Youth Take Center Stage in Dialogue on Africa’s Food Future in Kigali

The conversation, titled “Who Gets to Shape Africa’s Food Future?”, was hosted by AGRA in partnership with Global Citizen on the sidelines of MoveAfrika. The dialogue took place at Select Boutique Hotel & Restaurant, where a small group of young entrepreneurs and ecosystem actors engaged directly with policymakers on opportunities within Africa’s agri-food sector.

Minister calls for stronger youth engagement in agriculture

During the discussion, Rwanda’s Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources Dr.Telesphore Ndabamenye challenged young people to view agriculture not only as farming, but as a strategic pathway to wealth creation and employment.

“You cannot market what you do not have,” the minister said, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing food production before focusing on profits. “In the food systems journey, we must first secure food. From food comes cash, and from cash come jobs.”

He also urged young entrepreneurs to take a more proactive role in agriculture rather than waiting for opportunities.

“Don’t be lazy in the food systems journey,” he told participants. “Ask yourself: how friendly are you with agriculture? Wherever you are today, try to see how you can shift and contribute to the food system.”

Dr. Ndabamenye highlighted the role of development partners, particularly AGRA and the Mastercard Foundation, in creating opportunities for youth, while stressing that young people themselves must take the lead.

“Partners such as AGRA and the Mastercard Foundation are already supporting youth initiatives, but young people must also step forward and play a bigger role. We want youth to help us produce healthy foods for our populations. When food systems are strong, the economy becomes stronger.”

Global Citizen highlights the importance of listening to youth

Speaking during the event, Ifeoma Chuks-Adizue, Managing Director for Africa at Global Citizen, said the dialogue created an important platform for young people to share their experiences and perspectives in the agricultural sector.

“It was a very good event. I really liked the interactions by young people. I continue to see that the choices they make shape the future not only for them, but also for Rwanda and Africa as a continent,” she said.

She emphasized the need for organizations working in the sector to better understand the challenges faced by young entrepreneurs.

“We need to understand what challenges they face as Global Citizen and as AGRA so that we can help them achieve their goals,” she added.

Chuks-Adizue noted that Global Citizen is working with AGRA through a grant focused on addressing food and nutrition challenges.

“One big issue is food and nutrition, which is a focus area of AGRA. Within Global Citizen, one of our focus areas this year is jobs. This event was organized to create an open and honest conversation among young people who are already doing great work within the agriculture space,” she said.

AGRA highlights youth innovation and ecosystems

During the dialogue, AGRA’s Director for Gender, Youth and Inclusiveness, Nana Yaa Boakyewaa Amoah, emphasized that empowering youth is central to transforming Africa’s food systems.

“We want to bring more young people on board in shaping Africa’s food future,” she said. “Young people are not just beneficiaries — they are innovators, entrepreneurs and leaders in the food system.”

She added that AGRA is working to strengthen the ecosystem supporting youth-led agribusinesses by collaborating with governments and financial institutions.
“If young entrepreneurs are given the right environment, they can transform food systems across the continent,” she said.

Youth entrepreneurs share experiences

Participants also reflected on the importance of creating more opportunities for youth in agriculture.

Lydia Murekatete from All Greens described the session as motivating and action-oriented.

“Don’t just talk about it, be about it,” she said. “The session was engaging and inspirational.”

Meanwhile, Evariste Sibobugingo, co-founder of Igisubizo Ltd, said the dialogue helped young entrepreneurs gain confidence and exchange ideas.

“This dialogue builds our confidence, opens our minds and allows us to share experiences with other young people,” he said.

The dialogue forms part of broader efforts by AGRA and Global Citizen to position youth at the center of Africa’s agricultural transformation, recognizing the sector’s potential to drive jobs, innovation and economic growth across the continent.