Youth leaders engage African heads of states in AFS Forum 2024, focus on jobs and innovation in food systems

By Elias HAKIZIMANA.

On the closing day of the Africa Food Systems Forum (AFS) 2024, on September 7, 2024 in Kigali, a unique plenary session brought together young African Agri-food leaders and high-level statesmen to discuss critical pathways for youth involvement in the continent’s food systems.

The panel, moderated by His Excellency Hailemariam Dessalegn, Former Prime Minister of Ethiopia and Chair of AGRF Partners’ Group, featured key voices such as Mr. Fred Swaniker, CEO of African Leadership Group (Ghana); Ms. Marie Ange Mukagahima, Managing Director of Zima Health Group (Rwanda); and Ms. Meron Sileshi Mekonnen, Director of Marketer’s Academy (Ethiopia).

During the vibrant exchange, the youth leaders raised essential questions about the future of Africa’s food systems, particularly focusing on how AFS Forum partners can support young people in finding sustainable employment and driving innovations within the agri-food sector.

Fred Swaniker posed a direct question to H.E. Hailemariam, asking, “What concrete measures are being implemented to make the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) more accessible to youth and facilitate the free flow of people and goods across borders?”

H.E. Hailemariam acknowledged that while AfCFTA is a landmark decision, its slow implementation, hampered by non-tariff barriers and inadequate infrastructure, remains a challenge.

He stressed the need for youth advocacy, urging them to demand action from governments and to organize their voices to influence policy change. “We need to break the bureaucratic hurdles impeding progress and ensure policy prescriptions are implemented,” he said.

Meron Sileshi Mekonnen from Ethiopia further expanded the conversation, asking how African innovations could receive the necessary funding, infrastructure, and policy support to scale and remain within the continent. She also inquired about the role of the private sector in fostering local innovation.

In response, H.E. Hailemariam emphasized the critical importance of creating a conducive environment for innovations to thrive within Africa. “Our youth are creative and innovative, but we need to ensure they can scale their innovations here. Infrastructure, policy, and awareness are key issues that we must address,” he said.

The lively session underscored the need for continued collaboration between governments, regional bodies, and the private sector to unlock opportunities for young Africans in the food systems sector.

The dialogue concluded with a shared commitment to support Africa’s young innovators and entrepreneurs, ensuring that their contributions benefit the continent’s food security and economic growth.

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