AGRA

Author: Eric Karani

Olam Agri and AGRA Sign MoU to Strengthen Food and Feed Value Chains in Africa

Posted on by Eric Karani

Singapore – 25th September 2025 – Olam Agri, a leading global agribusiness in food, feed and fibre, and AGRA, Africa’s leading partnership-driven institution for agricultural transformation, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) intended to scale up sustainable food and feed value chains in Nigeria and Ghana, with future expansion across Africa. This MoU marks a crucial outcome from the Africa Food Systems Forum, 2025 hosted in Senegal, recently.

The collaboration will combine Olam Agri’s deep market presence and direct engagement with smallholder farmers and consumers with AGRA’s expertise in building inclusive, market-driven agrifood systems that improve food security, resilience, and livelihoods for smallholder farmers across the continent.

Under the agreement, the two organisations aim to collaborate to:

  • Scale smallholder farmer programmes in soy, wheat, maize, and rice in Nigeria.
  • Expand programmes for poultry and aquaculture farmers and scale baker initiatives in Nigeria and Ghana to improve food safety, nutrition, and profitability.

This proposed new collaboration aims at promoting inclusive and climate-smart agriculture, empower women and youth with new opportunities, strengthen market access and sustainability practices, and support smallholder farmers and SMEs through training, technology, and financial linkages, thereby enhancing their productivity, income, and resilience to market fluctuations. This MoU builds upon successful cooperation between the two organisations since 2021 in the rice value chain, where it supported over 5,000 smallholder farmers in the Niger state of Nigeria.

Since 2023, AGRA has been designing and implementing the “New AGRA Strategy 3.0”, that focuses on transforming African food systems through key areas like seed systems development, strengthening inclusive markets and trade, and improving government engagement. AGRA will draw on its inclusive market systems approach, identifying local partners and aligning with country strategies to build resilient agricultural and food systems. Olam Agri will leverage its market access, technical expertise, and digital tools for ground-level sustainability data, supply chain transparency, and supplier/ customer management to enhance productivity, traceability, and sustainability across the value chain. Olam Agri and AGRA have initiated discussions and working groups to identify priorities for implementation across each of the value chains in both Nigeria and Ghana.

Mr. Saurabh Mehra, MD & Global Head, Food and Feed Processing and Value-Added Segment at Olam Agri, said, “Through this partnership, we will scale our sustainability projects with farmers and bakers in Nigeria and Ghana. As a leader in the food and feed value chain, we see this collaboration as strengthening our engagement and support for farmers and bakers to empower more local talent, strengthen food systems, and advance food security.”

“By combining AGRA’s catalytic capabilities and commitment to inclusive market systems with Olam Agri’s market access and technology, this partnership empowers African smallholder farmers and communities to thrive, ensuring fair opportunities, better livelihoods, dignified jobs for youth and a stronger, more resilient food system”, added Ms. Alice Ruhweza, AGRA President.

Dr. Shailendra Mishra, Global Head of Sustainability, Food and Feed, Olam Agri, added, “This partnership is a milestone in demonstrating impact across the full food and feed value chain. Together with AGRA, we will scale regenerative farming, enhance soil health, biodiversity, and climate resilience, while improving farmer livelihoods and consumer nutrition. By joining forces, we can work towards a stronger, more resilient, and inclusive food system for Africa”.

About Olam Agri

Olam Agri is a market leading, differentiated food, feed and fibre agri-business with a global origination footprint, processing capabilities and deep understanding of market needs built over 35 years. With a strong presence in high-growth emerging markets and products across grains & oilseeds, wheat milling & pasta, rice, edible oils, specialty grains & seeds, animal feed & protein, cotton, wood products, rubber, sugar & bioenergy and risk management solutions, Olam Agri is at the heart of global food and agri-trade flows with 45.1 million MT in volume handled in 2024. Focused on transforming food, feed and fibre for a more sustainable future, it aims at creating value for customers, enable farming communities to prosper sustainably and strive for a food-secure future. Olam Agri Holdings Limited, which holds the Olam Agri business, is a 64.6% owned subsidiary of Olam Group. 35.4% of Olam Agri Holdings is owned by SALIC International Investment Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Olam Agri’s strategic partner The Saudi Agricultural and Livestock Company. For more information and to subscribe to our news alerts, please visit https://www.olamagri.com/.

About Olam Group

Olam Group is a leading food and agri-business supplying food, ingredients, feed and fibre to 22,000 customers worldwide. Our value chain spans over 60 countries and includes farming, processing and distribution operations, as well as a global network of farmers. Through our purpose to ‘Re-imagine Global Agriculture and Food Systems’, Olam Group aims to address the many challenges involved in meeting the needs of a growing global population, while achieving positive impact for farming communities, our planet and all our stakeholders. Headquartered and listed in Singapore, Olam Group currently ranks among the top 30 largest primary listed companies in terms of market capitalisation on SGX-ST. Since June 2020, Olam Group has been included in the FTSE4Good Index Series, a global sustainable investment index series developed by FTSE Russell, following a rigorous assessment of Olam’s supply chain activities, impact on the environment and governance transparency. More information on Olam can be found at www.olamgroup.com.

 
Media contact
Name: Johahn Bhurrut

T: +65 9101 0955
E: johahn.bhurrut@olamagri.com

Name: Stephanny Ngooi
T: +65 8938 1270
E: stephanny.ngooi@olamagri.com

 
About AGRA:

AGRA is a proudly African-led institution focused on scaling agricultural innovations that help smallholder farmers towards increased incomes, better livelihoods, and improved food security. Since 2006, AGRA has worked with its partners, governments, non-governmental organizations, private sector businesses, and more; to deliver a set of proven solutions to smallholder farmers and indigenous African agricultural enterprises. AGRA catalyzes and sustains an inclusive agricultural transformation aimed at increasing incomes and enhancing food security in 12 countries. For more information, visit agra.org

 Media contact

Name: Humphrey Chola

T: +25478981221

E: HChola@agra.org

Africa’s Farms and Herds are Now Big Business – Reflections from the Africa Food Systems Forum in Dakar

Posted on by Eric Karani

By Alice Ruhweza

I am back in Nairobi after spending a week at the Africa Food Systems Forum (AFSF) in Dakar.  I can still feel Dakar’s soundtrack humming in my ears. Part Afrobeats, part market-day hustle, part start-up pitches. This year’s AFSF wasn’t your run-of-the-mill conference; it was a live studio session where farmers, scientists, bankers, youths, and ministers laid down tracks together. And the title of the soundtrack is “agriculture is not a solitary struggle. It is a thriving, modern business with real deal flow, real technology, real jobs, and real joy.”

You could feel the joy in the Youth Dome, which fizzed like a tech festival with demo pods, rapid-fire pitches, mentorship corners, and that buzzing optimism one only gets when young people believe the future is in their hands. These young people were not just talking apps; they were building businesses from climate-smart farming to digital finance to AI tools that answer farmers’ questions in their own languages. This last one really stayed with me: a farmer snaps a photo, records a voice note, and gets advice back in Wolof. (One of the main local languages in Senegal). This is what dignity looks like in digital form. Technology that meets people where they are and lifts them up.

This year the exhibition floor gave livestock its proper spotlight. From fodder to dairy to poultry and beef, and some very colorful birds, the conversations the booths, and one very powerful all-female panel put livestock at the center of value chains that feed families, power small industries, and open export markets. When Uganda talked beef and dairy, Somalia put fodder on the table, and Ghana ran the numbers on poultry, one could see how farmers move from surviving to thriving when the entire value chain is connected.

And because business needs capital, countries put on their best suits on and went to the “Deal Room”. Senegal, Liberia, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, and Somalia pitched investment-ready ventures collectively aiming to mobilize investments in agrifood systems worth over USD $6 billion. This is not wishful thinking; this is pipeline. Investors are always looking for bankable and scalable projects and they saw both.

Which brings me to a theme I care about deeply: insurance for women-led businesses. Missing rains, droughts, floods, price shocks, illness, one bad week can undo a year’s work.  One of the most exciting panels I attended was the one convened by AGRA to discuss women and finance. The panelists made a strong case for providing insurance to financial institutions so that they can be incentivized to lend to women owned businesses. The financing gap is still huge, around USD10 billion by recent estimates, but countries from Senegal to Ethiopia are proving that smart public policy can unlock private insurance cover and make credit cheaper and accessible down the line. Technical assistance for women-led SMEs was also a key topic of discussion. Suffice to say that these businesses must be supported to be investor-ready, including having proper records that would help them attract the kind of patient capital needed to get them to scale.

AGRA launched the Africa Food Systems Report 2025, an evolution of the long-running Africa Agriculture Status Report. Under the theme “Drivers of Change and Innovation for Food Systems in Africa”, the report marks a shift from tracking agriculture alone to taking stock of the entire food system, from production and trade to governance, nutrition, climate, and markets. The picture remains uneven, with hunger continuing to rise. The report argues that the future hinges on how countries harness innovation and change drivers, from smarter spatial planning and blended finance to stronger institutions and inclusive governance. It gives examples of how local processing can turn harvest surpluses into jobs and increased incomes, how trade corridors can connect food baskets across the continent, and how nutrition, climate resilience, and markets are inseparable in building food security. Finally, it argues, persuasively, that siloed solutions won’t cut it anymore. We need integrated approaches, backed by finance, to scale what works.

The forum was not just about events and networking. We also recognised innovators who are driving agrifood system transformation in Africa.

The Women Agripreneurs of the Year Award (WAYA) Grand Prize went to Mathildah Amollo of Kenya, whose company, Greatlakes Feeds Ltd, is rewriting the story of livestock nutrition. She was joined by a constellation of excellent innovators in their own right: Juliet Kakwerre Tumusiime (Uganda), Julienne Olawolé Agossadou (Benin), Roberta Edu-Oyedokun (Nigeria), Joyce Waithira Rugano (Kenya), and Onicca Sibanyona (South Africa), each of them proof that women’s innovation is rewriting Africa’s food future.

The Africa Food Prize (AFP), the continent’s preeminent recognition of individuals or institutions that are reshaping Africa’s food systems, was awarded to two remarkable scientists whose work is both a cultural correction and a scientific breakthrough. Professor Mary Abukutsa-Onyango from Kenya was recognized for her advocacy for indigenous crops and improved nutrition, while Dr. Mercy Diebiru-Ojo from Nigeria received recognition for her work on accelerating the production of disease-free planting materials for cassava and yam.

Significantly, there were concrete signals for investors. The UK announced a GBP 5 million partnership with AGRA to strengthen intra-Africa trade, a nod to the opportunity that sits in our fields and factories if we can connect them to global markets.

AGRA unveiled a package of partnerships designed to unlock private capital including Africa100,  a catalytic initiative launched in partnership with the Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund (AECF), to catalyse support to the top 100 often-overlooked small and medium sized enterprises, (the “hidden middle”), that link farmers to markets, create rural jobs, and drive resilience. Other partnerships announced include the Southern Africa Poultry Initiative – transforming Poultry for Nutrition and Jobs, Poultry Feed Innovation Grand Challenge; and platforms intended to elevate the voices of Africa’s youth, partnerships with Global Citizen and Farm Radio, and the inaugural Africa Media Fellowship Award, intended to nurture the next generation of storytellers.

None of this happens at scale without policy to match the endeavor. That is why my call to action is for Governments, Private sector, Development Partners and all key stakeholders to double down on domesticating the CAADP Kampala Declaration; and putting in place the capacity, institutions and finance to achieve the CAADP targets which include: mobilizing USD100 billion, increasing agrifood output by 45 percent, cutting post-harvest losses in half, and tripling intra-African agri-trade by 2035. AGRA will continue to catalyse, facilitate, orchestrate and galvanise the entire ecosystem to work with Governments to translate these targets into bankable projects that deliver impact for small holder farmers from farm gate, to border post.

A big shout out to the hosts. Senegal rolled out their renowned “Teranga hospitality” with a side of grit. Honorable Mabouba Diagne, Senegal’s Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Livestock took up office in February close to the same time I was joining AGRA as President. He and I made a silent pact that this AFSF would be our joint delivery. His team and the AFSF Secretariat put in 17-hour days to make sure this happened. That energy mirrored the whole week: roughly 5,600 participants from 106 countries, 149 exhibitors all pulling in the same direction. When a country works that hard to convene the continent, you leave with more than contacts; you leave with conviction.

The forum closed with a line I loved from Minister Diagne: he said the two accelerators for Africa are youth and technology. He is right. I would add a third accelerator that we saw everywhere in Dakar: belief. Belief that our food systems can feed, employ, and enrich; belief that a farmer’s photo and voice note can summon world-class agronomy advice; belief that women enterprises deserve to be insured and indemnified from risks; and belief that policy can keep pace with the hustle on our streets.

Youth aren’t waiting to be invited; they are building. Women aren’t asking for permission; they’re winning awards, running enterprises. Governments aren’t just issuing communiqués; they are pitching to investors and some are putting real money into biofortified school meals that not only boost attendance but also improve nutrition. This is what it looks like when agriculture stops being treated as charity and shows up on the balance sheet as a business.

Now, our task is to keep composing the track we started in Dakar, tighten the rhythm of policy, turn up the volume on investment, and let youth and women carry the chorus. If we do this, agriculture will not only feed Africa. It will power the world.

What 19 years of AGRA reveal about Africa’s fight against hunger

Posted on by Eric Karani

By Aggie Asiimwe Konde

Starting this weekend, Dakar will once again become the capital of Africa’s food future. Leaders of government, farmers’ organizations, scientists, private sector executives, and global partners will gather in the Senegalese capital for the Africa Food Systems Forum, the continent’s largest stage for debating how to feed itself.

The gathering comes at a moment of extraordinary pressure. Food prices remain stubbornly high. Climate shocks are becoming harsher and more frequent. Millions of Africans still cannot afford a healthy meal each day. And yet, beneath the anxiety lies a quieter truth: there has been progress, uneven but undeniable, in the long struggle to transform Africa’s agriculture.

At the center of this contested terrain stands AGRA, the agency that was created in 2006 with the ambition of driving a smallholder-led agricultural transformation. Over the past 19 years, AGRA has become both a symbol of the continent’s quest to feed itself, and a lightning rod. For many, AGRA embodies the promise of an Africa that feeds itself. For others, it has become a convenient target, blamed for what remains unfinished and criticized by ideological opponents who see it as a bulwark against their unstated, obscure interests.

AGRA welcomes critical conversations on African agriculture. Questioning, challenging, and debating are essential to progress in a complex endeavor such as fighting hunger and malnutrition. But those discussions must be grounded in facts, context, and the lived realities of Africa’s 33 million smallholder farmers. Too often, critiques echo paternalism, suggesting that Africans lack the agency or capacity for self-determination, even when they are leading their own transformation.

A world turned upside down

To judge AGRA’s record fairly, one must step back from polemics and examine the evidence. The past five years have been among the most turbulent in modern agricultural history.

The Covid-19 pandemic shut down borders and markets. The war in Ukraine choked off vital flows of wheat, maize, and fertilizer. Climate extremes, from prolonged droughts in the Horn of Africa to devastating floods in West Africa, destroyed harvests. These shocks have pushed food prices to heights unseen in decades. Global food inflation peaked at 13 percent in 2023 and in low-income countries, many in Africa, it soared to 30 percent. For households already spending most of their income on food, such spikes were catastrophic.

The latest United Nations report on the State of Food Security and Nutrition (SOFI) confirms what Africans already know: hunger is not receding fast enough. Nearly six in 10 Africans live with some level of food insecurity, double the global average. More than one billion cannot afford a healthy diet, a number that has risen sharply since 2019. By 2030, the world is projected to have 512 million chronically undernourished people, almost 60 percent of them in Africa. Yet deeper insight tells us that the crisis today is not only about scarcity of food, it is also about affordability. Poverty, inequality, currency devaluations, and dependency on imports have turned every global shock into a household crisis.

Progress that is real, but unfinished

Against this backdrop, AGRA’s work looks much less like the failure that critics keep trumpeting and more like steady but incomplete progress. Since its founding, AGRA has supported the release of more than 700 improved crop varieties, many bred to resist drought, pests, and disease. It has worked with African governments to reform seed and fertilizer markets, slash tariffs, and harmonize regulations across regional blocs. These changes reduced transaction costs and expanded access to farm inputs. Partnerships with banks and agro-dealers have unlocked credit and extended distribution networks into villages once cut off from formal markets.

Independent evaluations bolster AGRA’s impact. Mathematica, a United States-based research firm, has been assessing AGRA’s 2023–2027 strategy, conducting baseline surveys in focus countries through mid-2025. In-person interviews with smallholders and entrepreneurs validate secondary data from Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and other sources, aiming to measure yield increases and income growth.

Early findings are striking. In Nigeria, for example, some 63,897 metric tons of certified seeds were sold in 2024. More than 6,800 community-based advisors were trained, boosting improved seed adoption to 52 percent nationally. Private seed companies saw a 30 percent capacity increase, with small-pack distributions driving 40 percent sales growth.

In Kenya, AGRA’s Strengthening Regenerative Agriculture (STRAK) initiative in arid counties supported over 118,000 farmers. In Kitui, a semi-arid district in South Eastern Kenya, every shilling invested returned more than five in benefits. Across the continent, 40 percent of targeted farmers adopted nutrient-dense or climate-smart varieties, backed by USD2.47 million in grants. Kenya has emerged as a leader, integrating regenerative practices into county plans to combat soil degradation.

The economic impacts are tangible too. In Ethiopia, 302,000 farmers accessed improved seed, while school feeding programs reached 385,000 learners with biofortified foods, improving nutrition. At the 2024 Africa Food Systems Forum, AGRA mobilized USD13 billion through government-led programs, underscoring the potential of coordinated investment.

In policy reform, AGRA has supported national seed investment plans in six countries and scaled the Seed Systems Assessment Tool (SeedSAT), housed in its Center of Excellence for Seed Systems in Africa (CESSA). This tool identifies systemic gaps and guides reform efforts.

None of this is abstract. In Rwanda, Ghana, and Ethiopia, farmers adopting AGRA-backed seed and fertilizer packages have doubled their yields. For a maize farmer moving from half a ton per hectare to two, that is the difference between subsistence and a marketable surplus, between scraping by and sending a child to school.

But none of this progress has silenced AGRA’s critics. They point to the persistence of hunger on the continent, ignoring the global context and misrepresenting what hunger in Africa has become. The FAO data is unequivocal: the real crisis is affordability, not production. Even where yields have risen, incomes have not kept pace with food prices. Millions remain unable to afford diverse, nutritious diets.

AGRA has itself evolved in recognition of these realities. It no longer measures success by yields alone. Its new strategy places equal emphasis on building functioning markets, expanding inclusive finance, strengthening climate resilience, and deliberately empowering women and youth. Productivity is the beginning, not the end. Without roads, storage, processing, and fair markets, bumper harvests will not translate into better lives.

The change is visible in stories across the continent. In northern Ghana, farmer cooperatives that once sold maize cheaply at the farm gate now pool their produce and negotiate better prices with millers. In Rwanda, women who once relied on informal savings groups now run input dealerships, supplying improved seed and fertilizer to whole communities. In Kenya, young entrepreneurs are building digital platforms that connect farmers to markets by mobile phone, cutting out layers of middlemen. These are not isolated miracles. They are the fruit of steady, often invisible work to change systems.

The unfinished business of transformation

None of this is to deny how far there is to go. Africa’s population is growing rapidly. Climate change is intensifying. Debt crises are choking government budgets. The world is badly off track to achieving zero hunger by 2030. But to dismiss AGRA as irrelevant, or to ignore the gains made, is to abandon evidence in favor of ideology. Hunger is the product of conflict, inequality, weak infrastructure, fragile governance, and global market volatility. No single institution could possibly solve it alone.

What AGRA has done is create the conditions under which progress becomes possible: better seeds, fairer policies, stronger markets, and empowered farmers. The challenge now is to scale that progress, deepen it, and sustain it against the tide of global shocks.

This is why the Dakar forum matters. It is a testing ground for whether Africa and its partners can move beyond cynicism to action. The stakes are not abstract. They are measured in families deciding whether to eat once or twice a day. They are measured in the dreams of young Africans deciding whether to stay on the land or join the urban jobless. They are measured in the dignity of households seeking not handouts but the means to thrive.

The choice before us

Ultimately, one thing should be clear. Africa’s agricultural transformation is not a myth. It is unfinished business. The farmers who have doubled their yields, the women who have become entrepreneurs, the youth who have turned technology into opportunity, are living proof that change is possible.

As the world gathers in Dakar, it must choose between cynicism and solidarity. Solidarity is, by far, what this moment demands. With less than five years to 2030, there is no time left for endless arguments about ideology. The continent’s farmers have shown that with the right support they can drive their own transformation. The question is whether governments, donors, and partners will have the courage to finish the job.

Africa’s agricultural transformation is not dead. It is alive, and growing. And in the streets of Dakar, amid debate and decision, the seeds of its future will be sown again.

Ms Konde is the Director Communications, Innovations, External Engagements and Advocacy at AGRA – an African-led organization focused on putting farmers at the centre of the continent’s growing economy.

Forum 2025 sur les systèmes alimentaires en Afrique : Engagements et décisions clés

Posted on by Eric Karani

Préambule

  1. Le Forum africain sur les systèmes alimentaires 2025 (AFSF 2025) s’est tenu à Dakar, au Sénégal, du 31 août au 5 septembre 2025, réunissant près de 6 000 participants venus de 105 pays. Le Forum a réuni 2 chefs d’État et de gouvernement, 6 anciens chefs d’État et de gouvernement, 40 ministres chargés de portefeuilles tels que l’agriculture, l’énergie, la jeunesse, l’élevage et les finances, ainsi que des dirigeants d’agences internationales, des chercheurs, des partenaires de développement, des acteurs du secteur privé, des agriculteurs, des représentants de la société civile et des jeunes leaders.
  2. Organisé sous la direction de S.E. le président Bassirou Diomaye Faye, le Forum était imprégné de l’esprit teranga du Sénégal, une culture durable d’hospitalité, de générosité et de solidarité qui a favorisé une atmosphère dynamique et inclusive propice au dialogue, à la collaboration et à des engagements audacieux.
  3. Sur le thème « La jeunesse africaine : à la pointe de la collaboration, de l’innovation et de la mise en œuvre de la transformation des systèmes agroalimentaires », le Forum a mis en évidence le rôle central des jeunes dans la transformation agricole de l’Afrique grâce à leur leadership, leur innovation et leur action. Plus de 1 500 jeunes ont participé au Forum, apportant avec eux innovation, idées et urgence.
  4. Ancré dans l’architecture politique plus large de l’Afrique, notamment l’Agenda 2063, la stratégie et le plan d’action décennaux du PDDAA et la Déclaration de Kampala du PDDAA sur la mise en place de systèmes agroalimentaires résilients et durables en Afrique (2026-2035) et les objectifs de développement durable (ODD), l’AFSF 2025 a poursuivi sur la lancée des forums précédents afin de relever les défis persistants et émergents qui entravent la transformation des systèmes alimentaires et de tirer parti des opportunités nouvelles et existantes.
  5. L’AFSF 2025 a réaffirmé la position du Forum en tant que principale plateforme africaine pour la promotion de l’action collaborative, l’alignement des politiques et l’investissement dans la transformation des systèmes alimentaires, en accord avec les principaux cadres de développement du continent et les objectifs de développement durable (ODD).
  6. Le Forum a pris acte de l’évolution du paysage mondial et régional, notamment :
  • Un environnement financier international plus restrictif nécessitant une mobilisation accrue des ressources nationales.
  • Une urgence accrue à lutter contre la vulnérabilité climatique, la dégradation de l’environnement et la fragilité des systèmes alimentaires, qui menacent tous les vies, les moyens de subsistance et les acquis en matière de développement à long terme.
  • Le potentiel de transformation de la population jeune en pleine croissance en Afrique, dont plus de 70 % ont moins de 30 ans, en tant qu’entrepreneurs, innovateurs et décideurs dans les systèmes agroalimentaires.
  1. L’AFSF 2025 a souligné l’urgence de tirer parti de la zone de libre-échange continentale africaine (ZLECA) comme une opportunité historique pour renforcer les chaînes de valeur régionales, améliorer la compétitivité et stimuler une croissance économique inclusive, en particulier pour les petits exploitants agricoles, les entreprises agricoles dirigées par des jeunes et les femmes entrepreneurs. L’amélioration des infrastructures liées au commerce, l’harmonisation des normes et la réduction des obstacles à la circulation des biens et services agricoles ont été reconnues comme des facteurs essentiels.
  2. Reconnaissant l’urgence de transformer les systèmes alimentaires africains, le Forum a réaffirmé son engagement collectif en faveur d’une transformation inclusive, durable et équitable des systèmes alimentaires, avec le leadership des jeunes et la capacité de mise en œuvre comme moteurs.
  3. Tout au long de la semaine, les délégués ont participé à des dialogues de haut niveau, des sessions techniques, des tables rondes ministérielles, des discussions animées par des jeunes, des présentations d’innovations et des « masterclasses » sur le renforcement des capacités, afin de promouvoir un avenir pour les systèmes alimentaires africains axé sur les jeunes, l’innovation et les résultats.

 

Plateformes thématiques Appels à l’action 

  1. Les plateformes thématiques du Forum ont réuni des jeunes, des femmes, des agriculteurs, des décideurs politiques, des chercheurs, la société civile, le secteur privé et d’autres parties prenantes essentielles afin de définir le programme africain en matière de systèmes alimentaires. Chaque plateforme s’est conclue par un appel à l’action qui trace une feuille de route allant du dialogue à la mise en œuvre.
  • Jeunesse : le Forum a affirmé que les jeunes ne sont pas la « prochaine génération », mais la génération qui transforme déjà les systèmes alimentaires africains. Les gouvernements, le secteur privé et les partenaires doivent aller au-delà des discours pour adopter des solutions proposées par les jeunes, créer de véritables voies d’accès à un travail décent et garantir la représentation des jeunes dans la prise de décision. Tout retard risque d’entraîner une instabilité ; une action urgente pourrait permettre à l’Afrique de saisir sa plus grande opportunité.
  • Résilience climatique : les participants ont souligné la nécessité de mettre l’adaptation sur un pied d’égalité avec l’atténuation avant la COP30. Les priorités comprennent l’intégration de l’adaptation dans les plans nationaux, l’investissement dans l’agriculture résiliente, les infrastructures et les solutions fondées sur la nature, et le triplement du financement de l’adaptation. Le renforcement des capacités locales, la création d’emplois verts et le renforcement des partenariats inclusifs ont été considérés comme essentiels pour protéger les plus vulnérables.
  • Accords et financement : le Forum a souligné que l’accès au financement est déterminant pour la transformation des systèmes alimentaires. Les investisseurs, les gouvernements et les partenaires, tant à l’intérieur qu’à l’extérieur de l’Afrique, doivent accroître leur soutien aux PME, en particulier aux entreprises dirigées par des jeunes et des femmes, afin de développer l’innovation et l’impact.
  • Numérisation : le Forum a mis en avant le potentiel transformateur des technologies numériques, notamment l’IA, pour accélérer le changement. Les participants ont appelé à la mise en place d’écosystèmes numériques intégrés et collaboratifs, qui soient inclusifs, interopérables et apportent une valeur tangible aux agriculteurs et aux consommateurs.
  • Nutrition et santé : le Forum a souligné l’urgence de développer des systèmes alimentaires inclusifs et sensibles à la nutrition qui garantissent une alimentation sûre, abordable et saine. La préservation du patrimoine africain en matière de cultures riches en nutriments et résistantes au climat a été identifiée comme une priorité. Les dirigeants et les experts ont profité du Forum pour élaborer un programme nutritionnel qui sauve des vies et améliore les résultats en matière de santé.
  • Politiques et capacités des États : La nécessité de disposer de solides capacités institutionnelles a été réaffirmée comme étant essentielle à la mise en œuvre des engagements pris dans le cadre du PDDAA et de la Déclaration de Kampala. Les investissements dans les cadres de leadership, de capacités et de responsabilité ont été reconnus comme étant essentiels pour accélérer les résultats.
  • Production durable : le Forum a appelé à une action audacieuse et coordonnée pour mettre en place des systèmes alimentaires résilients, régénérateurs et équitables. Les gouvernements, les partenaires et le secteur privé doivent promouvoir des politiques favorables, développer les innovations agroécologiques et mobiliser des financements. Les jeunes, les agriculteurs et les chercheurs ont été identifiés comme des acteurs clés dans la mise en place de solutions abordables et évolutives.
  • Commerce et marchés : le Forum a mis l’accent sur une transformation des systèmes alimentaires africains axée sur le commerce, grâce à des paniers alimentaires régionaux, des corridors et des politiques alignées sur la ZLECA. Les investissements stratégiques dans les infrastructures, l’harmonisation des normes et la rationalisation des douanes ont été soulignés comme des priorités pour renforcer les chaînes de valeur et stimuler la compétitivité.
  • Les femmes dans les systèmes alimentaires : le Forum a reconnu que placer les femmes au centre des systèmes alimentaires est essentiel pour l’égalité des sexes, la sécurité alimentaire et la croissance rurale. Les participants ont appelé à démanteler les inégalités structurelles, à garantir un accès équitable aux ressources et à adopter des approches transformatrices en matière d’égalité des sexes. La réduction des écarts entre les sexes a été identifiée comme un moteur de la productivité et du développement inclusif.

Récompenses et distinctions

  1. L’AFSF 2025 a célébré l’excellence en matière de leadership, d’innovation et d’entrepreneuriat à travers une série de prix prestigieux qui ont récompensé et honoré les acteurs du changement en Afrique, en particulier les jeunes leaders dynamiques qui sont à l’origine de la transformation des systèmes alimentaires :
  • Prix africain de l’alimentation : largement considéré comme le prix le plus prestigieux du continent pour le leadership dans le domaine des systèmes alimentaires, le prix a été décerné cette année à deux femmes remarquables : le professeur Mary Abukutsa Onyango du Kenya et le Dr Mercy Diebiru-Ojo du Nigeria. Le professeur Abukutsa a montré au monde entier le pouvoir des légumes indigènes africains pour lutter contre la malnutrition et créer des moyens de subsistance résilients. Le Dr Diebiru-Ojo a transformé les systèmes de semences de manioc et d’igname, offrant aux agriculteurs du matériel végétal exempt de maladies et des rendements plus élevés.
  • Prix VALUE4HER de la femme agro-entrepreneure de l’année (WAYA) : Dirigé par l’AGRA, ce prix a récompensé des femmes exceptionnelles dans le secteur agroalimentaire africain :
    • Mathildah Amollo, Kenya – Grand prix
    • Juliet Kakwerre N Tumusiime, Ouganda – Championne de l’autonomisation des femmes
    • Julienne Olawolé Agossadou, Bénin – Leader résiliente et inspirante
    • Roberta Edu-Oyedokun, Nigeria – Entreprise à forte valeur ajoutée
    • Joyce Waithira, Kenya – Innovatrice dans le domaine des technologies agricoles
    • Onicca Sibanyona, Afrique du Sud – Jeune femme agro-entrepreneure
  • Prix GoGettaz Agripreneur : Le concours GoGettaz Agripreneur Prize 2025 a attiré plus de 2 000 candidatures de jeunes entrepreneurs de toute l’Afrique. Les deux lauréats du grand prix, Naglaa Mohamed P Vita, Égypte (catégorie féminine) et Samuel Muyita Karpolax, Ouganda (catégorie masculine), ont été récompensés pour leurs projets agro-industriels à fort impact et évolutifs et ont reçu chacun 50 000 dollars américains.
  • Prix Impact : un prix total de 60 000 dollars américains a été décerné à quatre lauréats – Daniel Wa Mukina, RDC ; Faïçal Abdoul, Burkina Faso ; Editha Mshiu, Tanzanie ; et Fareeda Mustapha, Ghana – en reconnaissance de leur contribution à la valeur sociale, économique et environnementale durable générée par leurs entreprises.

Africa Food Systems Forum 2025: Key Decisions & Commitments

Posted on by Eric Karani

Preamble

  1. The Africa Food Systems Forum 2025 (AFSF 2025) convened in Dakar, Senegal, from 31 August to 5 September 2025, bringing together nearly 6,000 participants from 105 countries. The Forum included 2 Heads of State and Government, 6 former Heads of State and Government, 40 Ministers spanning portfolios such as agriculture, energy, youth affairs, livestock, and finance, as well as heads of international agencies, researchers, development partners, private sector actors, farmers, civil society representatives and youth leaders.
  2. Hosted under the leadership of H.E. President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, the Forum was infused with the teranga spirit of Senegal – an enduring culture of hospitality, generosity, and solidarity that fostered a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere for dialogue, collaboration, and bold commitments.
  3. With the theme “Africa’s Youth: Leading Collaboration, Innovation, and Implementation of Agri-Food Systems Transformation,” the Forum highlighted the pivotal role of youth in driving Africa’s agricultural transformation through leadership, innovation, and delivery. Over 1,500 youth attended the Forum, bringing innovation, ideas and urgency.
  4. Anchored in Africa’s broader policy architecture including Agenda 2063, the 10-year CAADP Strategy and Action Plan and the Kampala CAADP Declaration on Building Resilient and Sustainable Agrifood Systems in Africa (2026–2035) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), AFSF 2025 built on the momentum of previous Forums to confront persistent and emerging challenges hampering food systems transformation and to harness new and existing opportunities.
  5. AFSF 2025 reaffirmed the Forum’s position as Africa’s premier platform for advancing collaborative action, policy alignment, and investment in food systems transformation, aligning with the continent’s major development frameworks and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
  6. The Forum acknowledged a shifting global and regional landscape, including:
  • A tightening international financing environment requiring stronger domestic resource mobilization.
  • Heightened urgency to address climate vulnerability, environmental degradation, and food system fragility all of which threaten lives, livelihoods and long-term development gains.
  • The transformative potential of Africa’s rapidly growing youth population, over 70% of whom are under 30, as entrepreneurs, innovators and decision-makers in the agri-food systems.
  1. AFSF 2025 emphasized the urgency of leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a historic opportunity to strengthen regional value chains, enhance competitiveness and drive inclusive economic growth especially for smallholder farmers, youth-led agribusinesses, and women entrepreneurs. Improving trade-related infrastructure, harmonizing standards, and reducing barriers to the movement of agricultural goods and services were recognized as critical enablers.
  2. Recognizing the urgency to transform Africa’s food systems, the Forum reaffirmed collective commitment to inclusive, sustainable and equitable food systems transformation, with youth leadership and implementation capacity as the driving force.
  3. A total of 163 plenaries, sessions, workshops, masterclasses and side events were delivered, focusing on digital agriculture, climate-smart technologies, nutrition-sensitive value chains, and youth-led innovations and policies.
  4. Throughout the week, delegates engaged in high-level dialogues, technical sessions, ministerial roundtables, youth-led discussions, innovation showcases and capacity-building masterclasses, advancing a youth-led, innovation-driven and delivery-focused future for Africa’s food systems.

Thematic Platforms Calls to Action

  1. AFSF 2025 was anchored in a series of dynamic thematic platforms that brought together diverse voices from across the continent, particularly of the youth and other critical constituencies whose leadership is essential to food systems transformation. The thematic platforms served as engines for shaping the Forum’s agenda of inclusive, innovation-driven and youth-led transformation, and each issued a powerful call to action that offered a roadmap for moving from dialogue to concrete commitments and tangible action.
  2. The Forum’s thematic platforms brought together youth, women, farmers, policymakers, researchers, civil society, private sector and other critical stakeholder to shape Africa’s food systems agenda. Each Platform concluded with a call to action that charts a roadmap from dialogue to delivery.
  • Youth: The Forum affirmed that youth are not the “next generation” but the generation already transforming Africa’s food systems. Governments, private sector, and partners must move beyond rhetoric to embrace youth-led solutions, create real pathways to decent work, and ensure youth representation in decision-making. Delay risks instability; urgent action could unlock Africa’s greatest opportunity.
  • Climate Resilience: Participants emphasized elevating adaptation to equal footing with mitigation ahead of COP30. Priorities include integrating adaptation into national plans, investing in resilient farming, infrastructure, and nature-based solutions, and tripling adaptation finance. Building local capacity, creating green jobs, and strengthening inclusive partnerships were seen as essential to protect the most vulnerable.
  • Deals and Financing: The Forum stressed that access to finance is decisive for food systems transformation. Investors, governments, and partners – inside and outside Africa – must expand support to SMEs, especially youth- and women-led enterprises, to scale innovation and impact.
  • Digitalization: The Forum highlighted the transformative potential of digital technologies, including AI, to accelerate change. Participants called for integrated, collaborative digital ecosystems that are inclusive, interoperable, and deliver tangible value to farmers and consumers.
  • Nutrition and Health: The Forum underscored the urgency of scaling inclusive, nutrition-sensitive food systems that ensure safe, affordable, and healthy diets. Safeguarding Africa’s heritage of nutrient-rich, climate-resilient crops was identified as a priority. Leaders and experts used the Forum to shape a nutrition agenda that saves lives and improves health outcomes.
  • Policy and State Capability: Strong institutional capability was reaffirmed as central to delivering CAADP and Kampala Declaration commitments. Investments in leadership, capacity, and accountability frameworks were recognized as critical to accelerate results.
  • Sustainable Production: The Forum called for bold, coordinated action to build resilient, regenerative, and equitable food systems. Governments, partners, and the private sector must advance enabling policies, scale agroecological innovations, and mobilize finance. Youth, farmers, and researchers were identified as key actors in driving affordable, scalable solutions.
  • Trade and Markets: The Forum emphasized a trade-led transformation of Africa’s food systems through regional food baskets, corridors, and AfCFTA-aligned policies. Strategic investments in infrastructure, harmonized standards, and streamlined customs were highlighted as priorities to strengthen value chains and boost competitiveness.
  • Women in Food Systems: The Forum recognized that placing women at the center of food systems is vital for gender equality, food security, and rural growth. Participants called for dismantling structural inequalities, ensuring equitable access to resources, and adopting gender-transformative approaches. Closing gender gaps was identified as a driver of productivity and inclusive development.

 

Awards and Recognitions

  1. AFSF 2025 celebrated excellence in leadership, innovation, and entrepreneurship through a series of high-profile awards that recognized and honoured Africa’s changemakers – especially its dynamic youth leaders who are driving food systems transformation:
  • Africa Food Prize: Widely regarded as the continent’s most prestigious award for food systems leadership, the Prize was this year awarded to two remarkable women: Professor Mary Abukutsa Onyango of Kenya and Dr. Mercy Diebiru-Ojo of Nigeria. Professor Abukutsa has shown the world the power of Africa’s indigenous vegetables to fight malnutrition and create resilient livelihoods. Dr. Diebiru-Ojo has transformed cassava and yam seed systems, giving farmers disease-free planting material and higher yields.
  • VALUE4HER Women Agripreneur of the Year Award (WAYA): Led by AGRA, the Award celebrated exceptional women across Africa’s agri-business landscape:
    • Mathildah Amollo, Kenya – Grand Prize
    • Juliet Kakwerre N Tumusiime, Uganda – Women Empowerment Champion
    • Julienne Olawolé Agossadou, Benin – Resilient & Inspirational Leader
    • Roberta Edu-Oyedokun, Nigeria – Outstanding Value-Adding Enterprise
    • Joyce Waithira, Kenya – Female Ag-Tech Innovator
    • Onicca Sibanyona, South Africa – Young Female Agripreneur
  • GoGettaz Agripreneur Prize: The 2025 GoGettaz Agripreneur Prize Competition attracted over 2000 entries from youth entrepreneurs across Africa. Two Grand Prize winners – Naglaa Mohamed P Vita, Egypt (female category) and Samuel Muyita Karpolax, Uganda (male category) were recognized for their high-impact, scalable agribusiness ventures and received US$ 50,000 each.
  • The Impact Award: A total prize of US$ 60,000 was awarded to 4 recipients – Daniel Wa Mukina, DRC; Faïçal Abdoul, Burkina Faso; Editha Mshiu, Tanzania; and Fareeda Mustapha, Ghana – acknowledging their contribution to sustained social, economic, and environmental value delivered through their enterprises.

 

Rasmata Kientega – When Agriculture Becomes a Life Choice and Ambition

Posted on by Eric Karani

In the village of Goala, in the Centre-West region of Burkina Faso, a young woman is confidently reinventing rural farming with passion and an entrepreneurial spirit.

At 25, Rasmata Kientega is part of a new generation of rural women farmers who see the land not as a burden, but as a promise of dignity and a future.

An active member of the women’s cooperative Songre la Panga, Rasmata cultivates moringa, baobab, tomatoes, onions, and okra in the community nutrition garden established with support from the PRORES project, implemented by TREE AID and supported by AGRA. This garden not only feeds the village families but also generates real and steady income for 35 women. “This year, I sold 23,250 CFA francs worth of agricultural products,” says Rasmata. “Just with the leaves, we earned 22,500 francs. With tomatoes and onions, 115,000 francs. And with the okra, 35,000 francs.”

But for her, agriculture goes far beyond subsistence. It’s a source of personal pride, a path to economic independence, and a vision for the future. “I want to start a small ruminant livestock business,” she declares, standing among her 20 sheep. “It’s a profitable and promising activity. We just need a little boost to go further.”

Thanks to the project’s support, she has already gained access to land, hands-on training, and maize threshers. Her call now is clear: targeted support for local livestock farming to strengthen incomes, create jobs, and keep youth rooted in rural areas. Rasmata sees her future here, on her land, alongside her peers, transforming her community through smart and integrated agriculture.

Her journey shows that with the right resources, training, and confidence, young rural women can not only feed their villages but also build resilient agricultural micro-enterprises. It’s also a direct response to today’s challenges: food insecurity, climate change, and youth unemployment.

Where some see a need to migrate to cities or abroad, Rasmata sees an opportunity for local growth.

Her message is simple but powerful: agriculture is not a last resort. It’s a real profession. An ambition. A path to leadership.

“I want other girls to know that we can succeed right here, at home, with our land, our ideas, and our courage,” says Rasmata Kientega.

Le Sénégal et le lancement du Forum Africa Food Systems 2025 Les préparatifs et le programme d’héritage se focalisent sur la jeunesse

Posted on by Eric Karani
  • Le Sénégal lance sa Communauté Coopérative Agricole (CAC) pendant le lancement du Forum AFS 2025, préparant le terrain pour la transformation agricole menée par les communautés
  • Les jeunes dirigeants du pays positionne le Sénégal en catalyseur d’innovation en ce qui concerne les systèmes et la souveraineté alimentaires
  • Le Forum AFS de 2025 réunira plus de 6,000 parties prenantes du 29 août au 5 septembre à Dakar, Sénégal autour du thème: “La jeunesse africaine menant la collaboration, l’innovation et la mise en oeuvre de la transformation des systèmes alimentaires en Afrique”

Dakar, Sénégal, le 9 mai 2025 – Le Sénégal a lancé aujourd’hui la Communauté Coopérative Agricole (CAC), le programme d’héritage phare du Forum AFS 2025, pendant le lancement officiel du Forum au Grand Théâtre de Dakar. Cette initiative caractérise un engagement audacieux à la transformation agricole conduite par les jeunes et les communautés à travers l’Afrique.

Le programme CAC, mené par le Ministère de l’Agriculture, de la Souveraineté Alimentaire et de l’Elevage du Sénégal, à été créé afin de renforcer les écosystèmes agricoles locaux; notamment avec des modèles évolutifs qui mettent en priorité la souveraineté alimentaire, la croissance économique inclusive et l’innovation. Il sera présenté au Forum au mois de septembre.

Cet évènement, organisé au Grand Théâtre de Dakar, marque le début des préparatifs et du parcours vers le Forum principal, qui aura lieu du 29 août au 5 septembre a Dakar, Sénégal. L’évènement a été co-présidé par Son Excellence Ousmane Sonko, Premier ministre du Sénégal, et Son Excellence Hailemariam Desalegn, Président du Forum Africa Food Systems et ancien Premier ministre de l’Éthiopie.

Son Excellence Premier ministre Ousmane Sonko du Sénégal a dit:

“Nous sommes déterminés à montrer que la transformation commence chez soi. Le Sénégal ne suit pas un plan dessiné ailleurs. Nous sommes ici pour investir pour nos peuples, nos propres solutions et notre avenir. Le programme CAC n’est qu’un exemple qui prouve la confiance que nous avons en l’innovation locale. C’est comme ceci que le prochain chapître pour l’Afrique sera écrit par les africains, pour l’Afrique.”

Les jeunes au centre de la transformation des systèmes alimentaires africains

Le leadership des jeunes sera un thème clé pour l’évènement de cette année. C’était un jeune innovateur sénégalais qui a présenté la Vision 2050, suivi d’une conversation avec les ministres et les dirigeants sur le thème de l’investissement dans les systèmes alimentaires, modérée par des jeunes entrepreneurs. Le Sénégal, avec une population et un gouvernement parmi les plus jeunes, est en train de se positionner en tant que catalyseur du renouvellement continental.

Dr. Mabouba Diagne, Ministre de l’Agriculture, de la Souveraineté Alimentaire et de l’Elevage au Sénégal, a souligné l’urgence et les opportunités pour le continent.

“Pour le Sénégal, le CAC fait partie d’une plus grande vision de la vraie souveraineté de nos systèmes alimentaires. Nous avons l’une des populations les plus jeunes au monde: Nos jeunes, les agro entrepreneurs, les leaders du digital, sont prêts à mener cette mission. Accueillir le Forum AFS, et lancer un héritage dont ils seront fiers consiste en créer un avenir basé sur la résilience, la dignité et l’innovation.

La direction politique et la mobilisation des investissements

Le Sénégal a été élu à l’unanimité pour accueillir le Forum AFS, suite à un processus rigoureux d’une durée de trois mois. Les stratégies agricoles innovantes du pays, ainsi que sa Vision 2050 ont été reconnues pour leurs capacités de faire avancer la sécurité alimentaire et nutritionnelle – notamment grâce à l’implication des jeunes et des femmes dans les systèmes alimentaires.

L’évènement s’est conclu avec une table ronde. Son Excellence Ousmane Sonko et Son Excellence Hailemariam Desalegn ont exploré les stratégies possibles pour mobiliser les ressources domestiques, dans l’objectif d’accélérer la souveraineté alimentaire; ce qui nous dirige plus rapidement vers la vraie transformation des systèmes alimentaires.

Après près de 15 ans, ce rassemblement reste la plateforme la plus importante pour l’avancement des solutions inclusives et durables, et attire plus de 6 000 délégués. Les événements des années précédentes ont mené aux accords et aux investissements de plusieurs millions de dollars, ainsi qu’aux changements politiques et aux collaborations révolutionnaires. Ces initiatives continuent, aujourd’hui, de former le secteur agricole de l’Afrique. En 2024, les gouvernements africains ont ensemble recherché 13,5 milliards de dollars pour soutenir les initiatives politiques conduites par leurs pays.

  1. Amath Pathé Sene, Directeur Général du Forum AFS, a parlé des enjeux et des opportunités:

“Tous les jours à travers notre continent, les jeunes fermiers, les entrepreneurs et les technologues repensent ce qui est possible. Dakar 2025 aura l’effet d’un catalyseur sur l’action, grâce à l’énergie et à la créativité de la jeunesse africaine. Ils sont en train de construire les systèmes alimentaires de demain, et c’est à nous de les soutenir avec tout ce que nous avons.”

L’événement de 2025 développera davantage cet héritage, offrant un espace unique où les chefs d’État, les gouvernements, les scientifiques, les entrepreneurs, les fermiers, les jeunes innovateurs, les leaders du secteur privé, les organisations civiques et les partenaires du développement pourront se réunir dans l’objectif de partager leurs progrès, identifier les défis et s’engager à l’action nécessaire.

FIN

Le Ministère de l’Agriculture et de l’Elevage du Sénégal (MASAE)

MASAE est une grande institution dans le gouvernement de la République du Sénégal, chargée de la gestion du développement, de la régulation et la promotion de ses secteurs alimentaires, agricoles et d’élevage. Elle joue un rôle central dans le renforcement de la sécurité alimentaire nationale, de la productivité agricole et du développement rural durable. Par le biais de politiques et services qui soutiennent le développement des initiatives innovantes et de la chaîne de valeur, le Ministère travaille en collaboration avec les fermiers, autres parties prenantes du secteur agricole et partenaires internationaux pour stimuler la résilience et la compétitivité des systèmes agricoles au Sénégal. MASAE s’engage aussi à promouvoir la souveraineté alimentaire en augmentant la production locale, en améliorant l’accès aux entrants de haute qualité, et en réduisant sa dépendance à l’importation, tout en préservant l’environnement et en autonomisant les communautés rurales.

Pour plus d’informations sur les plans et les projets agricoles du Sénégal, veuillez nous contacter au infos@agriculture.gouv.sn ou mbowpendarts@gmail.com.

Qu’est-ce le Forum AFS ?

Le Forum Africa Food Systems (Forum AFS) est le plus grand Forum mondial sur l’agriculture et les systèmes alimentaires, qui réunit les parties prenantes (législateurs, fermiers, secteur privé, jeunesse, femmes, chercheurs) pour faire les démarches nécessaires et partager les leçons qui feront avancer la transformation des systèmes alimentaires africains. L’objectif clé du Forum AFS est d’agrandir le programme de transformation agricole, par le biais de l’établissement du programme, la réforme politique, la facilitation de l’investissement, le partage des connaissances et la formation, le développement des partenariats, et la coordination. Lancé en 2010, Le Forum AFS est une réunion annuelle qui rassemble les acteurs clés du secteur, et qui fournit également des ressources d’investissement (deal rooms) et l’assistance technique (sur les plateformes digitales).

Plus récemment, le Forum AFS a évolué afin d’augmenter son étendue. Il accorde désormais plus d’importance à tous les éléments des systèmes alimentaires (la production agricole, la nutrition, le genre et la jeunesse, la résilience climatique, le marché et le commerce, l’infrastructure, l’énergie), ainsi qu’aux approches intégrées, l’engagement du gouvernement, avec rapports et rendus de compte et la mobilisation du secteur privé.

Pour plus d’informations sur le Forum AFS, veuillez visiter: www.afs-forum.org ou envoyez-nous un mail à skigongo@agra.org

Senegal and Africa Food Systems Forum Launch 2025 Summit Preparations with Youth-Focused Legacy Programme

Posted on by Eric Karani
  • Senegal launches its Community Agricultural Cooperative (CAC) during Africa Food Systems Forum 2025 launch event, setting the stage for community-led agricultural transformation
  • Senegal’s youthful leadership positions the country as a catalyst for food systems innovation and sovereignty
  • AFS Forum 2025 will convene over 6,000 stakeholders from 29 August to 5 September 2025 in Dakar, Senegal under the theme: “Africa’s Youth: Leading Collaboration, Innovation, and Implementation of Africa’s Food Systems Transformation”

Dakar, Senegal, 9 May 2025 – Senegal today launched the Community Agricultural Cooperative (CAC), the first flagship legacy programme of the Africa Food Systems Forum 2025, during the official Forum launch event at the Grand Théâtre de Dakar. The initiative marks a bold commitment to youth-led, community-driven agricultural transformation across Africa.

The CAC programme, spearheaded by Senegal’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Livestock, is designed to strengthen local agricultural ecosystems through scalable cooperative models that prioritise food sovereignty, inclusive growth, and innovation. It will be showcased at the full Forum convening later this year.

The launch event, held at the Grand Théâtre de Dakar, marks the start of the Forum’s 2025 preparations, culminating in the main summit from 29 August to 5 September 2025 in Dakar, Senegal. The event was co-chaired by H.E. Ousmane Sonko, Prime Minister of Senegal, and H.E. Hailemariam Desalegn, Chair of the Africa Food Systems Forum and former Prime Minister of Ethiopia.

H.E Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, Prime Minister of Senegal, said:

“We are determined to show that transformation can be homegrown, Senegal is not following blueprints written elsewhere. We are here to invest in our own people, our own solutions, and our own future. The CAC programme is just one example of how we are putting our belief in local innovation into action. This is how Africa’s next chapter will be written, by Africans, for Africa.”

 Youth at the Centre of Africa’s Food Systems Transformation

Youth leadership will be a core theme of the Africa Food Systems launch. A young Senegalese innovator presented Vision 2050, followed by a youth-moderated high-level dialogue with ministers and leaders on investment in integrated agri-food systems. Senegal, with one of the world’s youngest populations and youngest governments, is positioning itself as a catalyst for continental renewal.

 Dr. Mabouba Diagne, Senegal’s Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty, and Livestock highlighted the urgency and opportunity ahead.

“For Senegal, the Community Agricultural Cooperative      is part of a bigger journey towards real sovereignty over our food systems. We have one of the youngest populations in the world.

“And our young people, the agripreneurs, the digital pioneers, are ready to lead. Hosting the Africa Food System’s Forum and launching a legacy they can be proud of is all about creating futures built on resilience, dignity, and innovation.”

 Political Leadership and Investment Mobilisation

Senegal was unanimously selected to host the Africa Food Systems Forum after a rigorous three-month selection process. The country’s innovative agricultural strategies and Vision 2050 initiative were recognised for their leadership in advancing food and nutrition security, particularly through the engagement of young people and women in agri-food systems.

The event concluded with a high-level panel featuring H.E. Ousmane Sonko, H.E. Hailemariam Desalegn, which explored strategies for mobilising domestic resources in order to accelerate food sovereignty; in turn, driving food systems transformation.

Now in its 15th year, the Africa Food Systems Forum is the continent’s premier platform for advancing inclusive and sustainable food systems solutions, attracting over 6,000 delegates. Past editions have catalysed multi-million-dollar investment deals, policy reforms, and collaborations that continue to shape Africa’s agricultural landscape. In 2024, African governments collectively sought USD $13.5 billion to support country-led flagship policy initiatives.

Mr. Amath Pathe Sene, Managing Director of the Africa Food Systems Forum, spoke about the stakes and opportunities:

“Every day, across our continent, young farmers, entrepreneurs, and technologists are rethinking what is possible. Dakar 2025 will be a catalyst for action, led by the energy and creativity of Africa’s youth. They are building the food systems of tomorrow, and it is our responsibility to back them with everything we have.”

The 2025 edition will build on this legacy, offering a unique convening space for heads of state, government leaders, scientists, entrepreneurs, farmers, youth innovators, private sector actors, civil society organisations, and development partners to share progress, identify gaps, and commit to action.

About Senegal’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Livestock (MASAE)

MASAE is a key institution within the Government of the Republic of Senegal, mandated with overseeing the development, regulation, and promotion of the country’s agricultural, food, and livestock sectors. It plays a central role in ensuring national food security, enhancing agricultural productivity, and supporting sustainable rural development. Through strategic policy-making, extension services, and support for innovation and value chain development, the Ministry works closely with farmers, agricultural stakeholders, and international partners to boost the resilience and competitiveness of Senegal’s agri-food systems. MASAE is also committed to promoting food sovereignty by increasing local production, improving access to quality inputs, and reducing reliance on imports, while preserving the environment and empowering rural communities.

For more information on Senegal’s Agriculture Plans and Projects please contact: infos@agriculture.gouv.sn or mbowpendarts@gmail.com.

 About the AFS Forum

The Africa Food Systems Forum (AFS Forum) is the world’s largest forum on agriculture and food systems, bringing together stakeholders (policy makers, farmers, private sector, youth, women, research) to take practical action and share lessons that will move African food systems transformation forward. The AFS Forum’s core objective is to scale up Africa’s food systems and agricultural transformation agenda through the Agenda Setting, Evidence-based Policy Reform, Investment Facilitation and Finance, Knowledge Sharing and Learning, Partnership Development and Coordination. Since 2010, the Africa Food Systems Forum has been an annual convening platform and overtime includes investment facilities (deal rooms) and technical assistance through its thematic platforms.

The Africa Food Systems Forum has fully rebranded to expand its scope to include a greater emphasis on all areas around food systems (agricultural production, nutrition, gender and youth, climate resilience, market and trade, infrastructure, energy     ) and integrated approaches, government engagement, reporting and accountability, and mobilising the private sector.

For more information about the AFS Forum, please visit: www.afs-forum.org  or email: skigongo@agra.org

Multi-Stakeholder Approach to Strengthening Food Security in Zambia

Posted on by Eric Karani

Zambia, poised to be a significant regional food basket and trade corridor, currently faces a stark reality: over 14.2 million people (72%) were food insecure by 2024, accompanied by a concerning 32.3% average stunting rate. While various factors contribute to this situation, recurrent and intensifying climate change shocks stand as a primary driver, leading to a drastic 50-75% decline in crop production.

This vulnerability is further amplified by underutilized agricultural potential. Despite possessing 43.6 million hectares of arable land, only 15% is cultivated, with a mere 5.7% benefiting from irrigation. Compounding these issues are low crop productivity due to limited infrastructure, constrained market access, financial limitations, and inadequate extension services (with a challenging 1:1,200 extensionist-to-farmer ratio).

However, within these challenges lies a significant opportunity for transformation. The Zambian government recognizes the pivotal role of a competitive agri-food sector in driving economic transformation and job creation, a vision clearly articulated in the 8th National Development Plan 2022-26 (8NDP), which anchors Zambia’s overarching Vision 2030 to become a prosperous middle-income country. The Comprehensive Agriculture Transformation Support Programme 2024 – 2033 (CATSP) serves as the strategic anchor for this plan, aiming to enhance production and productivity in key priority value chains, aligning with the Dakar II Compact’s focus on maize, soybeans, and wheat by 2028. These commodities are strategically prioritized due to their significant contribution to national food security, economic growth potential, and alignment with national development objectives.

To therefore, effectively tackle the complex challenge of food insecurity in Zambia and inform impactful policy reforms, a cohesive and multi-faceted approach involving government bodies, farmers (especially smallholder farmers – SHFs), the private sector, civil society organizations, research institutions, and development partners, is essential to create a sustainable and resilient agri-food system. This is can be achieved by focusing on key areas for Multi-Stakeholder Interventions, including:

Creating a Robust Enabling Environment for Agricultural Competitiveness. This foundational effort necessitates the government’s diligent implementation of the CATSP and the development of strategic flagship programs aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of Zambia’s agri-food sector. This requires proactively reforming pertinent macro and micro-sector policies to streamline regulations, incentivize investment, and foster innovation. For effective implementation, strengthening the intricate web of sector coordination mechanisms among various ministries, agencies, and stakeholders, alongside significantly enhancing the operational capacity of both state and non-state actors, are paramount.

Furthermore, a strategic investment in advanced data and analytics infrastructure will provide the crucial evidence base for informed policy decisions, effective program design, and monitoring of progress. Complementing these governmental actions, development partners such as AGRA play a vital catalytic role by providing crucial technical and financial support for these policy endeavors and by actively facilitating the mobilization of essential public and private sector resources towards the goals of CATSP and enhanced sector competitiveness.

Building upon this foundation, enhancing sector competitiveness and ensuring robust market access, particularly for smallholder farmers who constitute the majority of producers, requires a strategic policy focus on streamlining trade processes and dismantling non-tariff barriers that impede agricultural commerce within Zambia and across regional trade corridors. Fundamentally, establishing clear and consistently applied quality standards and certifications for both domestic and regional market development, will enable Zambian produce to compete effectively. Policies that actively support the development of affordable and accessible agricultural finance, coupled with effective risk mitigation strategies tailored to the needs of smallholder farmers and agribusinesses, are therefore important to stimulate greater investment across the value chain.

Moreover, strategic investments in infrastructure that strengthens market linkages, including feeder roads, storage facilities, and market information systems, are key for efficiently connecting producers with consumers and reducing transaction costs. The private sector’s ingenuity in developing innovative market-based models that directly link farmers to reliable markets and deploying advanced post-harvest technologies to minimize losses, alongside the creation of tailored financial products by financial institutions, can significantly enhance overall market efficiency and reduce risks for all actors. Recognizing the pivotal role of farmers’ organizations, policies aimed at strengthening their capacity to aggregate produce, negotiate fair prices, and adopt best practices will empower producers and ensure their greater participation in remunerative markets.

Achieving long-term food security equally demands policy support for innovation and the adoption of sustainable, climate-resilient practices to mitigate the impact of climate change. This necessitates policies that actively promote the work of research institutions in developing and disseminating climate-resilient and nutrient-dense crop varieties tailored to Zambia’s diverse agro-ecological conditions. Facilitating the efficient commercialization and widespread accessibility of these high-quality seeds through effective last-mile delivery systems, often spearheaded by private sector initiatives and supported by enabling policies, will be crucial for adoption at scale.

Government and development partners should then prioritize policies that support the scaling up of proven sustainable farming models, including climate-smart agriculture, conservation agriculture, and efficient water management techniques like improved irrigation scheme management and the appropriate adoption of mechanization and digitalization in farming operations. Recognizing the vital role of knowledge transfer, policies aimed at strengthening extension services with well-trained personnel, leveraging digital tools, and promoting platforms for knowledge sharing on successful resilience-building practices are essential for driving widespread adoption of improved techniques and enhancing adaptive capacity at the farm level.

Finally, achieving impactful change necessitates targeted value chain development for key national priority crops, particularly maize, soybeans, and wheat as identified in the CATSP, alongside a strategic emphasis on diversification for enhanced resilience and nutrition. For maize, policies should prioritize the transition towards more resilient farming systems that can withstand climate variability, improve farmers’ access to quality inputs and effective extension services focused on climate-smart practices, promote the adoption of context-appropriate mechanization and digitalization to improve efficiency, and advocate for stable and fair pricing mechanisms that incentivize production.

Critically, policies and investments aimed at significantly reducing the high levels of post-harvest losses (currently at 30%) are paramount to ensuring greater food availability. For soybeans, policy interventions should focus on enhancing access to quality and affordable inputs (including climate-resilient varieties and inoculants), mitigating post-harvest losses through improved management practices and infrastructure, expanding access to finance and well-functioning markets, and addressing specific production challenges such as disease management through research and extension support. Concurrently, promoting crop diversification through policies that support access to improved seeds and robust market linkages for nutritious and resilient alternative crops like beans, sorghum, cowpeas, and groundnuts is essential for enhancing long-term food security, improving dietary diversity, and creating additional income-generating opportunities for farmers, thereby building overall resilience to shocks.

Looking ahead, addressing food insecurity and building a competitive agri-food sector in Zambia requires a long-term commitment and a coordinated effort from all stakeholders. By fostering an enabling environment, enhancing sector competitiveness, boosting productivity and resilience, and strategically developing key value chains, Zambia can transform its agricultural sector and achieve its goal of becoming a regional food basket and a key trade corridor. Continuous dialogue, shared learning, and mutual accountability among all actors will ensure that interventions are effective, sustainable, and ultimately lead to a food-secure and prosperous future for all Zambians. The national targets set forth, such as significantly increasing the production of maize and soybeans by 2028, are achievable with a unified and strategic multi-stakeholder approach underpinned by sound policy reforms.

CBC and Partners Launch Regional Workshop to Boost Youth Participation in Cross-Border Agricultural Trade

Posted on by Eric Karani

The COMESA Business Council (CBC), in collaboration with National Cross-Border Traders Associations (CBTA) and the COMESA CBTA Youth Forum, will host a two-day regional workshop aimed at increasing youth participation in cross-border agricultural trade across the COMESA region.

The workshop, themed “Deepening the Involvement of Youth, particularly Young Women, in the Cross-Border Agricultural Goods Trade in the COMESA Region”, will be held on April 28th to 29th , 2025, with participants from Zimbabwe, Malawi and the host Zambia.

Supported by the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), the workshop comes at a critical time when Africa’s youth population is expanding rapidly. With over 70% of Africa’s population under the age of 30 and youth expected to constitute 42% of the world’s young people by 2030, harnessing this demographic dividend has become a regional priority.

Cross-border trade stands as a cornerstone of economic development across the COMESA region, accounting for an estimated 40% of intra-regional commerce and providing livelihoods for millions of citizens. According to recent economic studies, strengthening cross-border trade could potentially increase intra-COMESA trade by up to 25% within the next five years, adding billions to the regional economy.

The agricultural sector is a major source of income in Africa and in particular represents a significant portion of this trade, with staple foods, fresh produce, and value-added agricultural products comprising nearly 60% of informal cross-border exchanges. This sector offers immense potential for growth, especially if modern techniques, digital technologies, and improved market access are made available to traders.

Agribusiness, which ranges from SMEs to transnational companies, together with agriculture, is projected to be a US$ 1 trillion industry in sub-Saharan Africa by 2030 compared to US$13 billion in 2010, and as such, are indispensable elements of economic transformation and development in the COMESA region (according to COMESA statistics).

The workshop will bring together 36 participants from Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, including representatives from national cross-border trader associations, youth organisations focused on trade and agriculture, small-scale farmers’ cooperatives, women’s organisations, and relevant government agencies.

Key objectives include identifying barriers affecting youth in cross-border agricultural trade, assessing their impact, reviewing progress on addressing these barriers, and developing concrete action plans. The workshop will also strengthen collaboration between various stakeholders, including regional business associations, border agencies, and policymakers.

The youth participation in trade is currently hampered by various challenges, including limited access to education, skills development, financial resources, and restrictive land ownership. The workshop aims to unpack these challenges and propose workable solutions through presentations, panel discussions, and interactive sessions.

The outcome of this workshop is expected to be an action plan that will guide the implementation of measures to address barriers to youth participation in cross-border agricultural trade within the COMESA region.