Africa Food Systems Forum 2025

[ndimbogk]

From September 1-5, 2025, I had the privilege to attend the Africa Food Systems (AFS) Forum that was held in Dakar, Senegal. This forum was also attended by Mr. Claver Gatete, the Under Secretary of the United Nations and Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa. Hosted under the leadership of H.E. Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar FAYE, President of the Republic of Senegal, the AFS 2025 Forum brought together public and private sector leaders, policymakers, researchers, development partners, and youth champions around the theme: “Africa’s Youth Leading Collaboration, Innovation, and Implementation of Agri-Food Systems Transformation.” Several issues were discussed during the forum that are relevant to my fellowship research on agri-food systems and job creation in Africa. Ultimately, I managed to take a few points that I would like to share with you all:

-Africa has favourable conditions necessary to produce enough food for its rapidly growing population. Nevertheless, Africa remains one of the world’s food-insecure regions.

-Africa imports approximately 50 billion worth of food annually. This suggests the need to transform AFS to ensure food security and food self-sufficiency.

-The agri-food system in Africa is one of the largest employers. However, many people are employed at the farm level. If well transformed, the agri-food sector helps reduce the unemployment rate by generating employment opportunities in other parts of the agri-food value chain, such as processing and distribution.

-Certain social groups, including youth, women, and refugees, are often left behind in the transformation of agri-food systems. It is important to place these marginalised social groups, particularly youth, at the centre of agri-food systems transformation.

-Many policies and commitments have been made to transform food systems for better jobs and food security in Africa, yet many of them have not been effectively put into implementation. This suggests the need to transition from theory to practice to ensure the development of sustainable and resilient agri-food systems.

Generally, African youth are required to take part in agri-food systems transformation to enhance the continent’s food security and food sovereignty, as well as create jobs along the agri-food value chains. However, a key question is:

1. Are young people ready to participate in transforming agri-food systems?
2. If not, who will feed Africa in the next few decades? If you have any inputs, I would be glad to hear from you.

Thanks

[maryomolola]

Thank you for sharing this! The food system in Africa is a great topic that needs to be looked into. One major issue I hope was addressed during the summit is food waste, which has been largely experienced in the industry. More so, the trendy issue on GMOs, too, I hope it was hopped on, and the African position/perspective was clearly emphasised during the summit. More so, like you clearly mentioned, the food system in the country needs to go beyond the farm level and utilised the full value chain of food to eliminate wastage and ensure food security is attained.

[ibroassiba]

Thanks NDIMBO Gabriel Kanuti,Tanzania,IDEP for sharing. I think Africa don't lack manpower and skilled youth instead a good leadership. Africa is far from achieving sustainable development goal regarding food security.

[syahukahilda]

Thanks for the update on the AFS.

I think young people are ready to take on the mantle in transforming agri-food systems.

Several models have be utilized to leverage AFS especially at community level. For instance, in Uganda, the president launched the Parish Development Model, a strategy for delivering services and interventions for wealth creation and employment generation at the parish level in which several young people have greatly benefited. The model has seven pillars, 18 prioritized commodities, and a policy and regulatory framework to streamline service delivery.

However, markets are majorly monopolized, and middlemen majorly link farmers (young and old) throughout the value chain, with little and unfair benefit/income generated. Among the several challenges AFS faces, streamlining each item in agri-value chains gives young people the opportunity to compete.

[ndimbogk]

LIPEDE Omolola Mary,Nigeria,GPSPD Thank you for your input. Sure, the African position on GMOs was discussed through two angles: (a) embracing Indigenous knowledge in agriculture and (b) agroecological practices. These two issues, from Africa's perspective, could help to build a resilient food system that sustains cultural identity and the environment.

[ndimbogk]

ALI Ibrahim Houssen,Djibouti,ACS Absultely. Governance is a big challenge in Africa.

[ndimbogk]

SYAHUKA Hilda, Uganda, DOA Thank you for sharing the PDM. I think it is a good model that can be replicated in other African countries. I will read more about it. Thanks

[fchigaru]

This is insightful. i am just interested in finding out why you think is the reason that certain groups are marginalized in this transformation process.

[ndinelaoiitumba]

Thank you for sharing your experience at the Africa Food Systems (AFS) Forum 2025 in Dakar. The insights you’ve gathered are both timely and deeply relevant, not only to your fellowship research, but to the broader conversation on Africa’s development. The fact that Africa imports nearly $50 billion worth of food annually, despite having the natural potential to feed itself, highlights a critical gap in our agri-food systems. Transforming these systems is not just about increasing production it’s about building inclusive, resilient value chains that create jobs, empower youth and women, and reduce dependency. Your emphasis on transitioning from policy to implementation is especially important. We’ve seen many commitments made, but without action, they remain aspirations. Placing youth at the center of this transformation is not optional, it’s essential. Their energy, innovation, and lived experiences are key to driving sustainable change. As for your closing question, Are young people ready to participate in transforming agri-food systems? I believe they are. But readiness must be matched with opportunity. We need to invest in skills, access to finance, and platforms that allow youth to lead and thrive.

[maryomolola]

NDIMBO Gabriel Kanuti,Tanzania,IDEP said in Africa Food Systems Forum 2025:

LIPEDE Omolola Mary,Nigeria,GPSPD Thank you for your input. Sure, the African position on GMOs was discussed through two angles: (a) embracing Indigenous knowledge in agriculture and (b) agroecological practices. These two issues, from Africa's perspective, could help to build a resilient food system that sustains cultural identity and the environment.

Thank you for your response.