Africa Food Systems Forum 2025:

Africa’s youth take the lead in regenerating food systems – with vegetables at the heart of the action

Africa’s young agricultural entrepreneurs are not waiting for change – they are building it from the ground up – with agroecological approaches to vegetable production playing a central role. That will be the focus of a special World Vegetable Center (WorldVeg), SNV and IKEA Foundation-hosted side event at the forthcoming Africa Food Systems Forum 2025. 

The side event will showcase the role of safe and sustainable vegetable production in transforming livelihoods in the continent. It will feature youth-led agroecological enterprises that are already delivering climate resilience, nutritious food, and better incomes across Africa.

Regenerating Africa: How Young Agripreneurs are Leading Food Systems Transformation through Agroecology for People and Planet will take place on 3rd September at the week-long Forum in Dakar, Senegal. 

“Africa is home to the world’s youngest population and their choices will determine the continent’s – and the planet’s – food future,” said Gabriel Rugalema, Deputy Director General of WorldVeg and the Center’s Regional Director for Africa. 

“By championing agroecology and its role in supporting healthy vegetable production, these youth are demonstrating that sustainable farming is not only possible but also scalable, profitable, resilient, environmentally friendly, and equitable. These are the kinds of successes we should not just be talking about – but shouting about!”

Agroecology in Action

With an opening keynote from WorldVeg Director General Marco Wopereis, the interactive side event will bring forward real-world case studies and voices from the field, showing how African youth and women are using agroecology to tackle climate challenges, regenerate soils, and build circular, inclusive rural economies with vegetables at the core. 

These include the exciting role of Vegetable Business Networks (VBNs) – farmer-led groups link growers with buyers, suppliers, finance, and training enabling small farms to act like one business. In East Africa, WorldVeg and partners have formed VBNs to support farmers with regenerative farming, market negotiation, and credit access. Through the SafeVeg project, WorldVeg and the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) has also piloted more that 200 VBNs in Benin, Burkina Faso, and Mali.

The side event will invite a diverse range of young agripreneurs across gender, geographic regions, and enterprise size, including marginalized voices such as indigenous youth and those with disabilities. Speakers and participants will reflect varied agroecological contexts and practices, with interactive dialogues ensuring all voices are heard and valued. Nico Janssen, Programme Manager, Agricultural Livelihoods, IKEA Foundation will provide a Call to Action.

Key discussions will explore:

  • Policy and investment pathways to unlock youth-led agroecological businesses.
  • Innovations and traditional knowledge driving healthier soils and communities.
  • Collaborations and partnerships that can scale these efforts across the continent.

The session aims to:

  • Elevate youth voices into global food systems policy debates.
  • Inspire new partnerships and funding flows into youth-led enterprises.
  • Demonstrate agroecology’s potential as a systemic alternative to industrial agriculture.

Further Details:

  • Title: Regenerating Africa: How Young Agripreneurs are Leading Food Systems Transformation through Agroecology for People and Planet
  • Thematic session: Sustainable production
  • Date: 3rd September 2025
  • Time: 12:00-13:30
  • Location: Venue A – Thematic Hall; CICAD & Diamniadio Expo Center, Dakar, Senegal
  • Organizers: World Vegetable Center, SNV, and IKEA Foundation
  • Format: Keynote + two interactive panel discussions with policymakers, investors, experts, and youth agripreneurs
  • Access: Open event

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