As Africa faces a severe hunger crisis with over 307 million people affected, the upcoming Africa Food Systems Forum (AFSF) in Dakar will spotlight youth-led innovations as a key solution. The forum, themed “Africa’s Youth: Leading Collaboration, Innovation and Implementation of Agri-Food Systems Transformation,” recognizes the crucial role of young Africans in transforming food and nutrition security.

• Over 307 million people in Africa are currently experiencing hunger.
• Kenyan innovators, including Carolyn Mwangi (founder of Kimplanter Seedlings and Nurseries) and Maryanne Gichanga (co-founder of AgriTech Analytics), received top honors at the AYuTe NextGen competition.
• Heifer International’s AYuTe NextGen platform has mobilized over $11 million (Sh1.43 billion) in investments since 2021, supporting nearly 100 youth-led agri-tech businesses and reaching 3.5 million smallholder farmers.