA

• Ms. Clariece Ngumi, Founder, Arabuko Limited, Kenya

• Ms. Nana Amoah, Director for Gender, Youth, and Inclusiveness, AGRA

Sequence 3: Audience Interactive Dialogue

An interactive session where the audience can ask questions directly to the speakers, and the youth stakeholders in the room can also share their perspectives.

Join this interactive youth networking session where youth delegates will explore the powerful connection between food, choices, and well-being. Through expert insights, engaging discussions, fun activities, food tasting and peer-to-peer sharing, the session will explore how our food choices impact health, carbon footprints, and the prosperity of farmers and communities. This networking session is curated for individuals passionate about nutrition, curious about food systems, or simply seeking to connect with like-minded peers. At the end of this session, delegates will have the opportunity to learn, reflect, and explore how their food choices can influence the food system.

Moderator

• Mr. Victor Mugo, Youth Strategy Lead, One Acre Fund

Sequence 1 – Nutrition Deep Dive

• Dr. Mercy Lungaho, Lead - Food Security, Nutrition, and Health Program, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture

• Mr. Pacifique Ishimwe, Act4Food Rwanda Youth Leader, Act4Food and the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition

Sequence 2 – Nutrition Interactive Quiz

Sequence 3 – Networking and Interaction

• Mr. Washington Mumbamarwo, Youth Delegates - Nutrition AUDA-NEPAD  
• Ms. Jessica Mmola, Youth Delegates - Nutrition AUDA-NEPAD

Co-Facilitator

• Ms. Stephanie Sargeant, Global Youth Campaigns Coordinator, Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN)

Entertainment & Refreshments

(Interactive Discussion on Inclusion for Displaced Youth, Persons with Disabilities and Refugees)

Africa is home to a substantial number of the world's displaced populations, including millions of refugees, youth, and individuals with disabilities who are systemically excluded from economic opportunities. An unprecedented number of individuals are being forcibly displaced worldwide as a result of numerous crises and unresolved conflicts in the current global landscape. This is generating a critical need for enhanced coordination and collaboration.

Despite agriculture being the continent's largest employer and a critical conduit to food security and rural development, these vulnerable groups remain underrepresented in agrifood systems due to barriers such as limited access to production resources, finance, education, and training, as well as inclusive technologies. The exclusion of these populations also weakens the resilience and productivity of agrifood systems, which undermines their dignity and potential. A key sustainable solution to support these vulnerable populations is to include displaced youth, people with disabilities, and refugees.

This session, hosted by the Mastercard Foundation, will spotlight the critical need for greater inclusion of refugees and displaced youth, and people with disabilities in Africa’s agrifood systems, a sector central to food security, economic growth, and livelihoods.

Moderator

• Ms. Sherrie Silver, Advocate for Rural Youth, International Fund of Agricultural Development (IFAD)

Session framing and setting the scene with facts

Sequence 1 – Keynote Remarks, Interaction and Video Messages

• Ms. Grace Adjoua Divine, Young Refugee, Togo

Sequence 2 – Youth Spotlight Stories

• Ms. Bernice Yawo Agboada, Farmer and Entrepreneur, Ghana

• Ms. Stella Wangila, Entrepreneur - Mombasa Fish Business

Sequence 3 – Interactive Dialogue: “In Their Words”

• Ms. Stella Wangila, Entrepreneur - Mombasa Fish Business

• Mr. Fatawu Koniamu Bakari, Advocate and Public Relations Officer, Disabled Farmers Union Ghana

• Ms. Margot van der Velden, Regional Director for West and Central Africa, World Food Programme

• Mr. Jonathan Kampunzu, Inclusion and Livelihoods Officer, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, Senegal

Closing Reflections

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

(Entrepreneurship Mentorship Session)

One common paradox is that young people don’t see a career, business or future in agriculture. To create dignified and fulfilling work opportunities and wealth for African youth, there is a need to empower and invest in upskilling young people in business opportunities across the agricultural value chains. Hence, this engagement will explore how they can identify profitable agribusinesses, transform their innovative ideas into thriving ventures, overcome the major hurdles of access to finance and market and importantly, manage successful agribusiness operations.

This session aims to address the crucial question of how young people can be profitable in agribusiness. This session aims to address the crucial question of how young people can be profitable in agribusiness and in next-gen term “making money from agribusiness”. The discussion will focus on enhancing the profitability of young Agripreneurs to contribute to Africa's food systems transformation and economic growth.

The session is curated to facilitate interaction, youth-focused conversations, share inspirational youth perspectives, motivate and prepare young people to gain insights into the landscape of Agri-entrepreneurship opportunities across the agribusiness value chains.

Moderator

• Ms. Sheila Kaaya, Lead Agrifood systems, Pan-African Programs, Mastercard Foundation

Sequence 1 – Agripreneurs On-the-Mic (The Youth Perspectives)

• Ms. Salimata Toh, Founder of Agri Banana, Ivory Coast & Generation Africa Fellow

• Ms. Arristine Mendes, Founder, Shaddaï Aquaculture, Republic of Senegal & Generation Africa Fellow

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

Sequence 2 – Dialogue Session

Founder Fuel

• Mr. Olayemi Aganga, Co-Founder, Maungo Craft & Regional Director - MBC Africa

Disruptive Conversations

• Dr. Nomathemba Mhlanga, Rwanda Country Representative, FAO

• Ms. Sidee Dlamini, Chief Ecosystem and Partnership Officer, Delta40 Venture Studio

• Ms. Bernice Yawo Agboada, Farmer and Entrepreneur, Ghana

• Mr. Emmanuel Mwanza, Founder, Go Jet Investments, Malawi

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

• Ms. Verena Ruzibuka, Country Director – Rwanda, Heifer International

Sequence 3 – Audience Interactive Dialogue

An interactive, high-impact learning dialogue where youth gain real-world knowledge through practical tools, success frameworks, and personal insights. The audience can ask questions directly to the speakers, and the youth stakeholders in the room can also share their perspectives and build on different opinions from others.

Young Agripreneurs continue to leverage digital platforms to address challenges in the food systems. This session aims to equip young people with the mindset, skills, and tools to strategically use social media to grow their agricultural ventures, build trusted brands, access markets, strengthen communities, and generate income.

Delegates will explore how social media and AI can be applied in the day-to-day realities of farming, agribusiness, and digital extension. The session will also demonstrate how ecosystem actors can collaborate with AgriInfluencers and youth-led enterprises to amplify their reach, strengthen agricultural systems, and foster innovation.

The session also targets ecosystem actors, including policymakers, development partners, training institutions, agritech companies, and farmer cooperatives, interested in understanding how social media and AgriInfluencers can be engaged to deepen their impact on the agriculture sector through the voices, creativity, and lived experiences of youth.

Moderator

• Mr. Olanrewaju Akintobi, AgriInfluencers Network, Nigeria

Welcome & Framing

Sequence 1: Interactive Warm-Up: “Raise Your Hand/ your glass for Your Story”

• Ms. Aicha Sawadogo, AgriInfluencers Network, Burkina Faso

Sequence 2: Lightning Talks & Interactive Activity

• Mr. Denis Woniala, AgriInfluencers Network, Uganda

• Ms. Sifa Sangwa, AgriInfluencers Network, Rwanda

• Ms. Aminata Sokhna, AgriInfluencers Network, Senegal

• Mr. Thierno Ngamb, AgriInfluencers Network, Senegal

Wrap-Up & Call to Action

Entertainment & Refreshments

(Showcase of Indigenous Youth in Agri-food Systems and Resilience through Heritage)

Indigenous peoples in Africa possess rich intellectual rights and agricultural knowledge systems that are rooted in their community-led approach, cultural heritage, sustainability, and biodiversity. Nevertheless, these systems are becoming more vulnerable to the effects of climate change, land degradation, and socio-economic marginalization. Indigenous youth, in particular, face the dual challenge of preserving ancestral practices while navigating contemporary agrifood economies and practices. In addition, indigenous youth and women have limited development and opportunities in rural settings.

This dedicated session aims to emphasize the significance of indigenous youth as innovators in sustainable agriculture and their fundamental role in strengthening indigenous peoples' food and knowledge systems. The session will converge discussions on the potential of heritage-based practices, including agroecology, seed preservation and indigenous food systems, to support climate adaptation, food sovereignty, and resilience.

Moderator

• Ms. Gifty Hodey Manye, Farmer & Agricultural Journalist

Opening Remarks

• Mr. Elhadj As Sy, Former Secretary General of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)

Sequence 1: Voices from the Ground

• Ms. Fatimatou Rabidine Hiyar, African Indigenous Youth
• Mr. Mahamat Oumarou Malloum, African Indigenous Youth
• Ms. Sanago Litya, African Indigenous Youth
• Ms. Yevette Adams, African Indigenous Youth
• Ms. Christina Ayubu Haule, Youth Leader, Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN)

Sequence 2: Open Discussion

Africa's agrifood systems' future is in the hands of its young people, who are innovators, bold thinkers, entrepreneurs, and innovative problem solvers, redesigning the continent's agrifood systems. The growing concerns about food insecurity remain a serious challenge on the continent. However, embracing bold innovation can play a significant role in achieving food security by boosting agricultural productivity, creating and facilitating market-driven products and linkages, improving holistic food systems, and offering value and business opportunities across the value chains.

The key question is how stakeholders can lead systemic change by engaging and supporting youth-led innovations in agrifood systems. This session is not just a conversation; it is a call to action that builds on this year's theme of the Africa Food Systems Summit - "Africa's Youth: Leading Collaboration, Innovation, and Implementation of Africa's Food Systems Transformation."

This Youth Dome innovation showcase, jointly organized with key partners, aims to provide a dynamic platform for young Agripreneurs and innovators to showcase and pitch their groundbreaking ideas and startups, ranging from farmer-focused projects to climate-smart agricultural and agritech solutions, among other innovative solutions. The innovation showcase will be a learning platform that demonstrates how youth-led innovations are addressing real problems and driving Africa's transformation of its agrifood systems.

Moderators

• Ms. Jean Muthamia-Mwenda, Global Lead, Youth Employment & Entrepreneurship, SNV Netherlands Development Organization

• Mr. Victor Mugo, Youth Strategy Lead, One Acre Fund

Sequence 1: Dialogue Session

Keynote Remarks

• Ms. Jane Baldwin, Head of Agrifood System, Pan African Programs, Mastercard Foundation

• Ms. Princess Anita, Vice President of Business Growth and Partnerships, Farmerline

Panel Discussion
Supporting youth to build and scale innovations past the ‘valley of death’ and disrupt global agri-value chains

Moderator

• Ms. Jean Muthamia-Mwenda, Global Lead, Youth Employment & Entrepreneurship, SNV Netherlands Development Organization

Speakers

• Mr. Femi Adekoya, Founder & Director, Integrated Aerial Precision
• Mr. Dayo Aduroja, Director – Youth & Tech Innovation, Africa, Heifer International
• Mr. Maram Kaire, Director General, Senegalese Space Studies - Former NASA
• Mr. Deogratius Magero, Youth Manager, CABI
• Ms. Janetta Carlucci, Social Policy Officer, FAO Africa
• Dr. Noel Mulinganya, Deputy Head of the IITA Youth in Agribusiness Office
• Ms. Nyifamu Manzo, Founder, Farmatrix Agro Allied and Technology Company
• Mr. Eliud Rugut, Founder, Silo Africa

Sequence 2: Showcase – Youth Ag Innovators

Youth innovators shaping the future of agriculture will showcase and pitch their agrifood innovations, projects and startups. Youth innovators from across: Smart Agriculture, Last-mile Solution, Digital Solutions, Livestock, Market Linkage, Agri-Fintech, Post-Harvest and Value Addition.

Moderator

• Mr. Victor Mugo, Youth Strategy Lead, One Acre Fund

8 Youth Ag-innovators from Africa

• Mr. Ahouandjinou Oswalde Alida, Founder & Agripreneur Champion, Oyayi and IYBA Seed Benin

• Ms. Miriam Agbo, CEO and Founder, Anatsor Ltd

• Ms. Carolyne Mwangi, Founder & CEO, Kimplanter Seedlings

• Ms. Latifa Diedhou, Founder, NUTRIVIE, Senegal

• Mr. Benson Wando, Founder, Soko Kijiji, Kenya

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

• Mr. Watson Matsa, Founder, eSusFarm Africa, South Africa & Generation Africa Fellow

Closing Remarks

• Mr. Eliud Rugut, Founder, Silo Africa

(Cross-Generational Mentorship Session)

Evidence-based data and studies highlight the significant and growing role of women, particularly young women, in agriculture and across its value chains in Africa. The often overlooked yet crucial role of young women in Africa's agricultural sector remains a significant concern, underpinned by several factors, including socio-cultural and ideological barriers, limited access to and control over productive resources, low-capacity building, institutional and financial constraints, among other limiting factors.

A new generation of young women in African agrifood systems is emerging with innovative ideas, increased control over decision-making, and breaking down barriers to accelerate gender equality and youth participation in agrifood systems. The new generation of young women looks up to older women who have set a precedent as role models in their agribusiness ventures, leadership, family, personal development and growth. This intergenerational engagement and knowledge transfer are helping to drive the transformation of food systems and shape a sustainable future.

Building on the momentum of the global goals to enhance gender equality and youth empowerment in agriculture, this session will provide a platform for intergenerational dialogue, enabling delegates to challenge the status quo, share their experiences, and exchange insights on the role of Africa's young women in transforming Africa's agrifood systems.

Moderator

• Ms. Sidee Dlamini, Chief Ecosystem and Partnership Officer, Delta40 Venture Studio

Sequence 1: Live Opinion Poll

• All Delegates

Sequence 2: Agripreneurs On-the-Mic (The Youth Perspectives)

• Dr. Fresnellia Sagbo, President & Agripreneur Champion, African Women Entrepreneurs Program

• Ms. Youma Thierno Deme, HAYFA FOOD, Senegal

• Ms. Sandra Nabasirye, Executive Director at Santex Agri initiative, Uganda

Sequence 3: Dialogue Session

Founder Fuel

• Dr. Aline Mugisho, CEO, Youth In Agribusiness; International Institute of Tropical Agriculture

Disruptive Conversations

• Ms. Sylvia Vitale Rotta, CEO, Team Creatif Group

• Ms. Esther Dassanou, Gender Director, Mastercard Foundation

• Ms. Charlene Chelagat Ruto, Founder and CEO, SMACHS Foundation

• Ms. Phyllis Ombonyo, Global Director, Strategy & Engagement, CABI

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

Sequence 4: Audience Interactive Dialogue

An interactive session where the audience can ask questions directly to the speakers, and the youth stakeholders in the room can also share their perspectives.

At the margins of this year’s AFSF is a strong thematic focus on youth inclusion, which provides a unique opportunity to champion impact stories and voices of young women and men driving agri-food systems transformation across Africa. In alignment with the theme, SNV will host a stakeholder roundtable networking event, bringing together key actors, including donors and youth partners, to exchange best practices, lessons learned and a collaborative approach to transform food systems across Africa, given an evolving donor landscape.
The Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship (YEE) portfolio drives SNV’s youth inclusion strategy across sectors and has live YEE projects in over 10 countries. The YEE strategy aims to address the barriers hindering young people from accessing decent livelihood opportunities which include access to finance and markets for trade for their enterprises, market- relevant skills and a limited enabling environment for youth employment. 
The networking and roundtable will showcase youth voices and impact stories on youth employment and entrepreneurship. As part of this session, SNV will launch a new strategy 2025-2030 for youth employment and entrepreneurship.
 
Moderator

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

Welcome & Introduction

Sequence 1: Intergenerational Keynote Addresses

• • Ms. Annemieke Beekmans, Director of Technical Expertise, SNV
  • Ms. Rica Rwigamba, Interim Country Director of Senegal and WAEMU region, Mastercard Foundation.
  • Ms. Faridah Nalunkuuma, Program Manager, Agribusiness, African Leadership Academy (ALA)
  • Mr Boubacar Kanouté, Chargé de Programme Agriculture et Développement Rural – Section Coopération, European Union

Sequence 2: Roundtable Discussion

• Facilitator
  • Dr. Jeremiah Rogito, Agribusiness Specialist, AGRA
• Speakers
  • Dr. Martin Fregene, Director of Agriculture and Agro-Industry, AfDB
  • Mr. Michael Nkonu, Head, Agricultural Livelihoods, IKEA Foundation
  • Mr. Joost Guijt, Director, Africa Food Fellowship
  • Mr. Vincent Odour, Youth Delegate - IYBA Seed Kenya, SNV
  • Ms. Leonor Fall, Youth Delegate - African Leadership Agribusiness Network

Sequence 3: YEE Strategy Launch & Photo Session

(Celebration of the African Agripreneurs and GAFP Fellows Graduation)

The Generation Africa Fellowship Program (GAFP) continues to build on the vision to strengthen the ecosystem for youth entrepreneurs in the agri-food sector across Africa. Since its launch, GAFP has remained a signature program, empowering young people with the skills and knowledge, as well as tailored coaching and mentoring, vital to succeeding in agribusiness and enhancing their leadership as catalysts for change and innovation.

GAFP has successfully graduated two cohorts of youth fellows at previous editions of the Africa Food Systems Forum (AFSF) since 2023. Through this forum, the youth fellows are provided with a networking opportunity, learn from a diverse range of perspectives, and establish investor linkage.

The session is curated to honour and celebrate the dedication, commitment and hard work of the youth fellows who have completed the GAFP fellowship. The session will feature transformational stories from the fellows and industry partners, youth-centric conversations and the certificate award ceremony.

Moderator

• Ms. Sophie Nabuliri, Youth Entrepreneurship Growth Coordinator, Generation Africa, AGRA

Sequence 1: Keynote Remarks

• Ms. Surita Sandosham, President & CEO, Heifer International

• Mr. Kazuki Kitaoka, Director, Office of Youth and Women, FAO

• Mr. Mashoko Chakanyuka, Head, Youth Employment in Agriculture, AGRA

Sequence 2: Developing a Pipeline for Impact – Insights into Generation Africa Fellowship Program

Generation Africa Fellowship Program Presentation

• Mr. Henry Lagat, Lead, Generation Africa, AGRA

Generation Africa Fellowship Program 2025 Fellow Testimonials

• Ms. Irene Simon Ivambi, Founder, Mrembo naturals Limited & Generation Africa Fellow

• Mr. Elhadji Malick Sagne, Founder of Cactus Innovation, Republic of Senegal & Generation Africa Fellow

• Dr. Iddi Mohamed Faried, Founder, Kodu Technology, Ghana & Generation Africa Fellow

• Mr. Bruk Getahun, Co-founder, Chip Chip Inc, Ethiopia & Generation Africa Fellow

Sequence 3: Panel Discussion – Transforming Agrifood Systems through Youth Empowerment

• Mr. Dickson Naftali, Head Thematic Platforms & Innovation Program, AFS Forum
• Hon. George Opare Addo Esq, Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, Ghana
• Mr. Olayemi Aganga, Co-Founder, Maungo Craft & Regional Director - MBC Africa
• Ms. Jean Muthamia-Mwenda, Global Lead, Youth Employment & Entrepreneurship, SNV Netherlands Development Organization
• Ms. Janetta Carlucci, Social Policy Officer, FAO Africa
• Mr. Deogratius Magero, Youth Manager, CABI

Sequence 4: Graduation Ceremony and Awards of Certificates

• GAFP 2025 Fellows

Presentation of Certificates by

• Hon. George Opare Addo Esq, Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, Ghana

• Mr. Mashoko Chakanyuka, Head, Youth Employment in Agriculture, AGRA

• Ms. Surita Sandosham, CEO and President, Heifer International

• Mr. worlKazuki Kitaoka, Director, Office of Youth and Women, FAO