01/09/2026
🌍 African Youth Unite to Transform Agrifood Systems
The Africa Regional Youth Summit concluded with two landmark achievements: the development of the Youth in Agroecology Engagement Strategy for CAADP and the formation of the Continental Youth Caucus in Agroecology.
The seven-member Caucus will oversee implementation of the strategy and champion meaningful youth participation across Africa. Its leadership includes a President, Vice President, Secretary-General and Regional Coordinators representing the continent’s Regional Economic Communities.
Reflecting on CAADP’s journey from Maputo to Malabo and Kampala, summit delegates reaffirmed that young people are not merely beneficiaries of agricultural development,they are innovators, entrepreneurs and policy actors driving sustainable and inclusive agrifood systems.
The youth declared that they will no longer wait to be invited into decision-making spaces. Now organized as a continental network, they will advocate for meaningful inclusion in implementing CAADP Kampala Commitment IV, which seeks to empower at least 30% of youth in agrifood systems by 2035.
Mr. Haile Abebe of the African Union Commission challenged young agroecology entrepreneurs to create their own platforms and boldly occupy available spaces.
“To transform Africa’s food systems, young people must remain visible, organized and ready to deliver practical solutions.”
The future of Africa’s agrifood systems is young, organized and ready to act. 🌱✊🏾