Dakar, Senegal — In a powerful show of unity and ambition, more than 6,000 global food systems leaders will gather next month in Dakar for the 19th edition of the Africa Food Systems Forum (AFSF) — Africa’s largest and most influential gathering focused on agriculture and food systems. Themed “Africa’s Youth: Leading Collaboration, Innovation, and Implementation of Africa’s Food Systems Transformation,” the summit will spotlight the continent’s young changemakers as the driving force behind a more sustainable and resilient food future.
With delegates expected from over 90 countries — including Heads of State, ministers, youth agripreneurs, women leaders, researchers, and global investors — this year’s summit is poised to be a historic turning point in Africa’s food systems journey. The Government of Senegal, through its Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Livestock, will host the week-long event in the vibrant capital city of Dakar, a hub of innovation and rising agricultural promise in the Sahel region.
“With nearly 60% of Africa’s population under 25, youth are the most potent force shaping the continent’s future,” said Dr. Mabouba Diagne, Senegal’s Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Livestock. “Senegal is honoured to host this landmark event, and we are ready to elevate voices, drive partnerships, and unlock the potential of Africa’s food system leaders.”
Senegal, where agriculture employs nearly 69% of the workforce and contributes 17% to GDP, has emerged as a regional leader in agricultural innovation — from irrigation and resilient farming systems to improved storage infrastructure. Hosting AFSF 2025 underscores the country’s commitment to food sovereignty and to positioning youth at the forefront of agricultural transformation.
Youth-Led Innovation in the Spotlight
This year’s forum comes at a time when Africa is confronting multiple challenges — climate shocks, supply chain disruptions, and growing food insecurity — but also a time of opportunity. Across the continent, young entrepreneurs are creating digital platforms to connect farmers to markets, deploying AI for precision agriculture, and spearheading green-tech solutions.
“This summit will be a catalyst for engaging youth and young women as co-creators and movement builders,” said Amath Pathe, Managing Director of the Africa Food Systems Forum. “We’re expecting 6,000 diverse voices to converge in Senegal to co-design solutions and move the needle on food systems transformation.”
The 2025 edition will feature high-level dialogues, deal rooms to facilitate investment, technical workshops, innovation showcases, and platforms for policy reform and knowledge exchange. Sessions will cover critical themes including climate-smart agriculture, nutrition, market access, infrastructure, gender inclusion, and sustainable finance.
Global Partnerships and Local Impact
Organizers have confirmed participation from the African Union, United Nations agencies, leading development institutions, and global agribusiness leaders. Delegates will also include farmers’ organizations, academia, NGOs, the media, and community-based groups.
The Government of Senegal has committed to delivering a seamless, secure, and inclusive experience — complete with comprehensive visa support, translation services, logistics management, and protocol coordination.
Registration Now Open
Online registration for AFSF 2025 is now live at: https://afs-forum.org/summit/2025/
About the Africa Food Systems Forum
The Africa Food Systems Forum (AFSF) is the world’s largest platform dedicated to agriculture and food systems in Africa. It brings together a wide range of stakeholders — from policymakers and farmers to private sector actors and development partners — to take practical action, foster collaboration, and drive inclusive transformation across the continent. Since its inception in 2010, the Forum has evolved to address key issues such as climate change, youth and gender inclusion, food security, infrastructure, trade, and innovation in agriculture.
