Thousands of people across Africa are set to benefit from better jobs, stronger rural economies, and healthier environments as young people take the lead in transforming the continent’s food systems.
These ambitions will be in sharp focus at the Africa Food Systems Forum (AFSF) 2025, taking place from 31 August to 5 September in Dakar, Senegal, and Practical Action’s participation will help turn them into reality.
Akinyi Walender, Practical Action’s Africa Director, said:
“We believe agriculture can be a powerful driver of opportunity for Africa’s young people. Our experience shows that when youth are equipped with the right skills, opportunities, and enabling environments, and when diverse stakeholders come together in genuine partnership, we can co-create solutions that are locally led, inclusive, and sustainable.”
AFSF 2025 is Africa’s largest gathering dedicated to shaping sustainable, inclusive, and resilient food systems. This year’s theme, “Africa’s Youth: Leading Collaboration, Innovation, and the Implementation of Agri-Food Systems Transformation,” comes at a critical time.
Across Africa, the youth population is booming, yet millions face limited opportunities and the challenges of a changing climate.
At the forum, Practical Action will showcase its Resilient Agriculture that Works for Young People project in Western Kenya.
This initiative is already transforming the future for 100,000 young people by opening access to land, finance, markets, and training. It demonstrates how youth-led agribusiness can regenerate degraded land, boost incomes, and build climate resilience.
The ambitions of AFSF 2025 are to create sustainable livelihoods, enable inclusive economic growth, and build climate-resilient food systems, which directly align with Practical Action’s mission to put people and the planet first.
By sharing proven approaches and working alongside governments, businesses, development agencies, and young innovators, Practical Action aims to scale up solutions that can be replicated across the continent.
Practical Action has a long-standing tradition for championing farming methods that care for the planet, restore the health of the land, and adapt to the changing climate, while uniting diverse partners to deliver lasting change.
Our active participation at AFSF 2025 will help shape policies, partnerships, and investments that deliver transformative benefits for communities across Africa.
If you are attending AFSF 2025 or would like to connect with us around our work, please reach out to:
Shyvonne Henry
Africa Partnerships & Strategic Initiatives Lead
