Field Visit 1 – Petite Côte: Agroecology, Innovation & Women’s Empowerment 

Part 1: Lagune de Somone & Mangrove

• Exploration of one of the most beautiful lagoons in the world, with mangroves, oysters, mussels, fish, and birdlife.
• Local livelihoods: women harvesting shellfish, men fishing, eco-tourism activities (boat tours, artisan markets).
• Focus: Sustainable use of coastal ecosystems, women’s oyster farming, eco-tourism opportunities.

Part 2: Ferme des 4 Chemins (Toubab Dialaw)

• A 2-hectare agroecological training farm, inspired by Pierre Rabhi’s “Oasis en tous lieux.”
• Activities: organic farming, solar-powered irrigation, seed production, training programs (5–30 days to 5 months).
• Women and youth trained in sustainable farming; supports 6 cooperatives (~250 farmers, mainly women).
• Focus: Demonstrating dignified livelihoods from agroecology, local markets (“Bio Dialaw”).

Field Visit 2 – Niayes Zone: Food Security, Agricultural Innovation & Environmental Protection 

Part 1: Ferme Noflaye

• 23-hectare pilot farm for reintegrating former military personnel.
• Activities: dairy (milk & yogurt), vegetable production, forage crops, biodigester (biogas & organic fertilizer).
• Provides training for ~400 ex-military and women annually.
• Focus: Agricultural reintegration, circular economy, sustainable dairy and horticulture.

Part 2: Village des Tortues (Turtle Village)

• Conservation center for Sulcata tortoise (largest African land tortoise, threatened species).
  • Hosts 8 species of tortoises; prepares them for reintroduction in northern Senegal.
  • Focus: Biodiversity protection, environmental education.

Part 3: Vitagro (Integrated Agro-Industrial Platform)

• Agroecological production, agro-processing units (milk, eggs, aquaculture, medicinal plants), and a Living Lab. Offers accredited training via NOVAGRI in agriculture, processing, and rural enterprise management.

Field Visit 3 – Niayes Zone: Youth Entrepreneurship & Agricultural Innovation 

Part 1: Lycée Amary Ndack Seck (Thiès)

• Pilot site for school environmental/agroecology clubs.
• Activities: gardening, composting, education on climate change and sustainable agriculture.
• Focus: Youth awareness, linking theory to practice, school canteens with local produce.

Part 2: Périmètre Maraîcher de Touba Toul

• 5-hectare irrigated perimeter for youth agripreneurs (31 women among 40 trained).
• Infrastructure: solar-powered pumping, storage facilities, training in market-oriented agriculture (SHEP).
• Focus: Youth employment, women’s economic empowerment, partnership model (local gov + IFAD).

Part 3: DIA-AGRO (Mbao Forest)

• Market gardening site run by a young woman agripreneur (CNCR youth college).
• Crops: lettuce, cabbage, tomato, pepper, onion.
• Focus: Continuous supply of fresh produce, youth-led agribusiness.

Field Visit 4 – Diamniadio Zone: Industrial & Agro-Processing Hubs 

Part 1: Cargo-Village of ZESID (Diass)

• Integrated logistics hub linked to Dakar’s international airport.
• Facilities: bonded warehouses, offices, under-customs corridor to air terminal.
• Focus: Strengthening Senegal as a logistics hub, boosting exports, reducing congestion in Dakar.

Part 2: Integrated Industrial Platform of Diamniadio (P2ID)

• 53 ha economic zone hosting industries and services.
• Visits to 3 agro-industrial companies:
• Djolof Eloc: juices from local fruits, cereals, spices.
• Galion: plastic packaging for food industry.
• Baobaoshu: eco-friendly cardboard packaging.
• Focus: Industrial development, agro-processing, packaging innovation.

Part 3: Le Lionceau

• Senegalese company producing baby food from local crops (millet, fonio, baobab, moringa).
• Promotes local nutrition solutions, supports sustainable agriculture.
• Focus: Child nutrition in first 1,000 days, empowering local producers, job creation.

Organizer: CGIAR

This event will highlight the transformative impact of CGIAR and TAAT in advancing agri-food innovations that align with the CAADP agenda and the Six Strategic Objectives of the Kampala CAADP Strategy. Attendees will discover successful examples of scaling agricultural solutions that promote food security, sustainable development, and agricultural transformation across Africa. The program will feature high-level discussions to strengthen partnerships, share innovation pathways, and accelerate collective progress towards inclusive growth and resilience in African agri-food systems. 

The All Food Convergence Innovation (FCI) side event features a discourse on the interconnections among critical elements in the food system. By providing an overview of the FCI concept, participants will gain deeper insights into the FCI design. The nexus among stakeholders and elements within the human-centered design will be illustrated through examples of the FCI network in action.
The event will feature three EU Horizon Europe projects—FS4Africa, INCiTiS-FOOD, and FCI4Africa—with a focus on youth, women, entrepreneurs, and policymakers. It will advance the discussion on innovative strategies to transform the food system. Contributions from participants following the panel discussions will provide an inclusive platform for engagement and networking within AFSF2025.
More information can be obtained at the exhibition booth: “FCI: Network of Networks Showcase.”

Speakers

• Dr. Fadel Ndiame, Executive Director, Partnership for Africa Social and Governance Research (PASGR)
• Miezah Kwofie, FCI4Africa
• Laurette Dubé, FCI4Africa
• Alejandro Ortega-Beltran, FS4Africa
• Benjamin Emmanuel, INCiTiS-FOOD
• Jean-Pierre Senghor, FSTS
• Rose Omari, CSIR
• Aline Mugisho
• Habib Thiam
• Emmanuel Kyengo, INCiTiS-FOOD
• Adama Neya, FCI4Africa
• Tahirou Abdoulaye, IITA

At the forefront of agrifood systems transformation, icipe is leveraging insect-based, nature-positive innovations to create inclusive, resilient and sustainable food systems in Africa. Working with partners, the Centre has developed innovation bundles across sectors—including pest control, disease vector management, pollination, insect-based food and feed, beekeeping, sericulture and bioprospecting. These efforts have built robust value chains and generated green jobs across the continent. A core focus is empowering youth and women through training, research, and entrepreneurship. Over 40% of icipe’s early-career researchers and entrepreneurs are young Africans leading change. These initiatives are not only improving livelihoods and food security but also driving rural economic renewal by nurturing a new generation of scientists and innovators. At the Africa Food Systems Forum Summit 2025, icipe will showcase youth-led implementation of insect-based innovations, highlighting their role in scaling climate-smart, environmentally sustainable solutions across Africa’s agrifood systems.

Moderators

• Dr Elizabeth Ng'ang'a , Head of Communication, icipe
• Dr Takemore Chagomoka, Head of Innovation Scaling and Business Acceleration, icipe

Speakers

• Dr Abdou Tenkouano, Director General, icipe
• Winnie Wambui (Kenya), Co-Founder, Harcourt Agri-Eco Farm
• Fatou Cire Emilie Sane, PASET-Rsif PhD scholar, L'Université Gaston Berger, Senegal
• Rehemah Gwokyalya (Uganda), Postdoctoral Scientist, icipe
• Seid Zewdu Yimer (Ethiopia), youth partner and entrepreneur, Mass Youth Employment in Apiculture (MaYEA) 

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: 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: 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)

Organizer: ISRA, CORAF, AfricaRice, CARD 

This special event will be structured around two main discussion panels focusing on two major sectors—cereal crops and horticultural crops—as well as strategic presentations and interactive exchanges with the audience. 

It will provide an overview of seed systems in West and Central Africa, identifying the actions and interventions needed to build equitable, dynamic, and sustainable seed systems, while exploring the role of youth and women and the integration of local knowledge. 

The key recommendations from this special event, combined with those from the Seed Innovation and Youth Entrepreneurship Discovery Tour taking place on August 31, 2025, will be compiled into a policy brief for decision-makers to enhance the availability and accessibility of quality seeds in West and Central Africa. 

Speakers 

• Dr. Moumini Savadogo, Executive Director, CORAF 
• Dr. Moustapha Gueye, Director General, ISRA 
• Dr. Baboucarr Manneh, Director General, AfricaRice 
• Dr. Ousmane Ndoye, Program Manager, CORAF 
• Dr. Ibrahima Sarr, Director, CNRA Bambey, AfricaRice 
• Ms. Francine Famey, Head of Communication and Awareness, AfricaRice 
• Prof. Saliou Ndiaye, Professor and Full Member, National Academy of Sciences and Techniques of Senegal 
• Mr. Abdou Aziz Diedhiou, Head of Studies and Strategy Department, Banque Agricole 
• Ms. Julie Cissé, Executive Director and Program Officer, GIS-WAR / AOCAFES 
• Mr. Shinjiro Amameishi, General Coordinator, CARD 
• Dr. Macoumba Diouf, Special Technical Advisor, ISRA 
• Dr. Badara Gueye, Researcher, ISRA 
• Dr. Malick Niango Ba, Regional Director for West and Central Africa, WorldVeg 
• Ms. Ndeye Fatou Ndao, Vice President, AUMN 
• Dr. Yacouba Diallo, Secretary General, AFSTA 
• Dr. Sandra Cristina Kothe Milach, Chief Scientist, CGIAR 

Organizer: McGill University 

The "Unlocking youth potential in agri-food system transformation" is a high-impact platform designed to position young Africans as strategic leaders in transforming the agri-food sector. The event will spotlight scalable projects and innovative business models that integrate agriculture, nutrition, and health, while highlighting opportunities for youth-led entrepreneurship in the food value chain. Through expert panel discussions, curated exhibitions, and targeted networking sessions, participants will exchange insights, forge strategic partnerships, and collaboratively develop actionable solutions to strengthen food system resilience and inclusivity. With a strong focus on capacity building, innovation, and policy influence, the event seeks to elevate youth as key stakeholders in sustainable development across the continent. 

Speakers 

• Dr. Valerie Orsat, Interim Dean, Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University 
• Dr. Salwa Karboune, Associate Dean Research, Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University 
• Dr. Anja Geitmann, Vice President Global Engagement, McGill University 
• Dr. Fadel Ndiame, Executive Director, Partnership for Africa Social and Governance Research (PASGR)
• Dr. Patrick Cortbaoui, Director, Institute for Global Food Security, McGill University 

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

Organizer: FCI 

Food safety is an important component of food security. Within the African food system, it is especially critical, as Africa bears the highest per capita burden of foodborne diseases, with 91 million cases and 137,000 deaths annually.
A keynote address will frame food safety within the context of equity and fairness, linking it to the empowerment of youth and women. This will set the stage for further discussions showcasing food safety innovations. Practical examples from across Africa will be shared to demonstrate progress and opportunities.
The session will conclude with a call to action on food safety to drive continental progress and strengthen international collaboration.
More information can be obtained at the exhibition booth: “FCI: Network of Networks Showcase.”
 
Speakers

• Dr. Fadel Ndiame, Executive Director, Partnership for Africa Social and Governance Research (PASGR)
• Olumodupe Banwo, IITA
• Dr. Lawrence Haddad, Executive Director, Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN)
• John Ulimwengu, IFPRI
• Adja Fatou Diop, Mabunduka Agro Farms SL Ltd
• Sini Samba, Siny Le Lionceau
• Adama Neya, IITA
• Rose Omari, CSIR
• Goule Gueye
• Titilayo Falade, IITA
• Triza Mbali, Youth 4 Development
• Lamine Senghor, Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Livestock (MASAE)
• Nimna Diayte
• Tracy Muwanga, FSTS
• Tahirou Abdoulaye, IITA
  

Organizer: SDG2 Advocacy Hub

Aiming to showcase and celebrate regional food from neighbouring African countries, while bringing a global context to showcasing what good food for all means, the culinary village will provide opportunities to highlight best practices of the Good Food for All pillars, across activities and stakeholders. Bringing different ingredients and recipes together and featuring local and international chefs, the space will be a dynamic and accessible area to engage across the food system.  

Collaboration: showcasing a collaborative, regenerative food system, chefs will use ingredients and foods which help improve soil and biodiversity that are also underutilised crops from across Africa, showcasing how working with scientists and farmers can improve what we eat. Chef masterclasses will showcase multiple recipes, along with farmers, a scientist and local voices to discuss the importance of regenerative farming practices and how they impact taste, nutrition and flavour. 

Participants 

• Paul Newnham 
• Raïssa Okoï, Journalist at Forbes Afrique & Founder of OR Agency 
• Chef Moyo 
• Chef Ndagou 
• Dr. Daouda Diagne, Sociologist & independent consultant specialist in peasant dynamics 
• Laura Layousse, Managing Director of CAA - Compagnie Africaine Agroalimentaire  
• Ngouye Camara, Chair of Yakaar Niani Wulli Federation 
• David Kamau, Managing Director of the Fortified Whole Grain Alliance 
• Chef Abiro  
• Chef Seyitan 
• Jean-Claude Rubyogo, Bean Programme Leader & Director at PABRA 
• Peiman Milani, Director, Food Initiative at the Rockefeller Foundation 
• Guillaume Doulkoum, SOS SAHEL country Director in Burkina Faso  
• Charles Kabena, farmer and former school meals recipient 
• Moustapha Sall, CEO of Boulangerie Jaune and Founder of EMF Ecole des Métiers de la Farine 
• Marie Gomis,  Student at EMF Ecole des Métiers de la Farine 
• Souleymane Niang, Student at EMF Ecole des Métiers de la Farine 
• Ousmane Ba, Student at EMF Ecole des Métiers de la Farine 
• Chef Alseyni Cissè

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

Organizer: MADR, WHH – CAR, IKEA Foundation, Mercy Corps Kenya, Genco Livestock & Fresh Meat Export LTD, Extension Africa

Fragile contexts across Africa remain largely underserved by multi-year food system financing, despite their centrality to regional food production and market potential. Also, most biodiversity hotspots and carbon stocks are found in fragile contexts. Even though the number of fragile contexts has been steadily increasing in the past 20 years, they remain at the margins of agricultural policy discourse and private sector investment and are largely reliant on cycles of humanitarian relief.

Women and youth often bear the brunt of stifled economic opportunity and recurring food insecurity, despite their critical role in driving more resilient and sustainable food systems as well as supply and demand of food.

This event will spotlight policy, development, and private sector-led solutions to resilient and sustainable food systems in fragile contexts, while highlighting their central role and potential in advancing co-benefits of inclusive economic growth, food and nutrition security, and climate resilience.

Drawing on examples from the Central African Republic, Nigeria, and Kenya, this session will examine the enabling policies, leverage points, and investments required to support food systems transformation in fragile contexts—grounded in local capacities, seed systems, market systems, and community assets—to foster inclusive economic development and climate resilience.

Speakers

• Arno Bratz, Head of Sector Strategy, Knowledge & Learning – Welthungerhilfe (WHH)

• Armelle Siopathis, Director of Food Security and Nutrition, Focal Point on Food Systems at the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Central African Republic

• Abdou Saidou, Expert Programme and Food Security Cluster Coordination, WHH CAR

• Doreen Gacheri, CEO of Genco Livestock & Fresh Meat Export LTD

• Tajudeen Yahaya, CEO Extension Africa

• Michael Nkonu, Head of Agriculture, IKEA Foundation

• Olga Petryniak, Senior Director, Africa Resilience Programs – Mercy Corps

Interpretation link (when session is live): Interpretation link

(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.

Organizer: World Bank Group 

“Reboot Development: The Economics of a Livable Planet” is a forthcoming flagship report from the World Bank’s Planet Vice Presidency. It explores how three key systems - land, air, and water – are under growing threat. Using new data, the report demonstrates that the depletion of natural resources has immediate economic consequences especially for low-income countries. The report also provides practical solutions showing how change is possible and worth it: for instance, many sectors with low-pollution footprints generate more jobs per dollar invested than polluting ones. The third Edition of IFC’s ‘Working with Smallholders: A Handbook for Firms Building Sustainable Supply Chains' shows agribusinesses how to develop more sustainable, resilient, and productive supply chains and the substantial impact of doing so on development. The book compiles innovative solutions and cutting-edge ideas to meet the challenges and illustrating these points through a variety of case studies from initiatives around the world. 

Speakers 

• Axel van Trotsenburg, Senior Managing Director, The World Bank (Video Recording) 
• Keiko Miwa , The World Bank,  Division Director, West and Central Africa Region, 
• Olivier Buyoya, Regional Director, International Finance Corporation /West Africa.  
• Elhadji Adama Toure, Practice Manager, Agriculture & Food, West and Central Africa Region 

Organizer: Ministère de l'Agriculture et APIX

This session will showcase concrete examples of agricultural transformation and food system successes from countries that have made remarkable progress in strengthening their food and agricultural sectors. Through rapid-fire presentations, government representatives and development partners will share “how they did it” — highlighting the strategies, innovations, and enabling policies that contributed to measurable results.

Designed as an interactive and practical exchange, the event aims to provide lessons that can inspire replication and adaptation in Senegal and across Africa. Participants will gain insights into what worked, the challenges faced, and the key conditions required to unlock agricultural potential at scale.

Moderators

• Dr Ndeye Hélène Diallo-Diagne, Conseillère Technique, Ministère de l'Agriculture, de la Souveraineté Alimentaire et de l'Elevage (MASAE)

• Dr Astou Diao Camara, Directrice, ISRA BAME

Speakers

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

• H.E. Dr. Cyubahiro Marc Bagabe, Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources of Rwanda

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

• H.E. LI Zhigang, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to the Republic of Senegal

Moderator

• Mr. Frank N.J. Braeken, Chairman of the Board, Feronia Inc & Board Member, AGRA

Segment 1

• Dr. Alpha Ba, State Secretary for Cooperatives and Farmers, Republic of Senegal

• H.E. Ambassador Berik Aryn, Director General, Islamic Organization for Food Security

• Mr. Amadou Gallo Fall, President, Basketball Africa League (BAL)

• Ms. Djeneba Pilabre, Wendinkonte Consortium, People’s Republic of Burkina Faso

Segment 2

• Mr. Isaac Kwaku Fokuo, Curator, Amahoro Coalition

• Ms. Sefora Kodjo, Board Chair; Member of the Civil Society Committee, Foundation Sephix; AFDB Group

• Ms. Fiona Hofmann, Director of Strategic Partnerships, PULA

• Mr. Robert Mwanamanga, Director for Debt and Aid, Republic of Malawi

Closing Remarks

• Ms. Chania Frost, Associate Partner, McKinsey & Company

UN Women and the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS) have recently joined forces to design and implement transformative programs that leverage innovative approaches to support and strengthen the role of women and youth in agricultural value chains across West and Central Africa. This collaboration aims to address persistent barriers, while creating new opportunities for inclusive and sustainable development in the agriculture sector – starting with initiatives in Nigeria and Sierra Leone focused on boosting the cassava value chain.
This special event, co-organized by UN Women and IOFS, will highlight practical strategies and best practices for accelerating gender-responsive transformation across agriculture value chains and showcase scalable solutions and innovative approaches, at both policy and programmatic levels that support gender equality, youth empowerment, and resilient food systems. It will feature presentations and a panel discussion with regional experts and leaders from government, development cooperation, and women-led organizations and enterprises actively engaged in agriculture. 

Moderator

• Elena Ruiz Abril, Regional Policy Advisor for Women’s Economic Empowerment, UN Women WCARO

Speakers

• H.E. Ambassador Berik Aryn, Director General, Islamic Organization for Food Security,
• Dr Maxime Houinato, UN Women Regional Director for West and Central Africa
• Hon. Manty Tarawalli, Minister of State in the Office of the VP of Sierra Leone and National Food Systems Convenor
• Ms. Jaha Dukureh, UN Women Regional Goodwill Ambassador for Africa and Co-Founder, Regenerative Hubs
• Dr. Laure Tall, Research Director, Initiative Prospective Agricole et Rurale (IPAR);
• Ms. Juliet Laverley, President of Women in Agriculture Network (WiAN) Sierra Leone
• Dr. Ismail Abdelhamid, Director of the Projects Department, Islamic Organization of Food Security

Organiser: Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the Agence Sénégalaise de Promotion Touristique (ASPT)

In celebration of Dakar's designation as Tourism City 2025 by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the Agence Sénégalaise de Promotion Touristique (ASPT), under the chairmanship of the Minister of Tourism and Handicrafts and in partnership with SESRIC (Centre d'Études et de Recherche de l'Organisation de la Coopération Islamique - OCI), is organizing a workshop on “Public-Private Partnerships for the Promotion of Gastronomic Tourism in Senegal”.

Organizer: Level4International

The SAIP Initiative is a landmark $80–100 million blended-finance Public-Private Producer Partnership (PPPP) to transform Somalia’s food system into a climate-smart, nutrition-focused growth engine. Anchored by an integrated farm, more than 20,000 smallholder out-growers, and a modern, digitalized processing facility, SAIP will deliver fortified foods tailored to both immediate humanitarian needs and long-term national resilience.
The program addresses Somalia’s $2 billion annual food import gap by localizing production, upskilling farmers and SMEs, and embedding digital traceability and EUDR compliance throughout the value chain. Drawing on successful regional models — such as Africa Improved Foods (Rwanda), Ethiopia’s School Feeding Program, Tanzania’s SAGCOT, and Nigeria’s Staple Crop Processing Zones — Somalia is positioned to emerge as a first-mover nutrition hub for the Horn of Africa and Gulf markets.

Speakers

• H.E. Mohamed Abdi Hayir (Maareeye), Minister of Agriculture & Irrigation
• Abdihakim Ainte, Special Advisor, Office of the Prime Minister
• Abdullahi Ali, FSRP National Coordinator

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)

Organizer: AUC, AUDA-NEPAD, AGRA & Private Sector

This special event is hosted by AUC, AUDA-NEPAD, FARA, AGRA, and the AFSH coalitions to discuss the implementation of the Africa Fertilizer and Soil Health Nairobi Declaration.

An action-oriented interaction will address the technical needs to implement the Plan, the progress made so far, and highlight the ongoing initiatives. The session will discuss the key role of the coalitions and regional hubs, as emphasised in the Action Plan, including the private sector in driving the implementation of the Africa Fertilizer and Soil Health Action Plan.

Emphasis will be placed on the progress of the implementation so far at continental, regional, and country levels, as well as the diverse nature of all players—including the private sector—and the need to tailor appropriate modalities for partnerships. The key role of governments in formulating and implementing enabling policies and improving the ease of doing business, as part of their commitment for CAADP and the AFSH-AP implementation, will also be highlighted.

The session will include the launch of the new Pan-Africa Fertilizer Association.

Speakers

• Larry Umunna, Executive Director, CFISH Coalition
• Asseta Diallo, Senior Specialist Soil Health and Integrated Management, AGRA
• H.E. Moses Vilakati, Commissioner, Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment, African Union Commission
• Janet Edeme, AUC
• Hon. Reuben Mtolo Phiri, Minister of Agriculture, Zambia
• Hon. Dr. Marc Bagabe, Minister of Agriculture, Rwanda
• Hon. Dr. Mabouba Diagne, Minister for Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Livestock of the Republic of Senegal
• Prof. Alain Sy Traoré, Director of Agriculture and Rural Development, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)
• Domingos Gove, Director of the Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources of the Southern African Development Community
• Babafemi Oyewole, CEO, Pan African Farmers Organization
• Mr. Moulaye Kande, President of Senegalese Fertilizer Association, APESEN
• Dr. Innocent Okuku, Ag. Director General of the Pan African Fertilizer Association
• Fatunbi Oluwole, FARA
• Sheila Keino, Sustain Africa Initiative
• Antony Chapoto, C4PA
• Lilian Lihasi, C4SEAS
• Bernard Vanlauwe, CIFSH
• Martin PARR, C4SISA
• Shamie Zingore
• Tilahun Amede, Head of Resilience, Climate and Soil Health, Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA)
• Mr. Henk van Duijn, CEO, International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC)
• Elizabeth Nsimadala, President of East African Farmers Federation
• Ms. Leigh Ann Winowiecki, Co-Lead - Coalition of Action for Soil Health
• Christian Witt (GF)-Soil Nutrient Road map
• Mamou Ehui, Executive Director, Global Phosphorus Institute
• Øystein Botillen, Yara International
• Mr. David Auerbach, Co-founder and President, Regen Organics
• Ms. Nana Aisha-Mohammed, Regional Director West Africa, AFAP
• Mrs. Theresa Randolph, Country Director, Yara Ghana
• Mrs. Lilian Wanjiru, Chief Executive Officer, Fertilizer Association of Kenya
• Mr Simone Sala, Executive Director, Varda Foundation
• Ingvild Langhus, Senior Advisor, Norad
• H.E Nardos Bekele-Thomas, CEO, AUDA-NEPA

Organiser: Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the Agence Sénégalaise de Promotion Touristique (ASPT)

The official ceremony will be followed by an exceptional culinary show hosted by Senegalese chefs, highlighting the richness and creativity of Senegalese gastronomy.

Organizer: FASA, ImpactSF, I&P

Strategic investments in African agricultural SMEs are pivotal to empower this sector in becoming more climate resilient. Despite this, there is a consistent funding gap, which the African Development Bank estimates at $75 billion per year. This is particularly true for young entrepreneurs, who face significant challenges in attracting capital.

As a fund of funds, Financing for Agricultural SMEs in Africa (FASA) aims to shift this dynamic, providing funds operating in the continent with catalytic capital and technical expertise to strengthen the financial sector and create an ecosystem where young entrepreneurs can thrive.

During the panel, speakers will explore some of the challenges of mobilizing capital in this context, such as the difficulty in collecting and reporting reliable impact data, and will discuss practical solutions to address them. They will also highlight their experience in working with young entrepreneurs, and how to best support them.

Moderator

• Martina Melchiori, Senior Impact Officer, CGIAR Hub for Sustainable Finance (ImpactSF)

Speakers

• Ada Osakwe, Agrolay Ventures Founder and Managing Director, FASA AIC Member

• Amb. Paul Gulleik Larsen, Special Representative for Climate and Food Initiatives, Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

• Ms. Caz Shaps, Sustainable Agriculture Investment Adviser, UK Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)

• Dr. Godefroy Grosjean, Co-Lead, CGIAR Hub for Sustainable Finance (ImpactSF)

• Mamadou Ndao, FASA Investment Director, Investisseurs et Partenaires (I&P)

• Richard K. Ofori-Mante, Director, Agricultural Finance and Rural Development Department, AfDB

• Rouffahi Koabo, EY4 Program Director, Teranga Capital

• Sandra Milach, Chief Scientist, CGIAR

Organizer: Alliance of Bioversity and CIAT, IFAD, CIHEAM-BARI 

Africa’s food systems face import dependence, hunger, and malnutrition despite vast crop diversity. Traditional foods like Bambara groundnut, fonio, and amaranth are nutritious, climate-resilient, and culturally significant but remain underused due to limited investment. Revitalizing them offers a strategic pathway to improve nutrition, resilience, and food sovereignty. This event aims to discuss the challenges and opportunities for revitalizing opportunity crops and their value chains in Africa for better nutrition, climate resilience and livelihoods. It will provide a platform for sharing of knowledge and lessons learnt, and present successful examples of work from the region, including from the SUSTLIVES project implemented in Burkina Faso and Niger, financed by the European Union and coordinated by AICS and CIHEAM-Bari. Moreover, this session will introduce the new Working Group on Opportunity Crops hosted by the African Union’s African Seed and Biotechnology Platform, innovative platform designed to translate years of collective experience into concrete action. 

Moderator 

• Dr. Wanjiru Kamau Ruttenberg – Managing Director Africa – Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT  

Speakers 

• Fatunbi Oluwale, FARA 
• Dr. Beatrice Egulu – African Union – African Seed and Biotechnology Program 
• Andrew Mushita – Community Technology Development Trust - Zimbabwe 

In partnership with the MasterCard Foundation and aligned with the theme of AFSF 2025, this session brings together youth leaders and senior experts to explore how Africa can foster an environment that accelerates investment in young people. These bright young entrepreneurs will share firsthand experiences on what it takes to build successful ventures. Financiers, thought leaders, and policymakers will frame the work of the Investment Room, including deal rooms, B2B spaces, and national incentive programs that advance agri-food sectors. Whether you're an investor, policymaker, or emerging founder, this session offers valuable insights and opportunities to scale youth-led innovation across the continent.

Moderator

• Ms. Lizz Ntonjira, Director of Pan African Program Communications, Mastercard Foundation

Keynote Remarks

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

The Power of Collaboration

• Facilitator
  • Ms. Nana Amoah, Director, Gender, Youth and Inclusiveness, AGRA
• Speakers
  • Ms. Nafissatou Traore, Debbo Entreprise (Young Entrepreneur)
  • Dr. Alioune Sall, Executive Director, Institut des Futurs Africains
  • Ms. Alli Faiza, Founder, Maro Foods (Start-up)
  • Ms. Sidee Dlamini, Chief Ecosystem & Partnerships Officer, Delta40 (Funder)

Fireside chat

• Facilitator
  • Ms. Atsuko Toda, Senior Director, Entrepreneurship Development, Pan-African Programs, Mastercard Foundation
• Speakers
  • H.E. Lionel Zinsou, former Prime Minister of Benin and Founder/Managing Partner at SouthBridge
  • H.E. Mohamed Beavogui, former Prime Minister of Guinea

The Great Munk Debate

• Facilitator
  • Ms. Lizz Ntonjira, Director of Pan African Program Communications, Mastercard Foundation
• Speakers
  • Ms. Anthea Ibembe, Co-founder & Chief Operating Officer, APA Tea
  • Ms. Yemisi Iranloye, Founder & Managing Director, Psaltry International Company Limited
  • Mr. Nana Kusi Appiah, Founder & CEO Ganafert
  • Mr. Papa Amadou Sarr, Executive Director of the Mobilization, Partnerships, and Communication Department at the Agence Française de Développement (AFD)

Closing Reflections

• Dr. Alice Ruhweza, President, AGRA

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

Organizer: APIX

Session Overview

Despite being fundamental pillars of sustainable economic development through food sovereignty and job creation, agriculture and livestock continue to suffer from a chronic lack of private and public investment.

Indeed, constraints of all kinds (regulatory and legal, financial, fiscal, etc.) are observed, which hinder the development and transformation of agriculture and food systems.

This session aims to concretely identify the main barriers to investment in these agro-silvo-pastoral sectors and to discuss pragmatic solutions to address them.

The speakers — drawn from the public, private, financial sectors, and farmers’ organizations — will exchange views on the following issues:

• Access to land

• Financing

• Quality inputs

• Infrastructure (transport, storage, irrigation)

• Markets

• Regulatory framework

Particular emphasis could be placed on the role of public policies, public-private partnerships (PPPs), technological innovation, and innovative financing mechanisms (such as credit guarantees or agricultural insurance).

Moderator

• Monsieur Bilaly DICKO – IFC-Banque mondiale

Speakers

• M. Nadjirou SALL – CNCR

• Dr Fatou Touré – Directrice Générale, SOPEL

• Monsieur Cheikh TOURE – APIX-SA, Directeur du Guichet unique et des plates-formes de l'investissement

• Représentant FONSIS

Organizer: IDRC

The International Development Research Centre (IDRC), in collaboration with Global Affairs Canada (GAC), invites grantees and strategic partners to a networking event celebrating shared achievements and fostering collaboration. This by-invitation-only event will provide a platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and informal dialogue among researchers, development partners, and policy leaders. IDRC will highlight its work in promoting and supporting climate resilient food systems across Africa, and as Chair of the G7 Food Systems Working Group, Canada will contribute insights on aligning donor support with African-led food systems transformation. 

Organizer: AU-IBAR, ILRI, AGRA, Government of Ethiopia, CGIAR, IDRC 

Delivering on the bold ambitions of the CAADP Kampala Declaration requires systems thinking and a shift towards a more holistic approach on agri-food transformation, emphasizing diets and nutrition as important outcomes of improved livelihoods, resilience, and sustainability, by responding effectively to poverty, climate, and environmental challenges. This transformation depends on breaking down long-standing silos across sectors, such as crops, livestock, and fisheries, health, climate, water, and environment, spanning multiple sectors, and bridging the gap between research, policy, and society. 

Despite the progress highlighted in the 4th CAADP Biennial Review, significant implementation gaps remain, particularly in cross-sector coordination, effective use of evidence to direct progress and investment gaps.  

This session will bring together Member States, regional institutions, research and policy actors, technical partners, and the private sector to explore practical ways to operationalize the CAADP Kampala Declaration and ensure that the mutual accountability from the CAADP-BR process practically informs and directs the progress needed.  

Drawing on country experiences such as Feed Salone in Sierra Leone and the Ethiopia Food Systems Transformation and Nutrition (whole of government and society approaches to drive food system transformation) and examples drawn from Zambia, Rwanda and Tanzania, the session will highlight how integrated governance, coordinate technical cooperation, and aligned monitoring systems can support transformative food systems action. 

The session will also highlight the importance of high-quality, demand-driven support, collaboration, and coordination approaches that can drive visible, accountable progress toward national and continental agrifood transformation goals. 

Speakers 

• PS/Member of Parliament - Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, Tanzania  
• Martin Fregene. Director, Agriculture and Agro-industry  
• Boaz Keizire, Director, Policy and State Capability, AGRA  
• Hon. Reuben Mtolo Phiri, Minister of Agriculture, Zambia  
• Dr. Siboniso Moyo, Deputy Director General – Partnerships & Impact, International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)  
• Dr. Huyam Salih, Director, African Union InterAfrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) 
• Prof. Kaleab Baye, Addis Ababa University, Former Director, Center for Food Science & Nutrition 
• Namukolo Covic, Director General Representative, Ethiopia, ILRI, 
• Ms. Chania Frost, Associate Partner, McKinsey & Company 

Organizer: TEDx 

Organizer: AGRA 

As AGRA approaches its 20th anniversary in 2026, the AGRA+20 Flagship Event at AFSF 2025 will launch a year-long journey of reflection, repositioning, and renewed ambition for Africa’s agricultural transformation. The session will convene a powerful coalition of leaders, funders, investors, farmers, youth, innovators, and partners to spotlight AGRA’s legacy, articulate its future direction, and catalyze renewed commitment to agri-food systems transformation across the continent.

Organizer: Interprofession Laitiere du Senegal- Interlait/ Senegal 

The event aims to outline a vision, missions, values, and principles that are firmly focused on the development of the local dairy sector in Senegal and across Africa. It is primarily oriented toward the social inclusion of youth through innovation and the creation of sustainable jobs, by making optimal use of local milk to contribute to economic development, improved food security for the population, and the generation of national wealth. It also aims to showcase strategies for engaging young people in dairy production through a national industry in agropastoral areas, as well as the tangible results achieved in this regard. 

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: Africa Food Systems Forum (AFSF) 

Insights from the Field celebrates the ingenuity, resilience, and leadership of African farmers, agripreneurs, and grassroots innovators who are transforming food systems from the ground up. This dynamic session spotlights practical, scalable solutions born in the field—ranging from climate-smart practices and indigenous knowledge to youth-led agri-tech innovations. Through powerful storytelling and live demonstrations, the session honors homegrown talent and emphasizes the critical role of local champions in driving sustainability, food security, and economic opportunity. Join us to be inspired by real- world change agents and explore how their insights can shape national and continental food systems transformation. 

Moderator

• Ms. Seynabou Dia Sall, Founder & CEO, Global Mind Consulting

Speakers

• Mr. Ted McKinney, CEO, National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA)
• Mr.    Mohamed Abdi Sheikh Yusuf, National Food Systems Convenor, Federal Republic of Somalia
• Ms. Fatema Almulla, Project Study and Development Specialist – International Affairs Office, Presidential Court, United Arab Emirates
• Mr. Jean Luc Tété, CEO & Co-Founder, Horus Impact
• Mr. Quentin Rukingama, Managing Partner, JBQ Africa
• Ms. Abbie Phatty-Jobe, Research and Engagement Manager, Caribou Digital
• Dr. Olusegun Adedayo Yerokun, the Interim Vice Chancellor, Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture (RICA)

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  

Heifer International’s Deal Room at AFSF 2025 will provide a half-day platform for open, cross-sector conversations on inclusive finance, youth-led agri-innovation, and pathways to scaled smallholder farmer impact. The sessions will spotlight African agri-innovators who are already delivering results, giving investors a unique chance to see emerging talent, explore practical solutions, and identify the right opportunities for mutually beneficial investment. 

New Face of Grants – Catalyzing Innovative Finance to Drive Sustainable and Scalable Impact

Moderator:

• Wangui Muna, Director, Innovative Finance, Africa, Heifer International

Speakers:

• William Matovu, Country Director, Uganda, Heifer International
• Pranjit Talukdar, Lead Heifer Impact Capital
• Tajudeen Yahaya, CEO, Extension Africa
• Peninah Wanja, CEO, DigiCow
• Dr. Eklou Attiogevi-Somado, Regional Manager fo West Africa, AfDB
• Dr. Nomathemba Mhlanga, Representative ad interim in Rwanda, FAO
• Florence Kariuki, Partnerships East Africa, Mastercard – Community Pass 

Built to Attract - How to Make Capital Flow to You (Hot Seat, Hard Talk)

Moderator

• Ondiro Oganga, Journalist, Bloomberg 

Speakers

• Uka Eje, CEO, Extension Africa
• Femi Adekoya, Founder, Integrated Aerial Precision
• Sidee Dlamini, Chief Ecosystem & Partnerships Officer, Delta40
• Romuald Bentefouet, VP, Private Equity, Sahel Capital 

Powering Agricultural Transformation in Africa with Disruptive Technology (Innovator Showcase) 

• Moderator
  
  • Ifeoluwa Olatayo, Founder, Farmslate Technologies Limited 
• Speakers
  
  • Samson Alemu, CEO, Thur Biotech
  • Carolyne Mwangi, MD, Kimplanter Seedlings and Nurseries
  • Douglas Mwangi, Co-Founder, Agritech Analytics
  • Baraka Chijenga, Founder, Kilimo Fresh Foods
  • Riches Attai, CEO, Winich Farms 
• Innovators
  • Samson Alemu, CEO, Thur Biotech
  • Carolyne Mwangi, MD, Kimplanter Seedlings and Nurseries
  • Douglas Mwangi, Co-Founder, Agritech Analytics
  • Baraka Chijenga, Founder, Kilimo Fresh Foods
  • Riches Attai, CEO, Winich Farms
  • Ifeoluwa Olatayo, Founder, Farmslate Technologies Limited
  • Uka Eje, CEO, Extension Africa
  • Femi Adekoya, Founder, Integrated Aerial Precision
  • Tajudeen Yahaya, CEO, Extension Africa
  • Peninah Wanja, CEO, DigiCow
  • Eliud Rugut, Founder, Silo Africa

Join this dynamic pitching session to meet standout African entrepreneurs transforming food systems. These investment-ready SMEs, selected in partnership with Welthungerhilfe (WHH), are tackling hunger and driving sustainable impact. From across the continent, they bring innovative solutions and are seeking support through grants, equity, debt, or blended finance. Whether you're a financier, policymaker, or ecosystem builder, this is your opportunity to invest in Africa's development through the lens of bold, future-focused entrepreneurship. 

Speakers 

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

SMEs 

• Mr. Paul Zaake, Co-founder & Managing Director, AgriShare Uganda Ltd. 
• Mr. Joseph Ogwal, Founder & CEO, Agro Supply 
• Mr. Matt Carr, CEO & Co-founder, AGSOL 
• Mr. Christian Adoh, CEO, BIO PLANET TMC Ltd. 
• Mr. Mandefro Tagele, General Manager, BPTC Plc. 
• Ms. Theresa Fehle, Chief of Staff, Ignitia 
• Ms. Irene Etyang, CEO, MAMLO FOODS 
• Mr. Emmanuel Chike Ikemefuna, Managing Director, QuantumHeights GmbH 
• Ms. Miraal Kabir, Co-founder & CEO, Safi 
• Mr. Smart Israel, Founder & CEO, Smartel Agri Tech 
• Ms. Zoë Slattery, Senior Technical Lead, Smart Villages 
• Ms. Claire Baker, Co-founder & Director, Toothpick 

Building on the Global Future Foods Forum 2024, this session will reinforce the forum’s mission to connect regions, catalyse partnerships, and create actionable pathways toward a secure and sustainable global food future. The session will place a special spotlight on UAE–Africa investment opportunities, recognising the strategic alignment between the UAE’s position as a global food trade and innovation hub and Africa’s vast agricultural potential.

Discussions will focus on unlocking value chains from farm to fork, mobilising capital for climate-smart agriculture, enhancing food processing and logistics infrastructure, and fostering joint ventures that accelerate economic growth while ensuring long-term food security.

Speakers

• Mr. Amath Pathe Sene, Managing Director, Africa Food System Forum (opening speaker)

• Mr. Saleh Lootah, Chairman, United Arab Food Cluster

• Ms. Sylvia Vitale Rotta, CEO, Team Creatif

• Mr. Walid Hareb Al Falahi, Chief Executive Officer, Dubai Consultancy

• Mr. Abdul Vaheed, Secretary General, UAE Food & Beverage Business Group

Organizer: McKinsey & Company

Hosted by McKinsey & Company in collaboration with AGRA and B20 South Africa, this CXO invite-only breakfast convenes senior leaders from the private sector, development finance institutions, and multilateral organisations to explore what investments in technology, trade and infrastructure can drive Africa’s food system transformation and build resilience. Building on insights from the B20 Sustainable Food Systems & Agriculture Task Force, the session will highlight Africa’s unique opportunities to attract investment, scale innovation, and strengthen regional trade to enhance food security and resilience. Through a focused dialogue, participants will unpack the barriers to mobilising capital at scale, priority investments for accelerating transformation, and discuss pathways to embed food system priorities into national and regional agendas. This session will provide insights that will feed into further B20 deliberations.

Speakers

• Debra Mallowah, Bayer
• Alice Ruhweza, AGRA
• Chania Frost, McKinsey & Company

Organizer: APIX 

• Introduction & Opening

• Screening of the institutional film

• Presentation – Address by the Director General of APIX

  • DG Bakary Séga BATHILY

• Interactive exchanges

• Closing and key recommendations

Moderators

• Ms. Diatou Ndiaye & Ms. Mariama Diop, Senegalese Institute for Agricultural Research (ISRA)

Speakers

• Dr. Lauren Phillips, Deputy Director, Rural Transformation and Gender Equality Division, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)

• Ms. Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, World Food Forum, Ghana Youth Chapter

(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

Organizer: Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), Act4Food, AGRA in partnership with Wageningen University & Research (WUL) and Africa Leadership University (ALU), Africa Food Fellowship

For young leaders committed to unlocking Africa’s potential through food system transformation, this masterclass is your next strategic step. It's carefully curated to provide you with the skills, knowledge, and confidence necessary to lead impactful efforts.

Informed by the GAIN Youth Leadership Initiative and the Africa Food Fellowship, the session offers a rich and practical learning environment, connecting robust theory with actionable insights.

If you are a young person aiming to create significant change on the continent, this session is for you. Equally, if you are an organization or experienced individual looking to foster meaningful youth engagement, you'll find this session invaluable.

Speakers

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

• Tatenda Tsorai, Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN)

• Mr. Innocent Cosmas Msoka, Food Systems Youth Leader & Communications Strategist, Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN)

Organizer: UNDCO Africa, OSCDS, WFP, FAO, IFAD, UNOWAS, UNDP, ECA, UNRCO, UNFPA

The Sahel Government–UN Alliance for Food System Transformation event will embody a Sahel-wide and One UN spirit, showcasing the collective leadership of the governments of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, in partnership with the United Nations, to transform food systems as a driver of stability, resilience, and sustainable growth.

Co-led by UN agencies (FAO, WFP, IFAD, UNDP, OSCDS, UNOWAS), and aligned with the United Nations Integrated Strategy for the Sahel (UNISS), the flagship initiatives emphasize food security, youth employment, climate-smart agriculture, and regional integration.

By spotlighting investment-ready initiatives and building on the momentum of the Sevilla Conference and the UN Food Systems Summit Stocktake (UNFSS+4), the event will advance innovative financing, private-sector engagement, and amplify the leadership of national governments, positioning the Sahel as a hub of transformative food systems solutions and mobilizing support for inclusive, sustainable, and locally anchored programmes.

Speakers

Moderator

• Ms. Rokiatou Traoré, Global Business Leader & Social Entrepreneur, Mali

Remarks & Keynotes

• Ms. Aminata Maiga, UN Resident Coordinator, Senegal – Welcome remarks
• Mr. Leonardo Santos Simão, Special Representative of the Secretary-General, UNOWAS – Framing on Food Systems, Peace & Stability
• Mr. Claver Gatete, Executive Secretary, UNECA (on behalf of the UN Secretary-General) – Economic case for investing in Sahel food systems
• Mr. Abdoulaye Mar Dieye, UN Special Coordinator for Development in the Sahel – Scene setting

Government Representatives

• H.E. Mariama Ciré Sylla, Minister of Agriculture, Republic of Guinea
• H.E. Redouwane Ag Mohamed Ali, Minister Commissioner for Food Security, Republic of Mali
• Col. Mahaman Elhadj Ousmane, Minister of Agriculture & Livestock, Republic of Niger
• H.E. Mabouba Diagne, Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty & Livestock, Republic of Senegal

Institutional & Development Partners

• Dr. Eklou Somado-Attiogbevi, Manager, Agriculture Portfolio, AfDB
• Mr. Olivier Buyoya, Regional Director West Africa, IFC
• Mr. Adam Bruun, Head of Regional Representation, EIB
• Mr. Rachid Sam, Country Operations Manager, Senegal & Mali, IsDB
• Ms. Nana Touré, Director, Sahel & West Africa Club, OECD
• Ms. Bintia Stephen Tchicaya, Sub-Regional Coordinator for West Africa, FAO
• Mr. Bernard Hien, Regional Director, IFAD – West & Central Africa
• Mr. Brian Lander, Deputy Regional Director, WFP – West & Central Africa
• Mr. Yacoub Ali El-Hillo, Regional Director, UN DCO for Africa

Youth Representative

• Ms. Teslem Meissa, Young Entrepreneur, Mauritania

Organizer: AKADEMIYA2063, icipe & African Development Bank (AfDB)

This side event will showcase and accelerate youth-led transformation in Africa’s agri-food systems. Drawing on the 2024 YOUTH AHEAD report by the Malabo Montpellier Panel, it will feature innovative policy recommendations and real-world successes empowering young Africans.

Proven models like AGRODEP and the Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund will be spotlighted for equipping youth with cutting-edge skills. Bringing together youth innovators, policymakers, and development partners, the event will co-create strategies to scale youth engagement and catalyze investment in education, entrepreneurship, and digital infrastructure thus promoting inclusive policy processes that position youth as planners, decision-makers, and investors in resilient agri-food systems.

Speakers

• Dr. Katrin Glatzel, Director of Global Strategy and Programs, AKADEMIYA2063

• Prof. Dorothy Okello, Dean School of Engineering, Makerere University; Africa Food Prize Committee Member & Member Malabo Montpellier Panel

• Dr. Julius Ecuru, Principal Scientist and Manager, Research Innovation Coordination Units at icipe

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

• Dr. Augustin Wambo Yamdjeu, Director Knowledge Systems and AGRODEP coordinator, AKADEMIYA2063

• Dr. Rose Omari, Science, Technology and Policy Research Institute/CSIR, Ghana

• Dr. Frejus Ariel Sodedji, Universite d’Abome Calavi, Benin

• Prof. Aminata Sall Diallo, Cheikh Anta Diop University and Chair PASET Executive Board

• Dr. Damian Ihedioha, Manager of the Agribusiness Development Division, AfDB

Organizer: Rabo Bank, SNV, Dutch Embassy, APIX, Agiterra, Invest International

Young entrepreneurs across West Africa are leading innovative agri-food solutions in the face of compounding challenges including climate change, food insecurity, and economic inequality. Yet access to finance remains a persistent barrier. This session explores how targeted support – particularly technical assistance – can bridge the gap between promising ideas and investment readiness. Co-organized by Rabo Foundation and SNV, and featuring Investisseurs & Partenaires, APIX, the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Agriterra, the event will feature real-world examples of youth-led businesses using innovation to scale impact. Speakers will share practical experiences on building capacity, improving bankability, and unlocking blended finance. Youth voices will be at the heart of the conversation, while ecosystem actors reflect on how enabling environments and public-private partnerships can help de-risk early-stage enterprises. The session aims to catalyse new collaborations and mobilise inclusive investment across the region.

Moderator 

• Diane Potey, Regional Lead West Africa, DFCD/SNV

Speakers

• Bas Evers, Program Manager Africa, Rabo Foundation
• Rasmey Chuun, Investment Manager, I&P
• Marine Umukunzi, Senior Cooperative Advisor, Agriterra
• Fanta Sakho, Chef du Bureau Orienation, APIX Senegal (TBD)
• Eddah Makinia Nang’ole, Senior Manager Impact and Learning, Aceli (TBD)
• Nelson Ayala, SNV/IYBA
• Wampie Libon, Head of IGG, Dutch MFA (TBD) 

Organizer: IFAD & FIDA

This session demonstrates how rural youth can improve their socioeconomic conditions through well-designed programs that have a long-term impact on the lives of young boys and girls living in rural areas of Senegal.

By sharing the experiences of beneficiaries of AGRIJEUNES and other successful programs, the session emphasizes the importance of involving communities, investing in training, and providing start-up capital so that young people can launch activities that generate monthly income. The session will also highlight the impact of such initiatives on the well-being of communities, including keeping young people in rural communities (combating rural exodus), thanks to the new employment opportunities offered.

Young people will be the main speakers at this interactive session. Videos of the project will be shown during the event. The audience will have the opportunity to ask questions. The session will be moderated by an IFAD representative or an IFAD partner.

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

Organizer: CGIAR Gender Equality and Inclusion Accelerator & Consortium of African Youth in Agriculture and Climate Change (CAYACC)

As we build momentum toward the 2026 Year of the Woman Farmer, this dialogue aims to make a strong case for increased and sustained investment in young women and youth as catalysts for equitable, resilient, and sustainable food, land and water systems.

Through showcasing successful gender-responsive, youth-led innovations, participants will explore actionable models and pathways for impact. The event also provides a platform for fostering inclusive dialogue on financing, policy, and research approaches that prioritize equity and representation.

By amplifying young women’s voices in agricultural research for development (AR4D), this convening will generate concrete outcomes to inform and influence agendas at national, regional, and global levels.

Speakers

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

• Malama Malama, Membership Coordinator, Consortium of African Youth in Agriculture and Climate Change, CAYACC

• Fatoumata Camara, Farm Manager, Sahel Agribusiness

• Gentile Colotta, Lorenzo, World Food Forum, Head of Operations (Office of Youth and Women)

• Francine Picard Mukazi, Co-founder and Director of Partnerships, Shamba Centre for Food and Climate

• Vivian Atakos, Global Engagement and Policy Lead, CGIAR (Moderator)

Organizer: Dynamique pour une Transition Agroécologique au Sénégal (DyTAES) 

This session explores partnership models that promote local knowledge, agroecological practices, and the central role of family farms in building sustainable food systems. Through the combined perspectives of farmers, policymakers, researchers, and private sector actors, it will highlight the political, economic, and institutional conditions conducive to scaling up these partnerships. The panel will also examine the levers that support these agricultural models and emphasize the importance of multi-stakeholder approaches for a just and inclusive transition. The goal is to identify concrete courses of action to make family farms a pillar of food and climate policies on the continent. 

Organizer: SDG2 Advocacy Hub

Aiming to showcase and celebrate regional food from neighbouring African countries, while bringing a global context to showcasing what good food for all means, the culinary village will provide opportunities to highlight best practices of the Good Food for All pillars, across activities and stakeholders. Bringing different ingredients and recipes together and featuring local and international chefs, the space will be a dynamic and accessible area to engage across the food system.  

Innovation: showcasing food innovation through climate-friendly actions that support both people and planet. 

Participants 

• Paul Newnham 
• Prof Michel Ghanem, Founder of The Forgotten Crops Society & Senior Scientist at CIRAD 
• Chef Moyo 
• Chef Seyitan 
• Aissatou Aya Ndiaye, Bambara groundnut processing entrepreneur 
• Issah Faye, CNRA Bambey – Innovation Lab for Peanut 
• Kira Everhart-Valentin, Cowpea Alliance Manager, Gates Ag One 
• Jean-Claude Rubyogo, Bean Programme Leader & Director at PABRA 
• Johnes David, Senior Food and Technical Expertat the Fortified Whole Grain Alliance 
• Chef Abiro 
• Chef Ndagou 
• Johnson Kiragu, Regional Program Director - East Africa, Partners in Food Solutions 
• Ndèye Marie, Chief Executive Officer, Haskè Nutrition 
• Taylor Quinn, Executive Director at Tailored Foods 
• Espoirs de la Banlieue 

Organizer: GSMA

Agritech innovations launched by youth/female founders play a pivotal role in delivering smallholder-focused agricultural transformation in Africa. Yet, the agritech sector remains fragmented, hindering progress. Limited partnerships and investments hamper the growth of digital agriculture initiatives and create barriers for youth/female entrepreneurs to create inclusive access for smallholder farmers. Youth/female founders are particularly affected because while their technical and agricultural knowledge may be strong; their lack of commercial investment experience can lead to costly mistakes. Addressing these challenges requires a deeper understanding of emerging trends, investor priorities, and the factors that influence investment decisions in digital agriculture.

In this engaging session, we will examine the critical role of agritech investing in the expansion of the digital agriculture ecosystem. We will unveil valuable insights for youth/female founders into what drives investors’ focus and examines the fundraising efforts of digital agriculture innovators.

Speakers

• Matthew Strickland -Director, GSMA AgriTech Accelerator Programme
• Ndeye Amy Kebe - Founder, Jokalante
• Kevin Genga -Senior Market Engagement Manager, GSMA AgriTech

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

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

• Dr. Jean Jacques Mbonigaba Muhinda (JJ) (Moderator)
• H.E. Mohamed Abdi Hayir, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, Government of Somalia

Organizer: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) & Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN)

The session will sensitize young people on the business case for tackling Africa’s nutrition challenges. It will equip youth agripreneurs with practical insights and guide them through key steps to start or scale nutrition-sensitive enterprises. Participants will engage in at least one hands-on activity or assignment, ensuring real-time application of concepts.

The Masterclass will inspire and empower youth to drive change across food systems by integrating nutrition into their business models for improved health and economic impact.

Moderator

• Mr. Caesar Vulley, Youth Employment Specialist, FAO Regional Office for Africa

Speakers

• Ms. Aimé Garlas Kwizera, Programme Lead – Nutrition Enterprise Development, GAIN

• Ms. Stephanie Sargeant, Global Youth Campaigns Coordinator, GAIN

• Mr. Mujuni Dickson, Founder & CEO, Mujuni Venture Limited

Organizer: National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA)

This high-level roundtable will convene U.S. state leaders, the U.S. Dairy Export Council, the World Initiative for Soy in Human Health, and key African livestock stakeholders for a dynamic discussion on advancing Africa’s livestock value chain. The conversation will spotlight innovative approaches to improving productivity, focusing on feed efficiency, advanced genetics, poultry, and dairy production.

Participants will also explore critical enablers of growth, including credit access and stronger market connections essential for sustainable growth in the sector. The session will conclude with an interactive Q&A, fostering rich dialogue and cross-sector knowledge exchange.

Speakers

• Secretary Wes Ward, NASDA President, and Secretary, Arkansas Department of Agriculture

• Ms. Krysta Harden, President and CEO, U.S. Dairy Export Council

• Secretary Anson Tebbetts, Secretary, Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets

• Mr. J.J. Goicoechea, Director, Nevada Department of Agriculture

• Ms. Gena Perry, Executive Director, World Initiative for Soy in Human Health

• Dr. Siboniso Moyo, Deputy Director General – Partnerships & Impact, International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)

• Mr. Claude Demba Diop, President, National Feed Millers Association of Senegal

Organizer: International Society for Horticultural Science 

Local and traditional species are at the heart of African countries' sovereignty: seed, food, and nutritional sovereignty. The collapse of biodiversity makes access to these forms of sovereignty even more difficult, because it mainly affects local species that are deeply rooted in dietary, social, and cultural habits and traditions. Horticultural species, fruits, vegetables, spices, aromatic and medicinal plants are among the most useful and most affected. Beyond genetic heritage, it is intangible heritage, knowledge, and know-how that are disappearing: the knowledge, experience, cultivation, association, conservation, and preparation practices that promote soil and climate adaptation and socio-economic roles. The round table provides an opportunity for various stakeholders in research, development, and higher education to illustrate the benefits for younger generations of good material and intangible management of these traditional species. 

Entrepreneurship is the promise of food systems. Come and see it in action at the AFSF SME Pitching Sessions! Hosted in the dynamic Investment Room, these sessions spotlight innovative, scalable businesses driving change across sectors, from climate-smart farming to nutrition tech. Each entrepreneur has been selected and prepared in partnership with Advance Consulting team.

Join us to discover high-impact ventures, champion Africa’s next generation of business leaders, and help build inclusive, sustainable agri-food systems across the continent.

Speakers

• Mr. William Wathuta (Moderator)

SMEs

• Mr. Wisdom Abodakpi, CEO, Cycle Farms

• Mr. Henry Abraham, CEO, HJA Africa Limited

• Mr. Jason O Odigo, Managing Director, Harvester Road Organic

• Mr. Kennedy Comba, COO, Jumbo Fish Farm LTD

Closing Reflections

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

• Mr. Harris Hounton, Senior Investment Officer, IFC

(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.

Organizer: IOFS

This session will bring together young agri-preneurs, researchers, and regional organizations to showcase successful adaptation strategies in agriculture led by youth in West Africa. Through an interactive panel, it will highlight challenges and breakthroughs in climate-smart farming, especially those addressing land tenure, financing, and inclusive policy-making. The event will spotlight innovations in water management, renewable energy, and seed systems, and emphasize the leadership role of youth in driving resilient food systems. It aims to catalyze regional dialogue and actionable policy recommendations.

Speakers

• Dr. Abdelaziz HAJJAJI, IOFS Program Manager
• Mr. Lorenzo Rovelli, Programme Specialist: Gender and Green Economy UN Women West and Central Africa Regional Office
• Dr. Agali Alhassane, Expert Agronome
• Dr. Mohamed Abdellahi OULD BABAH, Senior Advisor at CILSS

Senegal’s agricultural sector is a key driver of the country's economic and social development. The sector plays an essential role in reducing poverty and is a major source of job creation and income for poor households, most of which are located in rural areas. Despite recent progress, the agricultural sector suffers from slow productivity growth and struggles to meet food demand. Senegal imports almost 70% of its food requirements, particularly for basic products such as rice, wheat, maize, dairy products, vegetables, and sugar, heightening the country’s vulnerability to recurring shocks.

Against this background, Senegal has engaged in the transformation of its food systems through several avenues including the promotion of community-based agricultural cooperatives (CACs). The CAC programme supports the inclusive development of agriculture and livestock farming by organising producers into cooperatives with the aim of helping them to modernise the sector through core investment in infrastructure, training, extension, financing, and access to input and output markets. This way, the CACs will be catalysts for food sovereignty through the emergence of a competitive, inclusive, and sustainable national agricultural economy.

The government has already committed key resources for the development of the CACs pilot programme. The African Food Systems Forum will provide an opportunity for the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Livestock to present the Senegal Legacy programme to donors and investors and seek their contribution for the expansion of the programme.

Moderator

• M. Serigne Abdoul Aziz DRAMÉ

Speakers

• Honorable Dr. Mabouba Diagne, Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Livestock, Senegal (opening speaker)

Closing Reflections

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

• Mr. Bayella Thiam, Regional Director, West Africa, Technoserve

• Mrs. Nouma Dione, Senior Country Head for Senegal, International Finance Corporation (IFC)

• Mr. Sapan Kumar, Business Head – Wheat Milling Operations, Olam Agri

• Mr. Serge Ekue, President, West African Development Bank (BOAD)

Organizer: AKADEMIYA2063, IFAD, World Bank & GAIN

This special session will spotlight Africa’s new era of food systems financing under the Kampala CAADP Declaration (2026–2035). Building on momentum from the UN Food Systems Summit Stock Take Moment (UNFSS+4), it will bring together African policy makers, technical experts, and development partners to examine the latest evidence on external and domestic financial flows into African food systems. The session will release the Africa Report on External Development Financial Flows, showcase Nigeria’s pioneering strategy for mobilizing domestic, development, and private capital, and launch the brainstorming on setting up an African 3FS Community of Practice (CoP) to sustain peer learning and data-driven decision-making. Through keynote insights, panel debates, and country-led innovations, participants will explore financing gaps and solutions, share lessons, and chart pathways for replicating successful models. The session aims to strengthen political and technical momentum for high-performing food systems, ensuring Africa’s commitments translate into coordinated action and lasting impact

Speakers

• Dr. Ousmane Badiane – Executive Chairperson, AKADEMIYA2063
• Dr. Ibrahim Assane Mayaki, African Union Special Envoy for Food Systems; Co-Chair, Malabo Montpellier Panel
• Ms. Nadine Gbossa, Director, Food Systems, IFAD
• Dr. John Ulimwengu, Senior Research Fellow, IFPRI
• Dr. Augustin Wambo Yamdjeu, Director, Knowledge Systems, AKADEMIYA2063
• Hon. Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sierra Leone
• Hon. Dr. Mark Cyubahiro Bagabe, Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, Rwanda
• Dr. Lawrence Haddad, Executive Director, Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN)
• Mr. Donal Brown, Associate Vice-President, Programme, IFAD
• Dr. Johan Swinnen, Director General, IFPRI
• Mr. Jalwau Ahmadu Bello, Special Assistant to the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Nigeria
• Dr. Patrick Karangwa, Director General of Agricultural Modernization, Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources, Rwanda
• Ms. Francine Picard, Co-founder and Director of Partnerships, Shamba Centre
• Amb. Gabriel Ferrero de Loma Osorio, Senior Strategy Advisor, Global Agriculture and Food Security Program – GAFSP
• Dr. Dossa Aguemon, Director of Cabinet, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries, Republic of Benin
  

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)

Organizer: AGRA

Africa’s youth can leverage their unique perspectives and technological fluency to create entrepreneurial ventures within seed systems. Startups led by young people are already emerging in seed production, processing, packaging, and distribution. By identifying gaps—such as the lack of certified seeds for orphan crops, indigenous varieties, or climate-resilient seeds—youth can create businesses that both generate income and contribute to food security. The event will give an opportunity for the participants to explore the potential of the Youth in driving the present and future agenda in transforming seed systems in Africa and providing an opportunity for creation of decent jobs in the entire seed value chain.

Speakers

• Dr. Jane Ininda, Director CESSA, AGRA
• Dr. Yacouba Diallo, SG AFSTA
• Dr. Chris Ojiewo, Partnerships & Seed Systems Lead – AVISA, CIMMYT
• Dr. Joe DeVries, President SSG

Livestock systems are central to food security, livelihoods, and rural development across Africa, yet they face the twin challenge of reducing climate and environmental footprints while meeting rising demand. With several ministers of livestock expected at AFSF 2025, this Ministerial Deep Dive will drive high-level commitments to raise the profile of livestock, mobilise significant new investment, and advance a shared agenda that delivers on national development priorities, fulfils climate commitments, and strengthens regional frameworks.

Venue: Oval Room

Moderator

• Ed Rege – Animal Scientist and CEO, Emerge Centre for Innovations–Africa

Welcome and Framing Remarks

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

• Dr. Huyam Salih, Director, African Union InterAfrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR)

• Dr. Birthe Paul, Head of Project, Catalyzing Transformation Towards Sustainable Livestock Systems (LiveSys), GIZ

Livestock Ministers - Deep Dive (as invited)

• Confirmed Ministers of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries

• Confirmed Ministers of Trade, Nutrition, Gender, Health

• Confirmed Ministers of Environment and Climate

• Confirmed Ministers of Economy and Finance

• Confirmed Ministers of Energy

Reflections

• Heads of REC’s

• Senior invited Heads of Development Partner delegations

• Heads and CEOs of Private Sector Partners

Commitments and Next Steps

• Dr. Siboniso Moyo, Deputy Director General – Partnerships & Impact, International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)

Organizer: International Development Research Centre (IDRC), Embassy of Colombia in Senegal, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Colombia

While global agrobiodiversity is decreasing at an alarming pace, indigenous and local communities are taking action to preserve and multiply the seeds they have been relying on for centuries. From Colombia to Senegal, peasants have developed community-owned seed systems that not only contribute to biodiversity, food security, and climate and economic resilience, but are means to protect their rights and celebrate their food cultures and identities.

Showcasing seasoned and youth seed system actors from Colombia and Africa, this South-South learning exchange will provide a unique opportunity to share perspectives, challenges, and strategies to build thriving indigenous seed systems in an agroecological perspective.

Moderator

• Ms. Geneviève Laroche, International Development Research Centre (IDRC)

Speakers

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

• Carol Yohanna Rojas Vargas, Seed Keeper and Leader of the National Network of Seed Keepers of Colombia

• Mariama Sonko, President, We are the Solution Movement, Senegal

• Diana Marcela Burbano Benavides, Member of Macizo Joven Initiative, Colombia

• Jean-Paul Sikeli, Coordinator, Coalition pour la Protection du Patrimoine Génétique Africain (COPAGEN), Côte d’Ivoire

• Marie-Gloriose Ingabire, Director, West and Central Africa Regional Office, International Development Research Centre (IDRC)

Organizer: Initiative Prospective Agricole et Rurale (IPAR) 

Co-organized by IPAR, IFPRI, and IDRC, this side event explores how school meal programs can serve as powerful levers for building resilient and inclusive agrifood systems in Africa. By creating demand for indigenous, climate-resilient crops and promoting regenerative agriculture, school meals offer a unique opportunity to improve both nutrition and environmental outcomes. The session will showcase evidence and case studies from multiple African countries, demonstrating how school feeding initiatives are being used to advance gender equality, youth empowerment, and local procurement at national scale. It will also provide a platform for dialogue among stakeholders from research, policy, civil society, and the private sector to identify concrete pathways for scaling up sustainable school meals across the continent. Ultimately, the event aims to foster collective action and policy innovation to transform food systems from the ground up—starting with schools. 

Speakers 

• Dr. Laure Tall, Directrice de recherche, IPAR 
• Ms. Fanta Camara, Présidente, Climate Linguere Club 
• Dr. Ibrahima Hathie, Chercheur Émérite, IPAR 
• Mr. Bathie Ciss, Conseiller Technique du Secrétariat d’État au dévelopement des PMI/PMI 
• Mr. Badou Diongue, Président du Collège des jeunes, CNCR 
• Ms. Claudia Ringler, Directrice IFPRI, Natural Resources and Resilience (NRR) 
• Mr. Sidy Tounkara, Sociologue, chercheur, IPAR 

Organizer: Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT

Young people are central to the future of Africa’s food systems—not just as farmers and entrepreneurs, but also as consumers and changemakers.

This masterclass will share experiences from youth-led initiatives that are transforming diets of the youths and their food environments across Africa, supported by the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, and partners. Through participatory approaches such as video-making process and use of youth animators for behavior change communication, young people have mapped the food available within their environment (schools, markets, and communities); analyzed how choices are shaped by price, advertising, and convenience; and propose practical solutions to make healthy, diverse, and sustainable foods more accessible. Further, youth animators have used different approaches to disseminate nutrition information and influence behavior change among their peers and within households.

Participants will learn practical tools and approaches for engaging youth in assessing food environments, social behavior change communication, influencing diets as well as planning improvements—from introducing nutritious local foods to designing campaigns that shift consumer behaviors. The session will showcase real stories of youth in action, highlighting youths as game changers in their own food environment and showing how evidence can be turned into practical solutions that improve diets, create opportunities, and build healthier food systems for all.

Speakers

• Dr. Paul Kante Nouwodjro, Social Economist, Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT
• Dr. Papa Sene, Nutrition Expert
• Mr. Evans Ochuto, Chairperson, Vihiga Nutrition and Community Seedbank CBO, Kenya
• Dr. Christine Chege, Senior Scientist, Food Environment and Consumer Behaviour, Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT
• Ms. Eva Sagna, Journalist, Médi1tv Afrique (Rapporteur)
• Ms. Mame Fatou Faty, Journalist, AFRICABLE Television (Rapporteur)

Organizer: Tailored Food 

What if the future of the African food system could honor culture, nourish communities, empower youth, and delight the palate? In this TED-style session and debate, thought leaders from ProVeg, Tailored Food, and Globisis explore how innovation driven by young people, tradition, and sustainability intersect. Through bold ideas and real-world solutions, they’ll unpack the challenges and opportunities of creating food systems that are climate-smart, health-driven, and rooted in local identity. Join us for an inspiring conversation on the role of food in shaping Africa’s future, deliciously, nutritiously, and authentically. 

Speakers 

• Mr. Taylor Quinn, Executive Director, Tailored Food 
• Mr. Hakeem A. Jimo, Country Director, ProVeg Nigeria & Founder and CEO, Veggie Victory  
• Ms. Juliette Tronchon, Head of UN Affairs, ProVeg International 
• Chef Bola Adeyanju, Program Manager, ProVeg Nigeria & Founder and Executive Director, Veggie Victory  
• Ms. Anna A. Touré, Co-Founder, GLOBISIS 

Climate-smart and nature positive innovations are needed to accelerate the shift of Africa’s agriculture and food systems to be low-carbon, climate resilient while ensuring food security to support growing population and to support economic development. To help support this transition, the CLIC Agribusiness Connector has provided technical assistance to eight Africa-based agribusinesses on impact assessment and investor engagement preparation.

In partnership with AFSF, the CLIC Climate and Nature SME Investment Room welcomes you to come meet these businesses with bold ideas, scalable solutions and primed for growth.

These entrepreneurs come from a cross-section of sectors and are working to advance food systems in their countries while addressing critical climate and nature challenges. They’re seeking visionary investors open to grants, equity, debt, or blended finance to help scale high-impact solutions. This is an opportunity to support climate-forward entrepreneurship, expand employment, and accelerate development across the continent.

Speakers

• Ms. Wen E Chin, Manager, CLIC (Moderator)

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

• Ms. Marina Kamanzi, Kagezi Seeds, Zambia

• Dr. Asongo Abraham Iorkaam, Jaress Agriculture Agfinance, Nigeria

• Ms. Loreen Wanjiru, Camino Ruiz, Kenya

• Mr. Alexander Zanders, UfarmX, Nigeria

• Ms. Chinwendu Nweke, Bridge Merchant Enterprises, Nigeria

• Mr. Moustapha Kebe, Keblink, Senegal

• Ms. Eneotse Unoogwu, AllTimeFresh, Nigeria

• Mr. Eliud Rugut, Silo Africa, Kenya

• Ms. Liz Kirk, Senior Manager, ClimateShot Investor Coalition (CLIC)

• Mr. Qasem Bilbeisi, Senior Analyst, ClimateShot Investor Coalition (CLIC)

• UK FCDO, Africa Programmes Expertise Department

Closing Reflections

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

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

Organizer: IsDB, ICRISAT, ILRI, CIP 

The ISDB-CGIAR Program Showcase Special Event aims to strengthen collaboration, investment, and innovation in food value chains across Africa. Building on the IsDB Food Security Response Program, the event will showcase successful initiatives and emerging programs that enhance food security, resilience, inclusivity, productivity and regional trade. It serves as a platform to share best practices, align strategies with member countries’ priorities, and mobilize support from governments, donors, and partners. Through interactive dialogues and networking, the event seeks to accelerate sustainable agricultural transformation, promote climate-smart solutions, and foster partnerships for scaling impact across IsDB member states. 

Speakers 

• Hon. Raphael Magyezi, Minister of Local Government, Republic of Uganda 

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

The Government of Ethiopia welcomes you to the Invest Ethiopia Session. This session highlights bold initiatives to boost employment, strengthen value-added food chains, especially in sorghum and oil seeds, and improve access to nutritious food.

Central to the discussion is the INVEST in Ethiopia platform, featuring high-potential, investment-ready opportunities driving agricultural innovation and economic growth. Join national leaders and partners to discover how Ethiopia is building a resilient food system that benefits farmers, consumers, and investors. Whether you're seeking strategic partnerships or impact opportunities, this session opens a window into one of East Africa’s most promising investment frontiers.

Speakers

• Dr. Agnes Kalibata (Moderator)

• Dr. Maru S. Bekele, Advisor to the State Minister of Agriculture on Sorghum Flagship Development, Ministry of Agriculture

• Prof. Ali M. Ibrahim, Senior Advisor to the State Minister of Agriculture and Horticulture, Ministry of Agriculture

• Mr. Saad Aouad, CEO, SAMANU Business Group, Ethiopia

Closing Reflections

• Ms. Meghna Laxman, Director Corporate Affairs, PepsiCo

• Mr. Dominic Schofield, Global Director for Agri-food Systems, TechnoServe

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

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

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’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

Organizer: Academy of Global Food Economics and Policy (AGFEP), China Agricultural University (CAU) & Sanya Yazhou Bay Science and Technology City Administration

This session will convene youth leaders, government officials, and academic experts from China, Africa, and beyond to explore innovative pathways for green and low-carbon transformation of agrifood systems. The discussion will highlight cutting-edge practices and foster cross-regional collaboration to build resilient and sustainable food systems, with an emphasis on climate action, nutrition, and inclusive development.

Moderator

• Assoc. Prof. Ting Meng, Associate Professor, Academy of Global Food Economics and Policy (AGFEP), China Agricultural University

Speakers

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

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

• Dr. Mamou Ehui, Executive Director, Global Phosphorus Institute

• Dr. Ousmane Badiane, Executive Chairperson, AKADEMIYA2063

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

• Dr. Issa Ouedraogo, Senior Scientist, Alliance of Bioversity International & CIAT

• Prof. Yumei Zhang, Professor, AGFEP, Academy of Global Food Economics and Policy (AGFEP), China Agricultural University (CAU)

Organizer: Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD) 

This panel will discuss the often invisible but essential role of soil health in African food sovereignty. It will bring together researchers, farmers, processors, entrepreneurs, and public decision-makers to discuss the links between soil, agricultural practices, processing, and access to sustainable food. Moderated by a student, it will be introduced by a short video filmed in the field. The aim is to highlight a key issue for food security, climate, and economic resilience, while illustrating the concrete contribution of young scientists and South-South collaborations. 

Speakers 

• Dr. Dominique Masse, Directeur de Recherche HDR, IRD (Institut de recherche pour le Développement) 
• Dr. Alfred Tine, Directeur Général, Institut Nationale de Pédologie du Sénégal 
• Dr. Diaminatou Sanogo, CNRF (Centre National de Recherches Forestières) 
• Dr. Ndeye Hélène Diallo Diagne, Conseillère technique du ministre de l’agriculture. Chargée de recherche à l’ISRA-CDH, Ministère de l’Agriculture et de la Souveraineté Alimentaire et de l’élevage 
• Dr. Sidy Diakhaté, Chargé de mission du projet PeA PETTAL et fondateur de la startup Green Agro Consulting, Université du Sine Saloum El-Hâdj Ibrahima NIASS (USSEIN) 
• Ms. Maryame Diakité, Chargée d’animation scientifique et de transition au pôle de recherche, IESOL Institut de Recherche pour le Dévloppement 

Organizer: African Food Fellowship and AGRA’s CALA

An invite only meeting for stakeholders interested in strengthening food systems leadership as an essential enabler to achieve the Kampala Declaration goals.

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: NASDA

The reception aims to deepen connections and strengthen the agricultural partnership between the U.S. and countries throughout the continent of Africa. The reception will provide a vital platform for NASDA members, government leaders and private sector professionals to exchange knowledge and insights, including opportunities, needs and collaboration, thereby facilitating increased partnership and trade with the U.S. in the future.

Organizer: ENABEL 

This session will focus on youth training, integration, and support for MSMEs in key value chains, with panelists from Benin, Burkina Faso, Mauritania, and Niger. Enabel is the Belgian development agency, working with national and international partners to address global challenges such as climate change, inequalities, and peace and security. With 2,500 staff, it manages over 200 projects across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Present in West Africa for 25 years (including in Mauritania, Senegal, Burkina Faso, and Benin), Enabel supports the transition to sustainable food systems, ensuring food and nutrition security while addressing environmental and socio-economic issues. 

Presentation 1 – Mauritania 

• Mr. Djiby Moussa Ba et Mr. Guedié Kane 

Presentation 2 - Burkina Faso 

• KABORE Baogoam 

Presentation 3 – Benin 

• Geoffroy Mele et Irmine 

Presentation 4 – Niger 

• IKIC et PRISMA 

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 

Uganda’s food sector is a cornerstone of its economy. With its fertile soils, favourable climate, and vast arable land, Uganda offers immense opportunities for investors looking to engage in agribusiness. The country’s strategic location in East Africa, with access to regional and international markets, further enhances its potential as a hub for agricultural production and export.

This session promises to provide insights into investment opportunities in the food systems of Uganda.

Speakers

• Prof. Hamadi Boga (Moderator)

• Hon. Fred Bwino Kyakulaga, Minister of State for Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Republic of Uganda

• David Wozemba, Country Director, AGRA Uganda Office

• Peter Mulira, Investment Executive, Uganda Investment Authority

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: Alliance Bioversity International and CIAT 

This pitch session will give entrepreneurs the opportunity to present their projects, their financing needs, and their expected financial results and impacts in five minutes, followed by a five-minute question-and-answer session with a panel of judges composed of impact investors and local banks. Participants will have been prepared in advance through a boot camp on climate-smart agriculture and sustainable practices and will have received support in integrating these elements into their business plans. With the help of a presentation template and targeted coaching, they will be ready to capture the attention of the jury and partners in attendance. The goal: to promote solid, inclusive projects and create concrete opportunities for financing and collaboration around sustainable agricultural solutions. 

Speakers 

• Ms. Evelyne DIOH, Managing partner, WIC Capital 
• Ms. Ndeye Awa Gueye, Responsable secteur privé – partenariats, LUX DEV 
• Mr. Pierre Gérard Diouf, Responsable Département PME-PMI, BOA 
• Mr. Mohamed Ngom, Financial and Access to Financing Manager, Teranga capital 
• Mr. Omar Toure, Chef de Réseau Ouest, La Banque Agricole 
• Ms. Ena DERENONCOURT, Senior Officer, AICCRA / Alliance Bioversity /CIAT 
• MS. Ouma Sani, Director, Women's Investment Club 

Entrepreneurship is the promise of food systems. Come and see it in action at the AFSF SME Pitching Sessions! Hosted in the dynamic Investment Room, these sessions spotlight innovative, scalable businesses driving change across sectors, from climate-smart farming to nutrition tech. Each entrepreneur has been rigorously selected and prepared in partnership with AFSF.

Join us to discover high-impact ventures, champion Africa’s next generation of business leaders, and help build inclusive, sustainable agri-food systems across the continent.

Moderator

• Mr. William Wathuta

SMEs

• Ms. Deborah Nzarubara, Founder & CEO, Grecom

• Mr. Riches Attai, Co-founder & CEO, Winich Farms

• Ms. Koki Sammy, Co-founder & Sales Manager, Silo Africa

• Ms. Nina Gibson, CFO, Farm Depot

• Ms. Salma Abdulai, CEO & Co-Founder, AMAATI Company Ltd

• Ms. Grace Waringa, CEO, Angaza Foods

• Ms. Ozioma Onwordi, Founder, Eden-Acres Organic Farm

• Ms. Anna Leone, CEO, Naki Group Limited

• Ms. Nana Prempeh, Co-Founder & CEO, Grow For Me

• Mr. Emeka Nwachinemere, CEO, Kitovu Technology

• Mr. Allan Tollo, CEO, MyFugo Innovations

• Mr. Onimisi Charles Atere, Founder & CEO, Nimsy Agro Solar

Organizer: International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT)

From the drylands of Mexico and Senegal to the varied climates across Latin America and Africa, the award-winning MasAgro model can transform agriculture through improved seed systems, regenerative agronomy, mechanization, and market linkages. In this dynamic session, CIMMYT’s Director General, Bram Govaerts, will share how these principles can empower Africa’s youth and women to lead climate-smart transformation. Govaerts will engage in a live conversation with a Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils (VACS) Fellow, bringing the vision to life, showcasing innovation, resilience, and the path to food sovereignty.

Speakers

• Dr. Bram Govaerts, Director General, International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT)
• Ms. Mary Boluwape, Fellow, Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils (VACS)

Organizer: The Sahel and West Africa Club (OECD/SWAC) 

Intra-regional food trade in West Africa likely exceeds USD 10 billion annually—far more than official figures suggest—and provides up to 25% of regional calories. It plays a vital role in feeding urban populations, strengthening value chains, and generating private sector and youth employment. Yet with up to 85% of this trade going unrecorded, it remains undervalued in policy and investment decisions, hindered by regulatory and business environment challenges. This event will unveil a new OECD Sahel and West Africa Club report featuring groundbreaking data that reframe the scale and value of this trade. It will highlight the need for stronger monitoring of this trade, particularly under the AfCFTA and Kampala CAADP Declaration, and explore how intra-regional food trade can drive regional integration, inclusive growth and job creation for Africa’s youth. 

Speakers 

• Nana Touré, Director, OECD/SWAC  
• Prof. Alain Sy Traoré, Director of Agriculture and Rural Development, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)
• Philipp Heinrigs, Head of Division, Food, Urbanisation and Cities, OECD/SWAC  
• Olivier Buyoya, West Africa Regional director, IFC 
• Ibrahim Mayaki, Special Envoy for Food Systems, African Union  
• Ildephonse Musafiri, Advisor to the CEO, Agriculture and Food Systems AUDA-NEPAD 
• Siny Samba, CEO, Le Lionceau  

The Ghana Deal Room, themed “Feeding Prosperity Through Smart Investments in Ghana,” will spotlight high-impact opportunities that deliver tangible benefits for farmers, investors, and consumers. It will highlight how public-private collaboration is driving Ghana’s food systems toward prosperity while positioning the country as the gateway to West Africa’s 400 million people and a rising hub for agri-investment, value addition, nutrition, and climate-smart growth.

Moderator

• Dr. Betty Annan

Speakers

• Hon. Eric Opoku, Ghana’s Minister for Food and Agriculture

• Hon. Augustus Obuadum Goosie Tanoh, Ghana’s Presidential Advisor for 24 Hour Economy & Accelerated Export Development

• Mr. Bayella Thiam, Regional Director, West Africa, Technoserve

• Dr. Mahamah Abdul-Rahaman, Commercial Manager, Ghana, Yara International

Moderators

• Ms. Diatou Ndiaye & Ms. Mariama Diop, Senegalese Institute for Agricultural Research (ISRA)

Speakers

Spotlight on the Ministerial Deep Dive: Livestock

• Dr. Siboniso Moyo, Deputy Director General, Partnerships & Impact, International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)

Spotlight on Agricultural Investments

• Ms. Chania Frost, Associate Partner, McKinsey & Company

(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

Organizer: International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe)

At the Africa Food Systems Forum Summit 2025, the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), has brought together two seemingly unlikely, yet powerful forces for agrifood systems transformation: youth and insects. Contributing to the theme of “Africa’s youth leading collaboration, innovation, and implementation of agri-food systems transformation”, this session will hold a unique and novel conversation with Africa’s youth on how they harness and impact insect-based nature-positive innovations.

Moderators

• Dr Takemore Chagomoka, Head of Innovation Scaling and Business Acceleration (ISBA), icipe
• Dr Liz Ng’ang’a, Head of Communication, icipe

Speakers

• Dr. Abdou Tenkouano, Director General, icipe
• Ms. Winnie Wambui, Co-Founder, Harcourt Agri-Eco Farm
• Dr. Rehemah Gwokyalya, Postdoctoral Scientist, icipe
• Seid Zewdu, Youth Partner & Entrepreneur, More Young Entrepreneurs in Silk and Honey

Nigeria Postharvest Systems Transformation Program (NiPHaST)

Organizer: Hailemariam & Roman Foundation (HRF) & African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF)

This side event explores the transformative role of biotechnology in strengthening African food systems, recognizing that the continent has yet to fully harness its potential. Despite ongoing challenges—ranging from food insecurity to climate vulnerability—biotechnology offers powerful tools to boost productivity, enhance nutrition, and build resilience.

The session will showcase best practices and actionable insights from African countries that have successfully integrated biotechnology into national agricultural strategies, along with opportunities to scale its use across the continent in line with Agenda 2063. It will bring together policymakers, researchers, development partners, and farmer representatives to foster dialogue on enabling regulatory frameworks and promote inclusive engagement—particularly of youth.

Moderator

• Ms. Anne Obize MacAnne, Founder & Executive Director, Teens Connect Africa

Speakers

• H.E. Hailemariam Dessalegn, Board Chair, AGRA; Former Prime Minister, Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia; Board Chair, Hailemariam & Roman Foundation (HRF)

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

• Dr. Ismahane Elouafi, Executive Managing Director, CGIAR

• Ms. Onyaole Patience Koku, CEO, 1hectare1family Limited & Regional Lead, Africa Global Farmer Network

• Dr. Birama Sidibé, Founder, Agrobiotech

• Dr. Ijeoma Akaogu, Program Officer-COWPEA, African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF)

Organizer: Africa Food Systems Forum (AFSF)

Insights from the Field celebrates the ingenuity, resilience, and leadership of African farmers, agripreneurs, and grassroots innovators who are transforming food systems from the ground up. This dynamic session spotlights practical, scalable solutions born in the field—ranging from climate-smart practices and indigenous knowledge to youth-led agri-tech innovations.

Through powerful storytelling and live demonstrations, the session honors homegrown talent and emphasizes the critical role of local champions in driving sustainability, food security, and economic opportunity. Join us to be inspired by real-world change agents and explore how their insights can shape national and continental food systems transformation.

Speakers

• Prof. Cheikh Ly, Member, Section Sciences Agricoles (SSA), National Academy of Sciences and Technology of Senegal (ANSTS)
• Dr. Ababacar Sadikh Ndoye, Member, National Academy of Sciences and Technology of Senegal (ANSTS) & Former Director, Institute of Food Technology
• Professor Abdoulaye Dia, Member, National Academy of Sciences and Technology of Senegal (ANSTS)
• Prof. Mohamadou Guélaye Sall, Pediatrician, Republic of Senegal

Africa stands at a turning point and CAADP is the engine to drive its food systems transformation. This pivotal session will spotlight the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) and its bold 2026–2035 Strategy and Action Plan, launched alongside the Kampala Declaration. With ambitious goals to mobilize $100 billion in investments, boost food production by 45%, triple intra-African agri-food trade, and cut post-harvest losses in half, the future starts now. Join policymakers and food system actors to align around CAADP’s six core commitments, from scaling sustainable production to strengthening governance, key indicators to measures the implantation and accountability framework to investment and financing mechanisms needed. Expect a deep dive into game-changing reforms around regional integration, input access, and logistics that are designed to drive real impact. Be part of the movement to turn this ambitious strategy into concrete, on-the-ground results. It is time to act, invest, and deliver Africa’s food future, together.

Venue: Auditorium

Moderator

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

Opening Remarks

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

• Dr. Ousmane Badiane, Executive Chairperson, Akademiya2063

Political Leadership – Charting the Future of African Food Systems

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

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

• Hon. Dr. Queta Baldé, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Republic of Guinea-Bissau

• Hon. Fred Bwino Kyakulaga, Minister of State for Agriculture, Republic of Uganda

• Hon. Francesco Lollobrigida, Minister of Agriculture, Italian Republic

Partnering with Youth for Africa’s Agrifood Transformation

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

• Mr. Michael Kakande, Founder & Chairperson, Resilient 40

• Mr. Bond Tlhagale, Secretary General, CAADP Youth Network

Investment, Innovation & Inclusivity – Mobilizing Resources for CAADP

• Ms. Elizabeth Nsimadala, President, Eastern African Farmers Association (EAFF)

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

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

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

Reflections

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

Closing Remarks

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

Organizer: Réseau National des clubs de jeunes entrepreneurs du Sénégal (RENCJES) 

Organized in the form of open discussions, inspiring experience sharing, and meetings, it will bring together 50 young entrepreneurs from the region brought together by RENCJES. It will take place in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Youth, CONFEJES, and several economic actors already identified. By creating a stimulating and structured space, the Entre Pros Jeunes café complements the forum's technical and institutional panels by giving actors in the field the opportunity to discuss business opportunities (young entrepreneurs, investors, start-ups, etc.). It thus promotes the co-construction of concrete responses to the challenges of agri-food and sovereignty. This activity contributes to strengthening the local agricultural entrepreneurial ecosystem by facilitating connections between entrepreneurs, project leaders, and support actors (investors, institutions, etc.). 

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

Organizer: CIP 

Launch of Partnership for Root and Tuber Crops in Africa aims to position Root and Tuber Crops (RTCs) as key drivers of sustainable agricultural transformation in Africa. RTCs have the potential to improve diets, build resilience to climate change, grow markets, and strengthen local economies. The vision of the framework is to mobilize global science, strategic partnerships, innovations, and investments to accelerate the development and scaling of RTC-based agrifood systems across the continent. This will be achieved through inclusive, evidence-based programs that are tailored to national and regional needs. The launch event will feature keynote addresses and a panel discussion with representatives from national and regional development organizations, the private sector, and development partners. 

Speakers 

• Dr. Joyce Maru- Regional Director for Africa, CIP- Moderator 
• Dr. Simon Heck-Director General, CIP 
• Prof. Yaye Kene Gassama – CIP Board Member, Senegal 
• Dr. Simeon Ehui, IITA 
• Jabula Arlindo - National Director for Agriculture at the Ministry of Agriculture, Environment and Fisheries Maputo, Mozambique 
• Martin Fregene, AfDB  
• Dr. Wachira Kaguongo, NPCK 

Jeunesse, innovation et approche One Health : l'expérience des SOHIC pour transformer durablement les systèmes alimentaires en Afrique 

Organizer: Students One Health Innovations Club (SOHIC) 

This event, scheduled to take place in the Senegal Pavilion, aims to strengthen advocacy for the mobilization of domestic resources, in line with Strategic Objective 2 of the Malabo Declaration of the CAADP 2026-2035: “Stimulate investment and financing to accelerate the transformation of agri-food systems.” It will highlight three multisectoral projects focused on food safety, which offer decent employment opportunities for women and young people, but are also attractive to investors. These projects illustrate the impact of funding gaps in the dairy sector and inadequate production, storage, processing, and marketing practices. The proposed multisectoral and integrated solutions require greater commitment from the national private sector. The aim is to initiate a strong partnership to support the government in mobilizing local resources to achieve the food sovereignty ambitions set out in Senegal 2050. 

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

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

Organizer: Gates Foundation 

This session will spotlight the untapped potential of  Africa’s pastoral red meat value chains to drive climate-smart, gender-transformative, and economically viable food systems. Through case studies from different countries, speakers will showcase how strategic investments—across breeding, feed, traceability, and market access for pastoralists—can reduce emissions intensity, enhance pastoral livelihoods, and boost GDP. The panel will also explore pathways to crowd in private and blended finance, whilst making the case for scaling formal offtake and integrating pastoral systems into regional food agendas. 

Moderator 

Ms. Chloe Stull-Lane, Director, Gatsby Africa 

Speakers 

Dr. Huyam Salih, Director, African Union InterAfrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) 

Prof. Ruth N. Kiraka, Associate Professor of Management (Strategy and Entrepreneurship), Strathmore Business School  

Ms. Felisters Gitau Mutugu, CEO, Farmer’s Choice  

Ms. Doreen Gacheri, Founder & CEO, GENCO Livestock & Fresh Meat Export Ltd  

Organizer: SDG2 Advocacy Hub

Aiming to showcase and celebrate regional food from neighbouring African countries, while bringing a global context to showcasing what good food for all means, the culinary village will provide opportunities to highlight best practices of the Good Food for All pillars, across activities and stakeholders. Bringing different ingredients and recipes together and featuring local and international chefs, the space will be a dynamic and accessible area to engage across the food system.  

Implementation: How do we implement positive food systems solutions that champion good food for all, to scale? 

Participants 

• Paul Newnham 
• Rémi Hémeryck, Executive Director of SOS SAHEL 
• Chef Moyo 
• Chef Seyitan 
• Mr. Pierre-Gilles Commeat, Baobab des Saveurs 
• Sekouna Diatta, Director of the Senegalese agency for Reforestation and the Great Green Wall 
• Oumou Ndiaye Diop, Accompagnatrice pour le changement, Experte PME, et Développement des Territoires, GIZ 
• Chef Youssoupha Diem 
• Chef Abiro Wisdom  
• Chef Moyo Odunfa 
• David Kamau 
• Betty Kibaara 

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

The CEO Chat experience offers practical guide for investment and business growth. Join us for an engaging conversation with leading CEO, Delphine Traoré, as she shares her personal journey in the food systems space and the lessons she’s learned along the way. This session provides a unique opportunity to hear firsthand insights on what it takes to build a successful business. It also includes interactive time with the audience, allowing young entrepreneurs and aspiring leaders to ask questions and gain tailored advice. Come ready to ask questions, take notes, and be inspired by leaders who’ve walked the road and are now lighting the way.

Speakers

• Ms. Delphine Traoré, Chief Executive General Insurance, SanlamAllianz
• Ms. Ruramiso Mashumba, CEO & Founder, Mnandi Africa
• Mr.    Uka Eje, CEO, ThriveAgric

Organizer: CRES 

Reflecting on the interrelationships between factors contributing to the higher prevalence of malnutrition in women will highlight the importance of the gender perspective in understanding nutritional issues in Senegal and Africa. The strong participation of young people and women presenters will ensure the diversity of opinions and points of view on the issues to be addressed. The diversity of people invited (public actors, representatives of civil society organizations, associations of people suffering from chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, etc.) will ensure a plurality of opinions. 

Step into the Investment Room and Deal Room to hear from brilliant businesses with bold ideas and real potential. Representing a cross-section of sectors, these investment-ready entrepreneurs are driving innovation to advance food systems in their countries. With support from the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) and the Africa Food Systems Forum (AFSF), these SMEs have been carefully selected and prepared to engage with investors across grants, equity, debt, or blended finance.

This is a chance to connect with scalable solutions that foster employment, development, and impact across the continent.

SMEs

• Deborah Nzarubara, Founder and CEO, Grecom – 13:00–13:10

• Ms. Salimata Toh, Founder & Manager, AGRIBANANA – 13:10–13:20

• Mbumba Lapaque, Chief Vision Officer, ANTARCTIK – 13:20–13:30

• Marlène Kindji, Founder & CEO, BADÉMÈ NATURAL FOODS – 13:30–13:40

• Mr. Elhadji Malick Sagne, Founder & CEO, Cactus Innovation – 14:00–14:10

• Mr. Bruk Getahun, Co-founder & CMO, ChipChip – 14:10–14:20

• Mr. Imungana Malikana, Founder, Cranitech Ltd. – 14:20–14:30

• Dr. Iddi Mohamed Faried, CEO, Kodu Technology – 14:30–14:40

Closing Reflections

• Ms. Eva Bibee, Investment Officer, International Finance Corporation (IFC)

Organizer: IFAD, SNV, DFCD, CLIC, PARM 

Join us for a dynamic masterclass designed to demystify Technical Assistance (TA) and its power to unlock growth for African agribusinesses! 

Tailored for SMEs and youth and delivered by investors and development actors grounded in practice, this interactive session will explore how TA supports investment readiness, drives inclusive business growth, and de-risks finance in climate-resilient value chains.   

Through real-world case studies, funding insights, and practical guidance, participants will discover how to access TA, what it involves, and how to equip businesses with the tools they need to effectively access and leverage technical assistance. Participants will also gain insight into the roles and responsibilities of participating in Technical Assistance. 

If you're aiming to scale your business impact in agri-food systems, this is your roadmap to smarter, more sustainable investment. Don’t miss it! 

Speakers 

• Ms. Sara Mbago-Bhunu, Director – Eastern and Southern Africa, International Find for Agriculture Development (IFAD) 
• Ms. Diane Potey, Regional Lead for West Africa, Dutch Fund for Climate & Development (DFCD) 
• Ms. Vandana Thottoli, Business Origination Advisor – East Africa, DFCD & SNV  
• Dr. Jean-Claude Bidogeza, Technical Specialist, Platform for Agriculture Risk management (PARM) 
• Ms. Wen E Chin, Manager, ClimateShot Investors Coalition (CLIC)  
• Ms. Nadine Manzi Umunyana, Senior Global Technical Specialist – Private Sector, IFAD  
• Ms. Dorcas Mayala Ntumba, Knowledge Management, Communication and Partnership, PARM 

The event is designed to establish a structured framework for promoting the widespread adoption of innovative solutions by fostering collaboration between the Agricultural Innovation System (AIS)—specifically the Regional Research Centers (RCEs) and National Centers of Specialization (NCOS)—and Agri-Tech solution developers, including emerging startups. This event will bring together key stakeholders from African AIS, coordinated by CORAF, alongside Agri-Tech businesses, to highlight recent achievements and foster connections aimed at enabling the widespread adoption of innovative solutions. By leveraging digital technologies and artificial intelligence, the goal is to address challenges related to sustainable agricultural productivity and production, while making the sector more attractive to young people in response to the dual imperatives of food security and job creation. 

Speakers 

• Dr. El Hadj Adama Toure, Practice Manager – Agriculture and Food Global Practice, World Bank
• Dr. Moumini Savadogo, Executive Director, CORAF
• Dr. Ousmane Badiane, Executive Chairperson of AKADEMIYA2063
• Driss Lahlou Kitane, CEO, Ground Truth Analytics (a UM6P/MIT venture)

Organizer: MEOSS, BWI, la SAED et Geomatica 

This workshop will highlight a joint initiative between MEOSS, BWI, GEOMATICA, and SAED aimed at improving water management for irrigated agriculture in Senegal through the use of satellite data, climate models, and artificial intelligence. The project enables the monitoring of water resources, the forecasting of river flows, and the anticipation of droughts and floods in order to optimize agricultural planning. The event will give a voice to young professionals involved in the initiative, highlight the contributions of satellite technologies to climate resilience, and pave the way for regional replication. 

Speakers 

• Mr. Amadou Thiam, Conseiller technique, SAED, 
• Mr. Abdoulaye Bouya Diop, Responsable programme de télédétection, SAED 
• Mr. Thomas Ferrero, President Directeur General, MEOSS 
• Mr. Mohamad Hamze, Expert en ressources eaux, BWI  

(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.

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

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)

Organizer: CAADP-XP4 consortium partners & GGGI 

This session aims to accelerate agroecological transition by unlocking smart finance to scale youth-led digital private Agricultural Extension and Advisory Services (AEAS). We'll bring together key stakeholders to explore innovative financing mechanisms and investment opportunities for youth agripreneurs providing digital services. The session will feature a keynote address, expert panel discussions, and a training on the use of the CGIAR Africa Agriculture Adaptation Atlas Tool enabling youth to promote climate resilient agriculture and sustainable development. 

Speakers 

• Dr. Joshua Okonya, Program Officer – Agricultural Technology and Innovation at the Association for Strengthening Agricultural Research in Eastern and Central Africa (ASARECA) 
• Ms. Paques Sidonie Kouam-Gwet, Regional Investment Lead at the Africa Regional Office, Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) 
• Dr. Aggrey Agumya, Executive Director at the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) 
• Prof. Alain Sy Traoré, Director of Agriculture and Rural Development, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)
• Mr. Matteo Marchisio, Head of Hub and Country Director, West and Central Africa at the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) 
• Amb. H.E. Mr Jean-Marc Pisani, Head of the Delegation of the European Union in Senegal 
• Ms. Brenda Gunde, Global Lead for Information and Communication Technologies for Development (ICT4D) at IFAD 
• Mr. Abrhame Endrias, MD and Founder of Green Agro Solution PLC, 
• Mr. Tajudeen Yahaya, CEO of Extension Africa 
• Mr. Jehiel Oliver, the CEO and Founder, Hello Tractor 
• Francis A. Obirikorang, CEO & Co-founder, AgroCenta Technologies 
• Mr. Jamie Collinson, CEO and Founder, iSDA-Africa 
• Jonathan Mockshell, Lead Agrifood System and Policy Environment, The Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT 
• Mr. David Ivanovic, Senior Operations Officer, IFC - International Finance Corporation, Senegal 
• Dr. Lilian Lihasi, Executive Director, African Forum for Agricultural Advisory Services - AFAAS, Kenya 
• Ms. Marietou Seck, Head of Climate Action, Mastercard Foundation 
• Dr. Nicole Nkoum, Climate Finance Consultant, GGGI 
• Dr. Moumini Savadogo, Executive Director of CORAF 

Organizer: AGRA

This focused, bilingual (English/French) session brings together the 18 finalists of the Women Agripreneurs of the Year Awards (WAYA) - AGRA’s annual initiative celebrating high-impact, women-led agribusinesses - with investors, buyers and mentors at the Africa Food Systems Forum. Informed by feedback from previous WAYA editions and aligned with finalists’ growth priorities, this session offers short, targeted one-to-one meetings that lead to concrete next steps: pilot projects, purchase discussions, mentorship and follow-on capital. 

The agricultural sector in Zimbabwe presents significant investment opportunities across all value chains, including production, farm infrastructure, machinery, irrigation development, processing, marketing, and export. This sector contributes between 12% and 17% to the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

The Zimbabwe Legacy Program focuses on seven key value chains: maize, soybeans, sunflower, blueberries, beef, dairy, and poultry. However, additional investments are required to meet and maintain current production levels, regional demand, and projections due to increased domestic and regional demands, given the growing population and increasing market needs.

At the upcoming Africa Food Summit 2025, the Government will present the Legacy Program Pitch Deck, highlighting tangible opportunities to enhance production, processing, and marketing within the selected value chains. This presentation will illustrate how targeted investments can stimulate inclusive rural transformation, economic growth, and yield substantial returns.

Speakers

Organizer: AKADEMIYA2063, African Union Commission (AUC), African Union Development Agency, NEPAD (AUDA-NEPAD), Consortium of African Youth in Agriculture and Climate Change (CAYACC)

Africa’s agrifood systems are undergoing profound changes, driven by the effects of climate change, a fast growing youthful and urbanizing population, and evolving food demand. In response, African leaders recently adopted the Kampala CAADP Declaration to accelerate efforts to transform Africa’s agrifood systems.

To be successful, the transformation requires inclusive approaches that center youth as innovators and leverage local expertise with deep contextual understanding. As countries move to implement the Kampala Declaration, this side event will convene diverse stakeholders to identify concrete pathways for harnessing local expertise and youth-led initiatives to support a successful CAADP implementation and agrifood system transformation.

Master of Ceremonies

• Ms. Tsitsi Makombe, Director, External Relations, AKADEMIYA2063

Moderator

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

Speakers

• H.E. Mr. Moses Vilakati, Commissioner, Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment, African Union Commission (AUC-DARBE)
• H.E. Nardos Bekele-Thomas, CEO, AUDA-NEPAD
• Hon. Dr. Dora Siliya, Project Promoter, Greenville Agro Park Development Company; Former Government Minister, Republic of Zambia
• Dr. Ismahane Elouafi, Executive Managing Director, CGIAR
• Prof. Obert Jiri, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development, Republic of Zimbabwe
• H.E. Ambassador Paul Gulleik Larsen, Special Envoy for Climate and Food Initiatives, Kingdom of Norway
• Dr. Mwaka Namukonde, Executive Coordinator, Consortium of African Youth in Agriculture and Climate Change; UNFSS Youth Champion
• Mr. Tadeo Ajuna, Program Coordinator and Co-Country Representative for Uganda, Young Professionals for Agricultural Development (YPARD)
• Ms. Nana Amoah, Director, Gender, Youth and Inclusiveness, AGRA

Organizer: CGIAR, AGRA

Organizer: Institut Sénégalais de Recherches Agricoles (ISRA) 

This event will highlight the decisive role of African youth and women in transforming agri-food systems in Senegal, with a focus on agroforestry and climate resilience. Co-organized by ISRA and Tree Aid, it will showcase innovative initiatives led by young people as part of the PROMUVER-SL project and other local actions. Through an interactive panel bringing together young leaders, experts, and community representatives, the session will promote a dynamic exchange on the challenges and opportunities related to youth engagement in agroecology and food security. The event will also emphasize gender inclusion, ensuring balanced representation. This platform will aim to inspire concrete actions to mobilize youth and strengthen their role in the sustainable development of rural areas in Africa. 

Join this session to hear from brilliant small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with bold ideas and scalable models designed to advance food systems in their countries. These businesses come from a cross-section of sectors and are seeking the right investors, whether through grants, equity, debt, or blended finance.

In collaboration with World Initiative for Soy in Human Health (WISHH) and the Africa Food Systems Forum (AFSF), each enterprise has been selected and prepared for investment readiness, with a particular focus on advancing Zero Hunger. Their stories reflect the potential to expand employment, improve nutrition, and foster development across Africa.

Speakers

• Mr. Thomas Agyei-Poku, Chief Finance Officer, FMB Farms & Trading LTD
• Mr. Mosunmola Ayeola-Oke-Tojinu, Director, Mosnerifoods
• Mr. Femi Dairo, Founder & CEO, Rid Agri Ltd
• Mr. Kwasi Nyamekye, Managing Director, Vester Oil Mills Ltd
• Dr.    Adrien Dogo, Senior Associate, Nutritious Foods Financing Facility, Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN)
• Mr.    Harris Hounton, Senior Investment Officer, International Finance Corporation (IFC)

Organizer: University of Maryland & XylemLab-NASA Harvest 

Join Prof. Catherine Nakalembe for an inspiring conversation around the Arbre about how satellites and artificial intelligence are revolutionizing African agriculture, with youth at the center of this transformation. This session complements the technical discussions by focusing on the human stories behind the technology - from young farmers using satellite data to predict harvests, to innovators developing AI solutions that feed into AGRA's regional food balance sheets for better food security planning. Through engaging presentation and interactive dialogue, we'll explore how ag-tech is democratizing agricultural knowledge and empowering a new generation of African agricultural leaders to build food-secure communities. 

Speakers 

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

Organizer: IFPRI

IFPRI’s 50th anniversary offers an opportunity to reflect on the Institute’s enduring contributions to food systems thinking and transformation—globally and across Africa. From early work on food security measurement and agricultural policy reform to today’s cutting-edge research on food systems, governance, trade, resilience, and nutrition, IFPRI has helped shape how food systems are analyzed, understood, and improved. Africa has always been central to IFPRI’s mission. With active country strategy support programs, regional initiatives, and growing partnerships across the continent, IFPRI continues to play a vital role in helping African governments, institutions, and communities navigate urgent challenges—from climate shocks, economic disruptions, and conflict to urbanization, malnutrition, and agrifood modernization.

Organizer: CGIAR’s Food Systems Accelerator (CFSA), Accelerating Impact of CGIAR Climate Research of Africa (AICCRA), Enabling Market Intelligence and Building Engagement (EMBE) project, ClimateShot Investor Coalition (CLIC) 

This Masterclass brings together insights from CGIAR’s Food Systems Accelerator, AICCRA, EMBE, and CLIC to explore how agribusinesses can manage risks, scale climate-smart innovations and evidence their attract investment. Participants will gain practical knowledge on managing internal and market risks, improving last-mile distribution, and assessing climate and nature impacts to unlock funding. The session targets SMEs and offers science-based tools to strengthen resilience and commercial viability. 

Be part of a transformative conversation shaping the future of Africa’s food systems. 

Facilitator

• Ms. Liz Ogutu, Policy Manger and Lead East and Southern Africa, Climate Action, Alliance of Bioversity-CIAT 

Speakers

• Dr. Nate Peterson, Senior Scientist, Behavioral Economist & Private Sector Support, Alliance of Bioversity-CIAT
• Dr. Millicent Omala, Climate Finance specialist, Alliance of Bioversity-CIAT
• Ms. Diane Afuma, Associate, Climate Action, Alliance of Bioversity-CIAT  
• Ms. Janice Wong, Impact Analyst, ClimateShot Investor Coalition (CLIC)
• Ms. Claris Parenti, Impact Analyst, ClimateShot Investor Coalition (CLIC)
• Dr. Evan Girvetz, Africa Lead for Climate Action and Global Lead Finance & Investments for Climate Action, Alliance of Bioversity-CIAT

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

Mali enters the Africa Food Systems Forum 2025 with a bold vision to transform its agriculture and food systems into engines of resilience, prosperity, and youth empowerment. Building on the national agenda for Food Security and Sovereignty, Mali is positioning itself as a strategic hub for investment in seeds, technology, and agri-food value chains. 

The Mali Dealroom session will showcase how government leadership, youth innovation, and private sector dynamism are converging to unlock sustainable opportunities for smallholder farmers and rural communities.

Speakers

• Ms. Jessie Lafourcade (moderator)
• Hon. Redouwane Ag Mohamed Ali, Minister Commissioner for Food Security, Republic of Mali
• Oumar B. Samaké, Ecotech Mali
• Abdulaziz Khalid M A Al-Delaimi, Qatar Fund for Development
• Malado Traoré, Youth Pitch
• Djibril Kayentao, Youth Pitch

Organizer: GIZ, CIFOR-ICRAF/Coalition of Action 4 Soil Health, World Bank, AUDA-NEPAD, NORAD, AICCRA, YPARD 

This session will spotlight the central role of soil health and the need to provide appropriate incentives through public policy and support programs in advancing Africa’s food systems transformation. Framed within the CAADP Kampala Strategy and Action Plan, the event will explore how enhanced soil health information systems can support African Union Members in integrating soil health into national planning processes. 

Robust soil data systems are essential for designing and implementing effective public support programs that deliver inclusive and sustainable outcomes. Central to this is the repurposing of fertilizer subsidies to increase long-term agricultural productivity and improve soil health in the fiscally constrained environment. This includes better targeting, providing soil specific recommendations, and providing incentives for adoption of site-specific integrated soil management practices.  

This session will highlight global issues around soil health, with a focus on regional (continental) processes with specific country examples. Stakeholders leading soil policy reform at each of these levels will share their experiences. The session will facilitate dialogue on aligning national and continental frameworks, strengthening institutional and technical capacities, enhancing soil information systems, and enabling the uptake of incentive mechanisms that promote sustainable and equitable food systems. 

Speakers 

• Dr. Sophia Baumert, Project Manager, GIZ  
• Dr. Leigh Winowiecki, Soil and Land Health Global Research Lead, CIFOR-ICRAF, Co-lead of the Coalition of Action 4 Soil Health and Daan Schuttenbelt, Impact Evaluation Specialist, Clim-Eat  
• Manyewu Mutamba, Head of Agriculture, AUDA-NEPAD   
• Jenice Achieng, YPARD Kenya Country Representative   
• Simon Muchigiri, Head of Farm-Input, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (MoALD), Government of Kenya   
• Ingvild Langhus, Senior Advisor, Department for Climate, Nature and the private, Norad

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

Organizer: Gatsby Foundation, ILRI & Mercy Corps

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

Organizer: Tshwane University of Technology & Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS) 

This session will focus on two core topics. Join Professor Yinsuo Jia’s discussion on corn breeding research, covering short stalk, density tolerance, stress resistance, high yield directions, as well as high protein corn breeding for African staple food demand. In addition, Professor Felix Dakora will present research on nitrogen fixing bacteria, which utilizes rhizobia to fertilize African soils and alleviate their fertilizer deficiency dilemma. The two together will constitute a comprehensive and informative overview of research studies in nitrogen fixation and maize breeding. 

Speakers 

• Prof. Felix Dapare Dakora, Plant Biologist, Tshwane University of Technology & Former President, African Academy of Sciences (AAS) 
• Prof. Yinsuo Jia, Fellow and Vice President, African Academy of Sciences & Executive Dean, Modern Agricultural Innovation Institute, Hubei University 

Organizer: Institut Sénégalais de Recherches Agricoles (ISRA) 

This cross-disciplinary activity led by CERAAS will highlight dry cereals and legumes through a series of highlights: discussions with researchers and innovators, live cooking demonstrations, and tastings of processed products. It aims to bring together science, nutrition, and food culture to illustrate the central role of these crops in sustainable, resilient, and inclusive food systems. By combining scientific approaches, local knowledge, and culinary creativity, this session will offer an immersive and sensory experience accessible to all audiences. 

Organizer: Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, Chef’s Manifesto, Africa Food Prize 

Despite Africa’s rich agricultural heritage, its food systems remain import-dependent and struggle with hunger and malnutrition. Yet resilient crops like Bambara groundnut, fonio, and amaranth—nutritious, climate-adapted, and culturally significant—can thrive where staples fail and improve diets. Long sidelined by policy and markets, these traditional foods hold untapped potential. Revitalizing them is a forward-looking strategy to boost nutrition, strengthen climate resilience, and advance food sovereignty across Africa. Hosted by the Alliance of Bioversity and CIAT and the Africa Food Prize, in collaboration with the Chefs’ Manifesto, this tasting experience invites guests to rediscover the richness of Africa’s opportunity crops through flavor, storytelling, and culinary creativity. Set in a vibrant atmosphere that weaves together taste, sound, and narrative, the event will showcase how reviving these diverse, nutrient-rich crops can nourish both people and planet and shape a more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive future for Africa and the world.

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: 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: 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 : Conseil National de Concertation et de Coopération des Ruraux (CNCR) 

The objective of this activity is to award prizes to young rural women entrepreneurs. It will provide financial envelopes to three winners who will be named "best young Linguère 2025". The winners are chosen by a jury composed of professionals from the Ministry of Agriculture, the CNCR, the WFP and ECOJES. The candidates were proposed by the leaders after an initial selection made at the regional level. Each of the 6 intervention regions of the SALOUMA project (Kaolack, Tambacounda, Ziguinchor, Kolda, Saint-Louis and Matam) proposed two young women selected at the regional level. The jury at the national level will select 3 "best young Linguéres" from the 12. These will receive a grant and support for the growth of their businesses. During the event, videos of presentations of these women will be viewed. Cultural performances and a culinary tasting are also planned for the occasion. 

Organizer: UNDP Senegal, UNDP Insurance and Risk Finance Facility & Ministry of Finance and CNAAS 

Translating Africa commitments into national impact goes beyond ambition- it requires structured strategies, robust institutional coordination, and practical frameworks to manage complex agricultural and financial ecosystems. A whole-of-government approach is critical to effectively de-risk investments, promote market-driven insurance solutions, and build integrated agri-finance systems that drive resilient food system transformation. 

The panel session will feature senior government officials from Senegal, Ethiopia, Uganda, and Zambia who are leading efforts to de-risk food systems through agricultural insurance fully institutionalized and embedded in national policies and regulations, alongside a global case from India to share valuable lessons and best practices. 

Moderator 

• Mr. Enock Sing’oei, Agricultural Insurance Specialist, UNDP 

Speakers 

• H.E. Dr. Sofia Kassa, State Minister, Ministry of Agriculture, Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia 
• Mr. Moustapha Fall, Director General, Compagnie Nationale d'Assurance Agricole du Sénégal (CNAAS)  
• Mr. Musa Lukwago, Senior Economist, Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Republic of Uganda 
•  Mr. Zandonda Tembo, Senior Agricultural Economist &aissa Assistant National Coordinator, Administration of the Farmer Input Support Program (FISP), Republic of Zambia  

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) 

Entrepreneurship is the promise of food systems. Come and see it in action at the AFSF SME Pitching Sessions! Hosted in the dynamic Investment Room, these sessions spotlight innovative, scalable businesses driving change across sectors, from climate-smart farming to nutrition tech. Each entrepreneur has been rigorously selected and prepared in partnership with AFSF.

Join us to discover high-impact ventures, champion Africa’s next generation of business leaders, and help build inclusive, sustainable agri-food systems across the continent.

Moderator

• Mr. William Wathuta

SMEs

• Mr. Elijah Yakubu, COO, Ekduo Limited
• Mr. Baligeya Stephen, BD Manager, Farm Uganda
• Mr. Seidu Mubarak, Deputy Managing Director, Antika Company Ltd
• Mr. Moses Gunda, Founder & CEO, Megnacio Company Ltd
• Mr. Ezekiel Jatau, Co-Founder & CEO, Palm Valley Nigeria
• Mr. Joshua Toatoba, Founder & CEO, Rujo Agri-Trade Limited
• Dr. Erick O Ogumo, Co-Founder & Director, CropMasters Limited

Closing Remarks

• H.E. Amb. Festus Bizimana, Ambassador of Rwanda to Senegal, Republic of Rwanda
• Mr. Irakoze Bizimana Christian, Republic of Rwanda
• Ms. Tresor Kalimwabo Gashonga, Republic of Rwanda

Organizer: Global Environment Facility (GEF)

This session will spotlight the GEF’s programs in transforming food systems and their impact on youth empowerment. The GEF has championed integrated approaches to food systems transformation in Africa, with a growing emphasis on youth inclusion and innovation. Youth engagement has been a consistent priority, with thousands of young people trained, employed, and supported through entrepreneurship, agroforestry, and nature-based enterprises positioning youth as key agents of food systems transformation. The session will share key figures, success stories, and future directions for youth engagement.

Speakers

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

Liberia’s economy is predominantly agrarian, with over 70% of the population relying on agriculture for their livelihoods. The country retains a rich endowment of natural vegetation, diverse soil types, high rainfall, and significant land arability. It also boasts a youthful population, with 75% under the age of 35. Despite these natural and demographic advantages, Liberia’s agrifood system remains under-productive, with underdeveloped value chains and limited private sector investment. Thus, investments are needed in Rice, Cassava, Palm Oil, Coffee and Maize.  

• Dr. Yifru Bekele (Moderator)
• Hon. Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah, Minister of Agriculture, Liberia
• Mr. Francis F. B. Mulbah, Assistant Minister for Planning, Policy and Development, Ministry of Agriculture, Liberia
• Ms. Macy Wilson, Director of Gender and Social Inclusion, Ministry of Agriculture, Liberia
• Ms. Bettina Iseli, Welthungerhilfe (WHH) Chief Program Officer
• Mr. Octavius Quarbo, Technical Lead in the design of the Legacy program

Organizer: UN Women & GGGI

UN Women and the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) work together to promote women’s and youth empowerment in green transition sectors across West and Central Africa. The partnership advances gender- and youth-responsive approaches to green and climate finance, while supporting inclusive policy frameworks that enable equitable participation in sustainable value chains. It addresses barriers such as limited access to finance, technology, and decision-making. Initial pilot initiatives in Senegal, focused on agriculture, agroforestry, energy, and waste management, aim to expand green finance access, promote entrepreneurship, and foster inclusive climate action and sustainable growth.
This special event will spotlight practical strategies and best practices for advancing inclusive green transition policies and climate finance that empower women and youth in agricultural value chains and other green sectors. It will showcase innovative approaches and scalable solutions at both policy and programmatic levels that drive gender equality, youth participation, and sustainable transformation. The event will feature presentations and a panel discussion with regional experts, government representatives, development partners, and women- and youth-led enterprises actively engaged in green finance and climate-smart agri-food systems.

Moderator

• Ms Elena Ruiz Abril, Regional Policy Advisor, UN Women

Speakers

• Mr. Antti Ernesti Inkinen, Regional Representative for West Africa, GGGI
• Dr Maxime Houinato, Regional Director, UN Women West and Central Africa
• Ms Jaha Dukureh, Co-Founder of Regenerative Hubs and UN Women Goodwill Ambassador for Africa
• Ms Juliet Laverley, President of Women in Agriculture Network (WiAN) Sierra Leone
• Mr Shane Keenan, Head of Mission a.i., Embassy of Ireland in Senegal
• Representative of Government of Senegal
• Fatma Fall Dieye, General Director, La Banque Agricole
• Mr Mamadou Konate, Country Representative for Senegal, GGGI

Organizer: CABI & Farm Radio International (FRI) 

Digital tools provide the opportunity for youth voices to be heard and accounted for in agricultural development through participatory approaches including mobile opinion polling and farmer voices on the radio. This provides the opportunity to listen to young people. 

Digital tools and technologies can also significantly enhance youth involvement in agriculture and food systems. These tools and technologies make agriculture more appealing to young people through easy access to relevant knowledge, decision support tools, automation, and precision systems, enabling young farmers to produce more and lose less with less labour, making agriculture a more attractive and sustainable career option. This provides the opportunity for young people to learn and earn. 

This session will focus on the power of digital tools as communication tools facilitating agricultural development, showcasing an example of a digital tool for listening, and a tool supporting learning, and opening out to discussion about their applications across agriculture. We will include some interactive radio recordings from programmes across the region. 

Speakers

• Mr. Walter Hevi, Scientist – Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS), CABI
• Mr. Benjamin Fiafor, Head of JustCom Development, FRI
• Ms. Gertrude Nalubinga Mwebaza, Program Development and Network Initiatives Coordinator, FRI
  

Moderators:

• Ms. Diatou Ndiaye & Ms. Mariama Diop, Senegalese Institute for Agricultural Research (ISRA)

Report presentation: Building Resilience in Agrifood Supply Chains

• Speaker: Ms. Sonya Hoo, Managing Director & Partner, Boston Consulting Group (BCG)

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

Making the Conventions Work for Africa

Africa stands on the frontline of the world’s climate, biodiversity, and land crises, but it also holds the power to lead the world in solutions. This transformative plenary unites high-level leaders, technical experts, and passionate youth to align actions across the three Rio Conventions.

Building on momentum from COP28, the session focuses on translating global commitments into integrated, continent-wide action. Through bold dialogue, speakers will reveal practical pathways for how coordinated governance and community-driven solutions can restore ecosystems and secure resilient food systems.

A dedicated youth segment will spotlight the leadership of Africa’s next generation in a compelling fireside chat. Join this urgent call to unite the climate, nature, and land agendas under African leadership to build a sustainable future.

Venue: Auditorium

Moderator

• Ms. Femi Oke, Journalist & Media Personality

Opening Remarks

• Mr. Ibrahima Cheikh Diong, Executive Director, Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage (FRLD)

Driving the Agenda: African Leadership in Environmental Policy

• Hon. Daouda Ngom, Minister of Environment and Ecological Transition, Republic of Senegal
• Hon. Dr. Manal Awad, Minister of Environment, Arab Republic of Egypt
• Hon. Mawunyo Mila Ami Aziable, Minister of Water and Sanitation, Republic of Togo
• Hon. Gilberto Silva, Minister of Agriculture and the Environment, Republic of Cabo Verde
• Hon. Eric Opoku, Minister of Food and Agriculture, Republic of Ghana
• Mr. Mohammed A. Ibrahim, CEO & Executive Secretary, National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), Nigeria

Financing and Innovating: From Commitment to Action

• Dr. Peter Mbanda Umunay, Thematic Lead – Food Systems and Land Use, Global Environment Facility (GEF)
• Dr. Bram Govaerts, Director General, International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT)
• Dr. Daniel Elger, CEO, Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International (CABI)
• Mr. Mahamadou Bassirou Traore, Regional Director for West Africa & National Director for Senegal, Trees for the Future

Interacting with Youth

• Mr. Fatawu Koniamu Bakari, Founder, Plastic Bottle Drip Irrigation for Drought Control
• Ms. Maguette Ba, CEO, Kéw Gi Agency; Youth Climate Advocate, UNICEF; Cyber Security Student, UNCHK; Member, Youth Volunteers for the Environment (JVE) Senegal
• Ms. Issah Muleikatu, Co-Founder, Tomavi Wines
• Ms. Clariece Ngumi, Founder, Arabuko Limited
• Ms. Marina Kamanzi, Kagezi Seeds, Zambia

Closing Reflections

• H.E. Jean-Marc Pisani, Head of Delegation, Senegal, European Commission

Organizer: AGRA, IFDC, IITA, IWMI, CIFOR-ICRAF, Soil Values Coalition Partners 

This session will spotlight the Soil Values program’s five-pronged approach to restoring degraded lands and strengthening food systems across West Africa. It will share experiences from Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, and Nigeria, highlighting innovations in bundling services, integrating watershed management, brokering investment, convening policies, and advancing learning. Through lightning presentations and an interactive panel, participants will explore how these approaches can be scaled and adapted. The event will emphasize inclusive approaches that engage women, youth, pastoral communities, and marginalized groups, while aligning with the African Union Fertilizer and Soil Health Action Plan and ECOWAS–Sahel roadmaps. 

Moderators 

• Prof. Wole Fatunbi, Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) 
• Dr. Asseta Diallo, AGRA 
• Nassourou Diallo, Soil Values 

Speakers 

• H.E. Carmen Hagenaars, Ambassador of the Netherlands to Senegal, Kingdom of the Netherlands
• Dr. Agnes Kalibata, Founder & Chair, Connect4Impact Advisory Group
• Dr. Kingsley Uzoma, Special Adviser to the President on Agribusiness, Office of the Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria
• Mr. Henk van Duijn, CEO, International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC)
• Prof. Alain Sy Traoré, Director of Agriculture and Rural Development, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)
• Fatoumata Traore Coulibaly – Advisor, Minister of Agriculture, Mali
• Prof. Tilahun Amede – Director, Climate Adaptation Sustainable Agriculture, and Resilience, AGRA
• Marie Claire Kalihangabo – Coordinator, AFFM/AfDB
• Dr. Moumini Savadogo – Executive Director, CORAF
• Dr. Innocent Okuku – Pan-Africa Fertilizer Association (PAFA)
• Eric Smalling – Director, Soil Values

Organizer: Initiative Prospective Agricole et Rurale (IPAR) 

Co-organized by IPAR, IFAD, Senegal’s State Secretariat for SMEs and MSMEs and DER/FJ this side event explores concrete pathways to boost youth and women’s employment in agri-food value chains in Senegal. It will highlight barriers such as access to land, finance, and markets, and showcase innovative initiatives and partnerships that support entrepreneurship, green jobs, and inclusive growth. Bringing together young entrepreneurs, policymakers, and development partners, the event aims to share solutions, foster collaboration, and lay the groundwork for a flagship initiative to scale decent and sustainable agri-food employment. 

Speakers 

• Dr Laure Tall, Directrice de recherche, IPAR 
• Ms. Fanta Camara, Présidente, Climate Linguere Club 
• Dr Ibrahima Hathie, Chercheur Émérite, IPAR, 
• Mr. Bathie Ciss, Conseiller Technique du Secrétariat d’État au dévelopement, PMI/PMI 
• M. Badou Diongue, Président du Collège des jeunes, CNCR 
• Ms. Claudia Ringler, Directrice IFPRI, Natural Resources and Resilience (NRR) 
• Mr. Sidy Tounkara, Sociologue, chercheur, IPAR 

Organizer: AGRA; Wageningen University & Research (WUL) and Africa Leadership University (ALU); Alliance of Bioversity and CIAT & Accelerating Impact of CGIAR Climate Research of Africa (AICCRA);  ClimateShot Investor Coalition (CLIC) 

Governments are increasingly prioritizing climate-smart and climate-resilient agriculture by integrating it into Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and National Agriculture Investment Plans (NAIPs). However, translating these commitments into bankable investments and business cases that attract public and private finance requires strategic planning, innovative financial instruments, and coordinated action among key stakeholders. Programs such as the Food System Resilience Program (FSRP) and the CGIAR Food Systems Accelerator (CFSA) have demonstrated the potential of private sector engagement and financial innovation in driving transformation, yet more needs to be done to scale these efforts. 

This Master Class aims to bridge the gap between policy commitments, investment planning, and implementation by leveraging practical tools and methodologies such as Climate-Smart Agriculture Investment Plans (CSAIPs). It will equip participants with the knowledge and skills needed to identify investment opportunities, align them with climate finance mechanisms, and facilitate multi-stakeholder collaboration to drive food system resilience. 

Facilitator 

• Ms. Liz Ogutu, Policy Manager and Lead Eastern & Southern Africa, Climate Action, Alliance of Bioversity – CIAT   

Speakers 

• Dr. Robert Zougmoré, Director, AICCRA  
• Ms. Dorcas Jalang’o, Research and Programs Specialist - Finance and Investments, Alliance of Bioversity – CIAT   
• Dr. Issa Ouedrago, Senior Scientist and Country Manager, Senegal, Alliance of Bioversity-CIAT  
• Mr. Siagbé Golli, Senior Research Associate, Alliance 
• Mr. Djibril Diagne, Counselor, Director of Agriculture & President, Climate-Smart Agriculture Coordination Framework (CCASA) 
• Dr. Mbaye Diop, Secretary General, Institut Sénégalais de Recherches Agricoles (ISRA) 
• Mr. Brian N. Neza, Mission Curator – Agriculture, African Leadership University (ALU) 
• Ms. Grace Njorogo, Technical Director – Agrifin, Mercy Corps

Organizer: IDInsight 

This session explores how diverse forms of evidence—quantitative and qualitative—can be used to design, adapt, and scale food system interventions. It will showcase practical experiences using evidence for agricultural and food security programming, particularly on youth, gender inclusion. Panelists will share how different stakeholders (governments, NGOs, donors) define and use “useful evidence,” highlight examples from IDinsight’s collaborations across Africa, and discuss persistent evidence gaps and how tailored research partnerships can help close them 

Moderator

• Samer Elchahabi, Regional Director West and North Africa IDinsight.

Speakers

• Aminata Sougou, Chief of Staff - myAgro
• Mouhamadou Lamine KEBE, CEO - Tolbi
• Lorraine D'anglejan, Associate Director West and North Africa – Idinsight
• Rafael Flor, Project Officer, Gates Foundation 

(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

Organizer: International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) & Farm Radio International (FRI) 

How can new advances in artificial intelligence—especially voice technologies—amplify youth voices and create more inclusive food systems? This side event brings together researchers, digital innovators, and young leaders to explore the intersections of AI, language, and livelihoods. Drawing on recent research from IFPRI and implementation experience from Farm Radio International, the session will spotlight both emerging opportunities and unresolved tensions in using AI to support youth in agriculture. From speech recognition tools for low-resource languages to participatory design methods in radio-based advisory systems, we ask what it will take to ensure these technologies are truly empowering. 

Speakers

• Dr. Jawoo Koo, Senior Research Fellow & AI Lead, IFPRI
• Mr. Benjamin Fiafor, Head of JustCom Development, FRI
• Mr. Marcel Yanogo, Program Manager, FRI
• Ms. Gertrude Nalubinga Mwebaza, Program Development and Network Initiatives Coordinator, FRI 

The Government of Tanzania, in collaboration with AGRA, welcomes you to the Invest Tanzania Session. This session highlights bold initiatives to boost employment, strengthen value-added food chains, and improve access to nutritious food. Central to the discussion is the INVEST in Tanzania platform, featuring high-potential, investment-ready opportunities driving agricultural innovation and economic growth.

Join national leaders and partners to discover how Tanzania is building a resilient food system that benefits farmers, consumers, and investors. Whether you're seeking strategic partnerships or impact opportunities, this session opens a window into one of East Africa’s most promising investment frontiers.

Moderators

• Mr. Geoffrey Kirenga, CEO AGCOT and Ms. Elizabeth Missokia, ED, ATO

Speakers

• Ms. Agnes Kisaka Meena, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, United Republic of Tanzania
• Ms. Aisha Adel Alansari, Project Development Researcher, Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD)

Closing Remarks

• Ms. Katerina Ntep, Senior Managing Director, Corus International

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