The vibrant city of Dakar was the epicenter of a continental transformation this week as it hosted the landmark Africa Food Systems Forum (AFSF) 2025 Summit from September 1st to 5th. Under the theme, “Africa’s Youth: Leading Collaboration, Innovation, and Implementation of Agri-food Systems Transformation,” the summit established a new precedent by placing young people at the very heart of the continent’s food security and nutritional future.

The Southern Africa Youth Forum (SAYoF), a leading voice for regional youth development, was a pivotal presence at this prestigious gathering. Far from mere attendees, SAYoF representatives served as active architects of change, building upon their foundational work in the #Youth4Nutrition Initiative, a strategic collaboration with AUDA-NEPAD.

The summit was officially inaugurated by His Excellency President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal, who set a compelling tone by emphasizing the non-negotiable role of youth in driving agricultural innovation and sustainability. The opening ceremony was graced by the esteemed presence of His Excellency Paul Kagame, President of Rwanda, and His Excellency Hailemariam Dessalegn, former Prime Minister of Ethiopia and Chair of the AFS Summit Board. Their unified message was clear: the future of Africa’s food systems is young, digital, and deeply collaborative.

SAYoF’s participation marked a significant milestone in a strategic journey that began four years ago. Following initial planning in Ghana, the #Youth4Nutrition Initiative was formally launched during the 14th ADFNS and 19th CAADP in Lusaka, Zambia, in 2023. Since then, this AUDA-NEPAD and SAYoF partnership has waged a relentless campaign to promote critical nutrition investments across the continent.