Dakar Summit to Champion Youth-Led Transformation of Africa’s Food Systems

By Anthony Muchoki

The Africa Food Systems Forum (AFSF) 2025 Summit, hosted in Dakar, Senegal, under the leadership of H.E. President Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye, is poised to be a pivotal moment in shaping the continent’s food future. With the theme

“Africa’s Youth Leading Collaboration, Innovation, and Implementation of Agri-Food Systems Transformation,” the summit underscores the critical role of Africa’s young, vibrant population in tackling food insecurity and driving sustainable growth.

A Continent of Promise, A Future to Secure

Africa is a land of extraordinary potential. The continent holds a

1.2 billion-person market projected to reach 2 billion by 2050 and boasts the world’s youngest population, with more than 400 million people aged 15–35. Furthermore, it possesses

60% of the world’s arable land, abundant water, diverse ecosystems, and year-round solar energy. Yet, despite this wealth, Africa struggles with climate shocks, chronic underinvestment, infrastructure deficits, skills gaps, and fragmented food policies. These barriers hinder job creation for millions of youth and women while undermining food and nutrition security.

Youth at the Centre of Transformation

AFSF 2025 is intentionally youth-centered, designed with the belief that Africa’s demographic dividend is its most powerful asset. Key platforms at the summit are dedicated to this focus.

The Youth Dome will serve as an interactive hub for agripreneurs, startups, and digital innovators, showcasing solutions and providing mentorship, networking, and investment pathways. Competitions like the

GoGettaz Agripreneur Prize will recognize and scale breakthrough agribusiness ideas , while a powerful

Youth Town Hall will facilitate direct engagement between young Africans and policymakers, including Heads of State, to ensure their voices shape high-level commitments. The agenda also includes leadership and mentorship dialogues to provide practical guidance and sessions on “

Making Money from Agribusiness” to equip youth with the tools to transform ideas into thriving, profitable ventures.

Six Pillars of Africa’s Agri-Food Transformation

1. Policy & Governance The summit will rally leaders around the

Kampala CAADP Strategy (2026–2035), which aims to mobilize $100 billion for agri-food systems. High-level forums, including the Parliamentarians’ Forum, will push for the Malabo Declaration target of allocatingat least 10% of national public expenditure to the sector. Key outcomes will include a Presidential Summit Declaration and a ministerial communiqué on food systems.

2. Investment & Finance

The Investment Room will serve as a central matchmaking hub linking governments, SMEs, and investors. The agenda will explore smart financing mechanisms, from tax reform and local bonds to tapping remittances and pension funds. Multiple pitching events, including the

GoGettaz Agripreneur Prize, Heifer AYuTe, WHH Zero Hunger SMEs, and CLIC Climate Pitches, will spotlight bankable ventures ready for investment.

3. Innovation & Digitalization Sessions like “

Digitalisation & AI 4 Next Gen” will highlight how youth are harnessing drones, AI-powered supply chains, and digital tools to boost productivity and build climate resilience. The

Agri-Food Expo will be a vibrant zone showcasing startups, new technologies, and innovative solutions from the private sector.

4. Sustainability & Climate Resilience Responding to the climate emergency, the summit will feature a plenary on

Biodiversity, Climate, and Land. Thematic sessions will focus on youth-led agroecology, soil health restoration, and building circular food systems. Curated field visits in Senegal will offer delegates firsthand insight into innovative startups, agroecological farms, and climate-smart projects.

5. Gender & Inclusion Women’s pivotal role in agri-food systems will be a central focus, highlighted by the official launch of “

The Status of Women in Agrifood Systems” report. Discussions will concentrate on enhancing women’s leadership, rights, and access to finance and innovation. The week will also feature the prestigious

WAYA Gala Dinner, an award scheme recognizing outstanding female agripreneurs.

6. Trade & Markets Unlocking the full promise of the

African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) for food trade will be a key topic. Sessions will explore modernizing logistics, establishing regional food corridors, and using digital tools to connect producers to markets. A unique

Council of the Wise, composed of former Heads of State, will convene to guide discussions on harmonizing standards and breaking down trade barriers.

Beyond Policy: Culture, Learning, and Engagement

The summit will also celebrate Africa’s rich food culture and foster knowledge exchange through several dynamic platforms. The

Knowledge Hub will offer reports, data dashboards, and hands-on technical masterclasses. A

Culinary Village will feature live cooking demonstrations and tastings celebrating African ingredients and heritage. The unique

L’Arbre à Palabres (Breakthroughs Tree) will provide a relaxed, conversational stage for storytelling and dialogue between youth, innovators, and chefs. Finally,

Field Visits will provide hands-on exposure to Senegalese startups, farmer cooperatives, and agro-processing hubs.

A Catalyst for Action

AFSF 2025 is designed not just for dialogue but for commitment and delivery. Its ambition is clear: to decisively position Africa as a global food powerhouse by leveraging its greatest assets—its youth, resources, and innovation capacity. If successful, the summit will mark a turning point—a moment when Africa transitions from potential to power, placing its young people at the forefront of feeding the continent and the world.