Lead Organizers: AKADEMIYA2063, Malabo Montpellier Panel, Center for Development Research (ZEF), University of Bonn
Organizing Partners: African Leadership Academy/AL for Agribusiness Network; African Development Bank (AfDB); Springboard Nigeria; MwAPATA Institute; National Youth Council of Malawi; Green Africa Youth Organization (GAYO); IAAS.
Organized under the framework of the AFS Forum, this side event will explore the necessary investments and policy innovations that are needed to successfully harness the many opportunities offered by Africa’s agrifood system for the continent’s growing youth population. Youth-led innovations are playing a critical role in improving food security and nutrition. These efforts encompass technological solutions, sustainable agricultural practices, and community-driven initiatives. Agri-food processing is a particularly lucrative sector in light of Africa’s rapid urbanization and growing middle class, which have led to changing food environments, including a rise in modern supermarkets and an increased demand for processed and ready-to-eat foods in both urban and rural areas. This increased demand can generate employment and entrepreneurial opportunities for Africa’s growing youth population in local agribusinesses. Agri-food processing is a key sector that can help to address seasonal food supply shortages, stabilize market prices, diversify markets for agricultural products, reduce postharvest losses, unlock demand for nutritious foods, and improve food safety standards.
Objectives
The side event will provide a platform for an in-depth discussion on:
1) Implications of a changing rural-urban continuum on food environments and for ensuring sustainable and healthy diets;
2) The opportunities offered by urbanization, including the role of fresh food markets, supermarkets and agri-food processing;
3) Challenges and opportunities to youth employment and entrepreneurship in agri-food systems and the agri-food processing sector;
4) Pathways to support young people to actively participate in agrifood systems transformation by showcasing successful examples of youth-driven innovations; and
5) Investment and policy options for creating employment and entrepreneurial opportunities for Africa’s youth in the agro-processing sector that safeguard food safety and healthy diets.
