Board chairman of AGRA and former Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Dessalegn says the future of Africa’s food systems depends on the youth of the continent.

Speaking at the launch of the Africa Food Systems Forum in Dakar, Senegal, he said the youth are already doing great things in Africa’s agriculture and efforts to make Africa food secure will largely be shaped by them.

"Young Africans constitute about 42% of the global youth population. Their creativity, energy and innovation are key to the future of African food systems.

"Young people are already farming, building and innovating. African food systems don’t just depend on the youth, they belong to them," he observed.

“We have already seen the transformative power of African innovation from digital marketplaces in Nigeria and the mobile regulation systems in Kenya to drone-supported seed plantings in Rwanda.

All these are the best examples that can be emulated. Now is the time to scale while investing in the young talent and technologies that power them,” he added.

Prime Minister Dessalegn said that because the youth are so critical to Africa’s food systems, there is a need to ensure policies in the agricultural sector are driven by the needs and desires of young people.

“Africa's youth are the driving force behind the food systems transformation. That's why we want to ensure their voices are embedded in every policy conversation,” he said.

The Africa Food Systems Forum, previously known as the Africa Green Revolution Forum, has established itself as the leading platform on the continent for promoting inclusive and sustainable food systems, drawing about 6,000 participants annually.

Over the years, the Forum has driven major investment agreements, significant policy reforms, and transformative partnerships that continue to influence Africa’s agricultural future.

In 2024, African governments jointly pursued $13.5 billion in investments to boost national flagship initiatives designed to strengthen food systems.

This year’s forum will be held between August 31, and September 5, 2025.

Prime Minister Dessalegn disclosed that the theme for this year’s forum will be: “Africa’s Youth Leading Collaboration, Innovation, and Implementation of Agri-Food Systems Transformation.”

Amath Pathe Sene, Managing Director of the Africa Food Systems Forum, said the 2025 edition’s focus on the youth comes at a crucial time when young farmers, tech innovators, and entrepreneurs are reshaping what is achievable in food systems across Africa.

He said the 2025 event will be a pivotal moment, powered by the creativity and energy of Africa’s youth.

According to him, supporting the youthful generation with modernised agricultural tools is a shared responsibility that requires unwavering commitment and resources.

"Agriculture isn't just about politics - it's about equipment, services, and products. We're talking about processing, but also about attracting young people… and it needs to be modernised to attract more young people and women,” he said.

“The goal is to feed our continent, feed our people, but also to create jobs for young people and women,” he added.

Dr. Mabouba Diagne, Senegal’s Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty, and Livestock, said Senegal will work to make this year’s Africa Food Systems forum a memorable one.

He added that agriculture is the foundation upon which Africa’s future prosperity, food security, and sustainable development depend, and investment in the sector will directly benefit everyone on the continent.

“Agriculture is the backbone of our future in Africa,” he noted.