Regenerating Africa: How Young Agripreneurs are Leading Food Systems Transformation through Agroecology for People and Planet

03.09.2025

AFSF, Dakar

Regenerating Africa: How are young agripreneurs are leading food systems transformation through agroecology for people and planet? This thematic session will highlight the role of African youth agripreneurs in advancing agroecology as a transformative pathway for sustainable food systems. Through an interactive dialogue format, real-world case studies, and cross-sectoral engagement, the session will demonstrate how agroecological principles—diversification, soil regeneration, circular economies, and local governance—are being put into action by young innovators. It will also unpack the enabling conditions needed—such as policy alignment, access to finance, and knowledge networks—to mainstream youth-led agroecological solutions across the continent.

Participants

Moderator:

Dr. Susan Chomba, Director of Vital Landscapes for Africa, World Resources Institute

Opening and Keynote

Dr. Marco Wopereis, Director General, WorldVeg

3 Pitches (policy, investment, youth)

Ms. Crescentia Mushobozi, Founder & CEO, MbeguNzuri BiotechFarms

Mr. Freddy Bob-Jones, Managing Director, Aceli Africa

Mr. Ajuna Tadeo, Country Representative, YPARD

2 Panel Discussions and Q&A

Mr. Oliver Oliveros, Executive Coordinator, Agroecology Coalition

Ms. Manei Naanyu, Head of Programmes, PELUM Kenya

Dr. Ginya Truitt Nakata, Global Director – Agriculture and Food Systems Policy, The

Nature Conservancy

Dr. Kaushik Majumdar, Director General, African Plant Nutrition Institute (APNI)

Ms. Kagwiria Koome, Manager – Food Initiative, Rockefeller Foundation

Ms. Dongxin Feng, Director, Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture

Mr. Ibrahima Sow, Special Advisor on Environment, Cabinet of the SenegalesePresidency

Call to Action

Mr. Nico Janssen, Programme Manager, Agricultural Livelihoods, IKEA Foundation

Closing Remarks

Mr. Juan Lucas Restrepo, Director General, Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT

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