Republished By Horn Africa News
News Business Ethiopia
Global leaders to meet for Africa food systems forum
Heads of State from are among the first high-level speakers confirmed for the Africa Food Systems Forum, set to take place in Senegal from 31 August to 5 September 2025.
The forum will convene a powerful coalition of world leaders, CEOs, policymakers, financiers, and youth innovators to shape the future of Africa’s food systems. Over 6,000 delegates from 90+ countries will gather under the theme: “Africa’s Youth: Leading Collaboration, Innovation and Transformation of Food Systems”.
This year’s forum marks a pivotal moment following the African Union’s $100 billion Kampala CAADP initiative to transform agriculture. The event will focus on youth-led solutions addressing malnutrition, unemployment, and climate challenges while promoting investment in agriculture, technology, and food sovereignty.
World Class Speaker Line Up
Among the expected high-level attendees confirmed are:
• Bassirou Diomaye Faye, President of Senegal (Host)
• Dr. Mabouba Diagne – Minister of Agriculture Food Sovereignty and Livestock, Senegal
• Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete- Former President of Tanzania
• Lionel Zinsou, Former Prime Minister of Benin
• Mizengo Pinda, Former Prime Minister of Tanzania
• Mohamed Beavogui, Former Prime Minister of Guinea
These dignitaries will join ministers, public and private sector leaders, policymakers, researchers, development partners, farmers and youth champions to set a bold agenda for inclusive growth and sustainability.
These include:
Alice Ruhweza – President, AGRA
• Dr. Lawrence Haddad – Executive Director, Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition
• Lord Collins of Highbury – Minister for Africa, Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), United Kingdom
• Babafemi Oyewole – CEO, Panafrican Farmers Organisation (PAFO)
The Forum’s agenda will be structured around five core thematic pillars, each encompassing a diverse set of issues, innovations and strategies. Among the many topics that will be explored are:
• Health & Nutrition – Including efforts to combat malnutrition through approaches such as biofortified crops and expanded school feeding programs.
• Jobs for Youth & Women – With examples ranging from building skills pipelines to expanding market access, with the ambition of creating 10 million jobs by 2030.
• Financing Transformation – Covering mechanisms for mobilising capital, such as the AU’s CAADP strategy, and showcasing investment opportunities through initiatives like the Investment Room.
• Technology & Innovation – Featuring forward-looking solutions including AI in agriculture, solar-powered irrigation, and innovations from youth-led enterprises.
• Climate Resilience – Exploring nature-positive and adaptation strategies to build food systems that can withstand droughts, floods, and other climate shocks.
AFSF will also feature a Youth Innovation Competition, awarding seed funding to scalable ventures, and B2B investor matchmaking, connecting over 100 SMEs with financiers like the AfDB and IFC.
“We are thrilled to welcome high-profile speakers who will share their insights and experiences, but we are equally committed to ensuring this event is inclusive. We encourage youth across Senegal, West Africa, and the entire continent to join us, learn from these leaders, and share their own stories. Together, we can drive meaningful change and innovation in our food systems,” said Amath Pathé, Managing Director, AFSF.
