More than 6,000 participants from around the world—including heads of state, policymakers, investors, agripreneurs, researchers, and development partners—will converge in Dakar, Senegal, this August for the 19th Africa Food Systems Forum, the largest global platform dedicated to agricultural and food systems development.
Scheduled to take place from August 19 to 23, 2025, at the Dakar International Conference Centre, the forum is being hosted by Senegal’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty, and Livestock.
This year’s theme, “Africa’s Youth: Leading Collaboration, Innovation, and Implementation of Africa’s Food Systems Transformation,” places young people at the center of Africa’s efforts to secure a sustainable food future.
Dr. Mabouba Diagne, Senegal’s Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty, and Livestock, emphasized the significance of youth in reshaping the continent’s food landscape amid pressing challenges.
Dr. Diagne said: “With nearly 60 per cent of Africa’s population under 25, youth are the most potent force shaping the continent’s future.
“Senegal is honoured to convene Africa’s most influential agriculture leaders and hopes this year’s forum will shape policy, investment, and innovation.”
Delegations from more than 90 countries are expected, including representatives from the African Union, United Nations agencies, and global development organisations.
Stakeholders from across government, academia, civil society, private enterprise, youth and women’s groups, and farming communities will participate in high-level dialogues and knowledge exchanges.
According to Amath Pathe, Managing Director of the Africa Food Systems Forum, this year’s gathering presents an unprecedented opportunity to place youth and women at the helm of the continent’s food transformation journey.
“This year’s convening is a catalyst for reaching youth and young women in Africa so we can engage them as movement builders,” said Pathe.
“Six thousand voices from across the world will converge in Senegal to exchange ideas and build the future of food systems.”
Senegal, where agriculture employs nearly 69 per cent of the labour force and contributes around 17 per cent to the national GDP, has made substantial investments in irrigation, post-harvest infrastructure, and climate-smart agriculture.
Hosting the forum further cements its leadership in advancing food system resilience and innovation across Africa.
Organisers say detailed arrangements are underway to ensure a seamless event, including enhanced security, visa support, multilingual interpretation, and efficient logistics.
