Youth-Focused Legacy Programme
Dakar, Senegal – May 9, 2025 – Senegal today marked a significant step towards agricultural transformation with the launch of its groundbreaking Community Agricultural Cooperative (CAC) program. This initiative, the first flagship legacy program of the Africa Food Systems Forum (AFS Forum) 2025, was unveiled during the official Forum launch event held at the prestigious Grand Théâtre de Dakar, signaling a strong commitment to youth-driven and community-led agricultural advancement across the continent.
Spearheaded by Senegal’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty, and Livestock, the CAC program is strategically designed to bolster local agricultural ecosystems through the implementation of scalable cooperative models. These models will prioritize crucial aspects such as food sovereignty, inclusive economic growth, and technological innovation within the agricultural sector. The CAC program’s framework and anticipated impact will be further highlighted during the full Africa Food Systems Forum convening later this year.
The launch event in Dakar served as the official commencement of preparations for the AFS Forum 2025, which will culminate in the main summit scheduled to take place in Dakar, Senegal, from August 29th to September 5th, 2025. The event was jointly presided over by two prominent figures: His Excellency Ousmane Sonko, the Prime Minister of Senegal, and His Excellency Hailemariam Desalegn, the Chair of the Africa Food Systems Forum and former Prime Minister of Ethiopia.
In his address, H.E. Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko articulated Senegal’s vision for self-driven transformation: “We are determined to demonstrate that genuine transformation can originate from within our own borders. Senegal is not adhering to externally imposed blueprints. Our focus is on investing in our people, our own innovative solutions, and our own future. The CAC program exemplifies our commitment to translating our belief in local ingenuity into tangible action. This is how Africa’s next chapter will be authored – by Africans, for Africa.”
Empowering Youth at the Forefront of Africa’s Food Systems Transformation
The pivotal role of youth leadership in shaping the future of Africa’s food systems was a central theme of the AFS Forum launch. A young Senegalese innovator presented their forward-looking “Vision 2050,” which was followed by a dynamic, youth-moderated high-level dialogue. This engaging discussion involved ministers and other influential leaders, focusing on the critical need for investment in integrated agri-food systems. Senegal, boasting one of the youngest populations and governments globally, is strategically positioning itself as a driving force for continental renewal and innovation in this vital sector.
Dr. Mabouba Diagne, Senegal’s Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty, and Livestock, underscored both the urgency and the immense opportunities that lie ahead: “For Senegal, the Community Agricultural Cooperative represents a crucial step in our broader journey towards achieving genuine sovereignty over our food systems. We are a nation with one of the youngest populations in the world. Our young people – the aspiring agripreneurs and the digital pioneers – are not just the future; they are ready to lead the way. Hosting the Africa Food Systems Forum and launching a legacy initiative that they can take pride in is fundamentally about creating futures built on resilience, dignity, and innovation.”
Strong Political Leadership and Strategic Investment Mobilization
Senegal’s selection as the host nation for the Africa Food Systems Forum was a unanimous decision following a rigorous three-month evaluation process. The country’s forward-thinking agricultural strategies and its ambitious Vision 2050 initiative were বিশেষভাবে recognized for their leadership in advancing food and nutrition security, with a particular emphasis on the meaningful engagement of young people and women within agri-food systems.
The launch event culminated in a high-level panel discussion featuring H.E. Ousmane Sonko and H.E. Hailemariam Desalegn. The panel explored effective strategies for mobilizing domestic resources to accelerate the achievement of food sovereignty, which in turn is crucial for driving transformative change across Africa’s food systems.
Now entering its 15th year, the Africa Food Systems Forum stands as the continent’s premier platform dedicated to advancing inclusive and sustainable food systems solutions. The Forum annually attracts over 6,000 delegates from across the globe. Past editions have served as catalysts for multi-million-dollar investment deals, significant policy reforms, and impactful collaborations that continue to shape the trajectory of Africa’s agricultural landscape. Notably, in 2024, African governments collectively sought USD $13.5 billion in investment to support their country-led flagship policy initiatives aimed at strengthening their food systems.
Mr. Amath Pathe Sene, the Managing Director of the Africa Food Systems Forum, emphasized the high stakes and the significant opportunities presented by the upcoming Forum: “Across our continent, every single day, young farmers, dynamic entrepreneurs, and innovative technologists are redefining the boundaries of what is possible in agriculture. Dakar 2025 will serve as a powerful catalyst for action, driven by the immense energy and boundless creativity of Africa’s youth. They are actively building the food systems of tomorrow, and it is our collective responsibility to provide them with unwavering support and resources.”
The 2025 edition of the Africa Food Systems Forum is poised to build upon this impressive legacy, offering a unique and vital convening space for heads of state, government ministers, leading scientists, visionary entrepreneurs, dedicated farmers, groundbreaking youth innovators, key private sector actors, influential civil society organizations, and committed development partners. Together, these stakeholders will share progress, identify critical gaps, and forge concrete commitments to action, all aimed at accelerating the transformation of Africa’s food systems for a more secure and prosperous future.
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