Dakar has welcomed nearly 6,000 stakeholders from across the agri-food sector for the 19th edition of the African Forum on Food Systems (AFS Forum), which opened on Sunday, August 31, 2025.
Chaired by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, the forum runs until September 5, placing African youth at the centre of discussions on agricultural innovation and food security.
Formerly known as AGRF, the AFS Forum has evolved into a leading global platform for policy, knowledge, and investment in African agriculture.
This year’s theme, “African Youth: Spearheading Collaboration, Innovation and Transformation of Agri-Food Systems,” underscores the continent’s ambition to harness young people as drivers of sustainable agricultural growth.
Over five days, participants will explore public policy, investment strategies, and agribusiness development.
The summit aligns with the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) 2026–2035, designed to strengthen food security, resilience, and economic opportunities across the continent.
The forum also provides a platform for launching new policy initiatives and financial instruments, as well as showcasing scientific and technical innovations aimed at accelerating the transformation of African agriculture.
A strong political dimension frames the event. Hosted at the Abdou Diouf International Conference Centre (CICAD) in Diamniadio, the opening ceremony welcomed several heads of state and institutional leaders, including Rwandan President Paul Kagame, who was received by President Diomaye Faye.
Their presence reflects the forum’s strategic importance in shaping continental agricultural policy and investment.
Youth and women are central to the discussions, with dedicated networking spaces promoting partnerships, funding mobilization, and job creation.
An official Gala Dinner and the presentation of the African Food Prize, sponsored by former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete, will recognise initiatives that have significantly contributed to transforming agriculture into a prosperous and sustainable sector.
For the coming week, Dakar becomes the global hub for debates on the future of African food systems, demonstrating the continent’s commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and agricultural transformation.
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