The opening ceremony of the Africa Food Systems Forum (AFSF) 2025 was graced by a pantheon of dignitaries, from heads of state to representatives of global development organizations.
As part of the opening conversations, Dr. Paulin Basinga, the Africa Director for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, shared a message that was a clear endorsement of the work being done on the ground and a strong vote of confidence in the next generation of African leaders.
Dr. Basinga highlighted a powerful demographic reality: the number of young people in Africa is projected to increase by a staggering 55% by 2050. This surge, he argued, presents not a challenge, but a monumental opportunity to create well-paying jobs and pull millions out of poverty. He stressed that investing in agri-food systems is a strategic way to capitalize on this demographic dividend. In his address, he lauded the vital work of organizations like AGRA, which, along with its partners, is equipping young entrepreneurs with the tools they need to succeed in the modern agricultural landscape.
He shared an example of the impact of these initiatives. He spoke of young participants in these programs who are now earning up to seven times the national minimum wage.
“This is what true transformation looks like,” he said, emphasizing that the goal is not just about increasing crop yields, but about creating equity and building sustainable livelihoods that change lives and communities. He also touched on the critical role of technology, citing examples of smallholder farmers adopting digital platforms that provide real-time data on weather forecasts and fertilizer usage, making farming more efficient and profitable.
The Gates Foundation director made it clear that their commitment lies in supporting African leadership in this journey.
He emphasized the need for all stakeholders, from governments and philanthropists to the private sector, to work together to remove barriers and scale up effective solutions. He noted that the Gates Foundation’s resources are directed toward supporting a transformation that is not only robust but also sustainable and equitable, ensuring that every dollar invested goes as far as possible through collaboration and innovation.
Dr. Basinga’s speech served as a strong and final message of the opening ceremony. He called on leaders and policymakers to place youth at the center of their development strategies, arguing that when you empower the young generation, you secure the continent’s future.
He reaffirmed the strong and enduring partnership with AGRA and praised the organization’s relentless efforts and its deep roots within the continent’s agricultural landscape.
Their collaboration, he stressed, is a model for how global organizations and African-led initiatives can work together to achieve large-scale transformation.
He asserted that with such partnerships, a prosperous and food-secure Africa is a possible reality.
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