Education of Young Scientists: Attracting Youth to Research, Science, and Innovation

Recognizing Africa's vibrant youth as the dynamic engine for change, this researcher's forum directly addresses the importance of engaging young people in the research, science, technology, and innovation (RSTI) that underpin a sustainable and food-secure future for the continent. This forum will explore concrete and actionable strategies to effectively draw young talent into the agri-food sector's RSTI landscape. Panellists will explore innovative approaches to foster youth engagement in research-based initiatives across the entire food value chain – from primary production to processing, distribution, and consumption.

Venue: Oval Room

Moderator

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

Discussants

Attracting and Preparing the Next Generation

• Dr. Simeon Ehui, Director General, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) & Regional Director, CGIAR

• Dr. Namukolo Covic, Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa, CGIAR & President, African Nutrition Society

• Dr. Pierre Kadet, Director – Climate-Resilient Food Systems, International Development Research Centre (IDRC)

• Dr. Moctar Toure, President, Académie des Sciences et Techniques du Sénégal

• Dr. Moses Siambi, Africa Program Director, CIMMYT

Building Bridges and Empowering Through Mentorship

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

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

• Dr. Shenggen Fan, Chair Professor & Dean of the Academy of Global Food Economics and Policy (AGFEP), China Agricultural University (CAU)

• Ms. Katelyn Runyan-Gless, Strategic Partnerships Manager, AgriCorps

• Dr. Suzie Newman, General Manager – Partnerships, Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR)

Creating Enabling Environments

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

• Dr. Abdou Tenkouano, Director General & CEO, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe)

• Dr. Jean Luc Chotte, Director of Research, Institute of Research for Development (IRD)

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

Closing Remarks

• Hon. El Hadj Abdourahmane Diouf, Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, Republic of Senegal

Partnering with the Future: The Private Sector's Role in Youth-Led Agri-Food Innovation
This session will explore the critical role the private sector must play in actively supporting and collaborating with the youth generation. We will move beyond acknowledging the potential of youth and explore concrete pathways and tools, derisking mechanisms for the private sector to strategically engage and invest in youth-led initiatives supported by public sectors and key reforms needed to achieve tangible progress towards a sustainable and food-secure Africa.

This forum session will focus on the importance for the private sector of moving beyond traditional approaches and embracing innovative strategies for meaningful youth engagement.

Venue: Oval Room

Moderators

• H.E. Amb. David Lane, President, Annenberg Foundation Trust at Sunnylands

• Ms. Ada Osakwe, Founding & Managing Director, Agrolay Ventures & Board Member, AGRA

Setting the Stage

• Hon. Dr. Abdourahmane Sarr, Minister of Economy, Planning and Cooperation, Republic of Senegal

Discussants

Attracting and Preparing the Next Generation

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

• Ms. Angela Brefo Yeboah, 2SCALE youth champion & CEO, Angy Farms

• Ms. Victoria Sabula, CEO, Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund (AECF)

• Ms. Debra Mallowah, Head of Africa, Bayer Crop Science & B20 TaskForce Chair, Sustainable Food Systems & Agriculture

• Dr. Jean-Claude Bidogeza, Technical Specialist, Platform for Agriculture Risk Management (PARM), IFAD

• Ms. Meghna Laxman, Director Corporate Affairs, PepsiCo

• Ms. Ndèye Fatou Mbodji, Administrateur Général, Fonds de Garantie, Fonds de Garantie des Investissements Prioritaires (FONGIP)

Ecosystem for Innovation

• Mr. Imungana Malikana, Co-Founder, TapFuel Global & Founder, Cranitech Ltd.

• Ms. Wampie Libon, Director of Inclusive Green Growth, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kingdom of the Netherlands

• Dr. Sylvia Mwamba, Associate Director & Zambia Country Lead, IDinsight

• Mr. Mochesane Albert Mpali, Founder & CEO, Lema Agrivest

• Mr. Chris Roth, CEO, Reinke Manufacturing

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

After nearly two decades of CAADP implementation, Biennial Review reports indicate that Africa is not on track to meet the Malabo Declaration targets by 2025. As the continent transitions from the Malabo phase, focus shifts to the Kampala CAADP Strategy and Action Plan (2026–2035), which prioritizes agrifood systems transformation as central to Africa’s economic agenda. Given the complexity of agrifood systems, an inclusive and coordinated approach is essential to ensure all stakeholders understand the Kampala framework, their roles, and the need for adequate resource allocation.

The Declaration further called upon Parliamentarians to:

• Integrate the commitments into national policies, strategies, and budget frameworks, and operationalize them through National Agrifood Systems Investment Plans (NASIPs) with the necessary tools and implementation programs.

• Support Member States and Regional Economic Communities (RECs) in the design and implementation of agrifood system policies and investment plans through appropriate legislation, financing, and oversight; and

• Ensure that at least 10% of annual public expenditure is allocated to agrifood systems, with mechanisms to monitor its effective use.

In response, the Africa Food Systems Parliamentary Network (AFSPaN), in partnership with the Parliament of Senegal, will convene a Parliamentarians Forum. This platform will facilitate structured dialogue to develop a Parliamentary Roadmap with actionable commitments, to be reviewed each year. A key focus will be inclusive dialogue aligned with Kampala’s Commitment 4, bill approvals that are food systems sensitive by committees, promoting youth-informed policy recommendations and meaningful youth participation in advancing decent work across the agrifood value chain.

Venue: Oval Room

Moderators

• Dr. Fadel Diame, CEO, Food Systems Transformation Solutions

• Mr. Robert Ouma, CEO, Mezani Development Hub

Welcome Keynote Address and Chair of the Roundtable

• Hon. El Malick Ndiaye, President of the National Assembly of Senegal, Republic of Senegal

Opening Statement

• Hon. Dr. Godfred Seidu Jasaw, Member of Parliament, Republic of Ghana & Chairperson, African Food Systems Parliamentary Network (AFSPaN)

Setting the Stage

• Dr. Hussaini Abdu, President/CEO, Social Development Action Trust

• Hon. Jeremy Lissouba, Member of Parliament, Republic of Congo & Secretary General, African Food Systems Parliamentary Network (AFSPaN)

Presentation

• Dr. John Ulimwengu, Senior Research Fellow, IFPRI

Discussants (as invited)

• Hon. Dr. Godfred Seidu Jasaw, Member of Parliament, Republic of Ghana & Chairperson, African Food Systems Parliamentary Network (AFSPaN)

• Hon. Neema Lugangira, Member of Parliament, United Republic of Tanzania & Vice Chairperson, African Food Systems Parliamentary Network (AFSPaN)

• Hon. Jeremy Lissouba, Member of Parliament, Republic of Congo & Secretary General, African Food Systems Parliamentary Network (AFSPaN)

• Hon. Ahmed Adamu Saba, Member of Parliament, Federal Republic of Nigeria & Member, African Food Systems Parliamentary Network (AFSPaN)

• Hon. Alice Muzana, Member of Parliament & Chamber of Deputies, Republic of Rwanda & Member, African Food Systems Parliamentary Network (AFSPaN)

• Hon. Carl Mihindou Mi-Zamba, Member of Parliament, Republic of Gabon & Member, African Food Systems Parliamentary Network (AFSPaN)

• Hon. Cernilde Mendonça, Member of Parliament, Republic of Mozambique & Member, African Food Systems Parliamentary Network (AFSPaN)

• Hon. Daniel Molokele, Member of Parliament, Republic of Zimbabwe & Member, African Food Systems Parliamentary Network (AFSPaN)

• Hon. David Muhumuza, Member of Parliament, Republic of Uganda & Member, African Food Systems Parliamentary Network (AFSPaN)

• Dr. Dora Siliya, Member of Parliament, Republic of Zambia & Member, African Food Systems Parliamentary Network (AFSPaN)

• Hon. Francoise Uwumukiza, Member of Parliament, East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) & Member, African Food Systems Parliamentary Network (AFSPaN)

• Hon. Inna Hengari, Member of Parliament, Republic of Namibia & Member, African Food Systems Parliamentary Network (AFSPaN)

• Hon. Melese Mena Gemeso, Member of Parliament, Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia & Member, African Food Systems Parliamentary Network (AFSPaN)

• Hon. Meryem Ouhssata, Member of Parliament, Kingdom of Morocco & Member, African Food Systems Parliamentary Network (AFSPaN)

• Hon. Michelo Kasauta, Member of Parliament, Republic of Zambia & Regional Coordinator (Southern), African Food Systems Parliamentary Network (AFSPaN)

• Hon. Olivier A. Bamenju, Member of Parliament, Republic of Cameroon & Regional Coordinator (Central), African Food Systems Parliamentary Network (AFSPaN)

• Hon. Rugiatu Kamara, Member of Parliament, Republic of Sierra Leone & Member, African Food Systems Parliamentary Network (AFSPaN)

• Hon. Safari Ayobangira, Member of Parliament, Democratic Republic of the Congo & Member, African Food Systems Parliamentary Network (AFSPaN)

• Hon. Yousef Mohamed Alfakhri, Member of Parliament, State of Libya & Regional Coordinator (North), African Food Systems Parliamentary Network (AFSPaN)

• Hon. Paul Emah Etoundi, Member of Parliament Republic of Cameroon

Key Takeaways

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

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

• H.E. Wang Qiyang, Member of the Standing Committee, CPC Hainan Provincial Committee & Secretary, Sanya Municipal Committee of the CPC

• Hon. Neema Lugangira, Vice Chairperson, African Food Systems Parliamentary Network (AFSPaN)

Reflections

• 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

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

Call to Action

• Hon. Godfred Jasaw, Chairperson, AFSPAN

Closing

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

Interpretation link (when session is live):  link

Africa stands at a pivotal moment in its journey toward food security, sustainable development, and resilience against global challenges. The intertwining of agri-food systems, energy, and climate offers a unique opportunity to reinvent the continent’s approach to feeding its growing population. These three aspects, when integrated, can serve as transformative forces to enhance productivity, reduce environmental stress, and empower communities.

This High-Level inter-ministerial roundtable is open to Ministers of Agriculture, Energy and Climate as well as Multi-and Bilateral Development Agencies, Heads of International Organizations, Leaders of Private Sector and Investor Organizations to reflect on and share policy and investment insights on how to harness energy solutions and advance food systems transformation in the face of changing climate.

Venue: Oval Room

Facilitator

• Dr. Fadel Ndiame, Executive Director, Partnership for Africa Social and Governance Research (PASGR)
• Dr. Ismahane Elouafi, Executive Managing Director, CGIAR

Opening by Co-hosts

• H.E. Hailemariam Dessalegn, Board Chair, AGRA & Former Prime Minister, Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
• Hon. Mabouba Diagne, Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty, and Livestock, Republic of Senegal

Keynote Speaker

• Ms. Alice Ruhweza, President, AGRA

Special Remarks

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

Ministerial Roundtable (as invited)

• Prime Ministers
• All confirmed Ministers of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries
• All confirmed Ministers of Trade, Nutrition, Gender, Health
• All confirmed Ministers of Environment and Climate
• All confirmed Ministers of Economy and Finance
• All Ministers of Energy

Key Takeaways

• Heads of REC’s
• Senior invited Heads of Development Partner delegations
• Heads and CEOs of Private Sector Partners

Concluding Remarks

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

Closing

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

Green Energy - Powering and Investing in Food Systems Value Chains

Considering the majority of small holder farmers in SSA live in rural settings where there is often a concentration of off-grid or weak grid solutions, and where reliable energy access is severely limited or entirely absent, the role of distributed renewable energy (DRE) solutions has been highlighted as key in addressing energy deficits in food systems. This session will elevate cross-sector collaboration as a political priority, showcase leadership and innovations from African governments that are pioneering inter-ministerial coordination mechanisms, and catalyze high-level commitment to scale up investment in renewable energy technologies. The session will also present some of the latest DRE solutions, offering evidence-based research on commercially viable business models and experiences where such DRE solutions are proving transformative. In addition, the session will showcase methodologies and approaches by governments and development partners that are incentivizing the scaling up of a sustainable transformative market, promoting cross-sector coordination, and mobilizing high-level commitment through a shared Call to Action.

Venue: Oval Room

Moderator

Opening and Framing Remarks

• Mr. Patrick Tonui, Head of Public Policy and Regional Strategy, GOGLA

• Mr. Boaz Blackie, Director for Policy and State Capability, AGRA

Ministers and Ministerial Representatives Roundtable Dialogue (as invited)

• Hon. Boubacar Diane, Minister of Energy and Water, Republic of Mali

• Hon. Paulin Akponna, Minister of Energy, Water and Mines, Republic of Benin

• Hon. Eloundou Essomba Gaston, Minister of Energy and Water, Republic of Cameroon

• Hon. Aboubacar Camara, Minister of Energy, Hydraulics and Hydrocarbons, Republic of Guinea

• Mr. Ali Palouma, Counsellor for Water for the Minister or Water and Energy, Republic of Chad

Moderated Roundtable of Reactions Among Stakeholders (as invited)

• Heads of REC’s

• Senior invited Heads of Development Partner delegations

• Heads and CEOs of Private Sector Partners

Reflections on Dialogue

• Ms. Marilia Bezerra, Chief Programmes Officer, IKEA Foundation

• Mrs. Annemieke Beekmans, Director Technical Expertise, SNV

• Mr. Martien van Nieuwkoop, Director, Agricultural Development, Gates Foundation & AGRA Board Member

The Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) has evolved as a cornerstone of Africa’s strategy to boost agricultural productivity, enhance food security, and foster inclusive economic growth. The Kampala CAADP Strategy and Action Plan (2026–2035) underscores a shift towards systemic transformation of food systems through sustainable practices, inclusive governance, and youth and women’s empowerment.

Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) have been pivotal in realizing these objectives through advocacy, accountability mechanisms, and innovative programming at community levels.

The session would be run as a Roundtable dialogue that allows CSOs, smallholder representatives, youth groups and other stakeholders in the room to engage in the conversation.

Venue: Oval Room

• Moderators

  • Ms. Aggie Asiimwe Konde, Director of Communications, External Engagement, and Advocacy, AGRA

  • Mr. Robert Ouma, CEO, Mezani Development Hub

• Presentation

  • Dr. Godfrey Bahiigwa, Former Director of Agriculture and Rural Development for the African Union Commission (AUC)

• Youth Scalability and Widespread Adoption

  • Ms. Arame Gueye Sène, Executive Director, Social Change Factory

  • Ms. Elizabeth M. Namaona, CEO, Civil Society Agriculture Youth Network, Malawi

  • Ms. Eva Mageni, President, Rural Women Farmers’ Forum (RWFF)

  • Ms. Princess Lisa Ogbechie, Vice President of Operations, Farmz2U

• Strengthening the Voice, Commitment & Capacities of CSOs for CAADP Implementation

  • Ms. Constance Okeke, International Project Manager, ActionAid International; Executive Leader, CAADP NSA Group (CNG)
  • Ms. Germaine Furaha, Global Operations, Rikolto International
  • Mr. Trent McKnight, Founder & President, AgriCorps
  • Mr. Joe Mizinga, Farmer – NSA, ESAFF
    

• Special Segment Introduction: Consolidating CSO Strategic Actions to Support

  • Ms. Chikondi Chabvuta, Southern Africa Regional Advocacy Advisor, CARE International; & Chairperson, CAADP Non‑State Actor (NSA)

• Adapting CSOs to a Changing Future

  • Mr. Kolyang Palebele, President, PROPAC & Former President, Pan-African Farmers Organisation (PAFO)
  • Ms. Chikondi Chabvuta, Southern Africa Regional Advocacy Advisor, CARE International; & Chairperson, CAADP Non‑State Actor (NSA)
  • Mr. Rowlands Kaotcha, President & CEO, The Hunger Project
  • Ms. Belinda Bwiza, Chief Executive Officer, One Acre Fund Rwanda
  • Mr. Esubalew Dadi, Africa Regional Director, Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI)
  • Ms. Esther Cohen, Board Chair, Heifer International
  • Ms. Fatoumata Diouf, Managing Director – West & Central Africa, Helen Keller Intl
  • H.E. Adama Dieng, Former Under-Secretary General of the UN
  • Mr. Michael O. Onchabo, Director, Food and Land Use Coalition (FOLU) – Kenya Country Platform
  • Mr. Michael Nkonu, Head of Portfolio – Agricultural Livelihoods, IKEA Foundation
  • Mr. Gregor Darmer, CEO, Global Perspectives Initiative

• Closing Remarks

  • Ms. Fatou Leigh, Senior Economic Advisor, UNDP Senegal

Climate change poses an unprecedented and escalating crisis for African farmers, who, despite contributing minimally to its causes, are disproportionately affected by its severe impacts. To combat and mitigate these dire effects, it's not just beneficial but imperative for farmers to rapidly adopt new, climate-resilient agricultural technologies and innovative practices.

This dynamic Farmers' Forum dialogue at AFSF 2025 will directly address the critical issue of financial access for farmers and farmer organizations. We'll explore practical strategies and innovative mechanisms to enhance the availability of finance for agricultural development and growth. A key focus will be on unlocking climate finance opportunities, empowering farmers to invest in resilient and sustainable practices.

Venue: Oval Room

• Moderator

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

• Keynote Remarks

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

• Youth Farmers & Agripreneurs: a better, more resilient, and profitable future

  • Ms. Latifa Diedhou, Nutrivie, Senegal

  • Mr. Benson Wando, Soko Kijiji, Kenya

  • Ms. Evelyn Areo, CEO, Farm to Fill Foods Limited, Nigeria

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

  • Ms. Faith Muhoza, Founder & CEO, MK Farm Ltd.

  • Ms. Housseynatou Diallo, Founder, Bahuman Company

• Unlocking Climate Finance and Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration

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

  • Mr. Kolyang Palebele, President, PROPAC & Former President, Pan-African Farmers Organisation (PAFO)

  • Mr. Ishmael Sunga, CEO, Southern African Confederation of Agricultural Unions (SACAU)

  • Mr. Arnold Puech d'Alissac, President, World Farmers' Organisation (WFO)

  • Ms. Elizabeth Nsimadala, President, Eastern Africa Farmers Federation (EAFF)

  • Dr. Peter Mbanda Umunay, Thematic Lead - Food Systems and Land Use, Global Environment Facility (GEF)

  • Dr. Simon Heck, Director General, International Potato Center (CIP)

  • Mr. William Warshauer, President & CEO, TechnoServe

  • Ms. Nimna Diayte, President, Fepromas and Imaïs

  • Mr. Moussa Balde, National Coordinator for Senegal, Agronomists and Veterinarians Without Borders (AVSF)

  • Mr. Kolyang Palebele, President, PROPAC & Former President, Pan-African Farmers Organisation (PAFO)