Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye will chair the official opening of the African Food Systems Forum (AFS Forum) 2025 on Monday, following his welcome of Rwandan President Paul Kagame to Dakar on Sunday.
The forum, which began preparatory sessions on August 31 at the Abdou Diouf International Conference Center and the Diamniadio Exhibition Center, runs until September 5 under the theme “African Youth: Spearheading Collaboration, Innovation, and the Transformation of Agri-Food Systems.” Around 6,000 participants, including heads of state, policymakers, private sector leaders, farmers’ organizations, and development partners, are gathering to address food security and climate challenges while advancing the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) 2026–2035.
The event features country and sector-specific discussions, high-level panels, an exhibition of agri-food innovations, and a “Dealroom” showcasing projects by emerging entrepreneurs.
A major highlight is the presentation of the African Food Prize, sponsored by former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete.
Senegal is using the platform to promote its National Food Security Strategy 2026–2035, with President Faye emphasizing youth and agriculture—key contributors to nearly 15% of the country’s GDP—as drivers of development.
Supported by 36 partners including AGRA, the African Union, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the USDA, the IKEA Foundation, IDRC Canada, and McKinsey, the forum is positioned as a strategic platform for transforming Africa’s food systems.
