Let's explore the untapped potential in agriculture by hearing directly from young voices who are making a difference. Our guests, Sharon Akanyana, founder of Ishyo Foods, and Sangwa Sifa, a passionate young farmer, will share insights, challenges, and valuable tips to empower youth and women in Rwanda and throughout Africa eager to drive change in agriculture. Join this empowering conversation as Cynta Bonuke leads a deep dive into learning, growing, and sparking change from the ground up.

This episode focuses on one of the most pressing topics from this year’s Africa Food Systems Forum: strategies for fostering enabling policy environments for food systems transformation. Our conversation today features Dexter Tangocci, Director & Co-founder of Integrated Aerial Systems. He is joined by Mrs Marie Claire Kalihangabo, coordinator of the Africa Fertilizer Financing Mechanism at the African Development Bank. She shares key insights into how financing models, policy advocacy, and trade guarantees are reshaping the agricultural landscape for Africa’s smallholder farmers. Financing is pivotal in transforming agricultural productivity, especially for smallholder farmers who form the backbone of Africa's food supply.

Together, they explore the financing gaps, the hurdles to scaling fertilizer access, and the strategies for unlocking Africa’s potential to feed itself and the world. The discussion will shed light on how organizations like the Africa Fertilizer Financing Mechanism (AFFM) are tackling barriers and pioneering solutions to build sustainable food systems in Africa.

What is the role of youth and women in accelerating food systems transformation?

In this episode, Reem Metwally Nafea, co-founder of Biomasr Ltd, hosts a discussion with Jean Muthamia-Mwenda, Global Lead for Youth Employment at SNV. Together, they explore the roles of youth and women in Africa’s food systems.

Jean shares valuable insights on empowering Africa’s youth and women to drive this transformation. From tackling the unique challenges of climate change to opening up markets and access to sustainable, climate-friendly practices, Jean highlights how SNV’s initiatives are breaking down barriers for young entrepreneurs and enabling lasting economic growth across the continent.

As we explore the Forum’s 2024 theme, “Innovate, Accelerate, and Scale: Delivering Food Systems Transformation in a Digital and Climate Era,” Jean shares practical strategies to address climate resilience, economic equity, and sustainable food systems. SNV’s initiatives are helping African communities lead the way toward a secure, sustainable food future by fostering partnerships, scaling effective solutions, and nurturing entrepreneurial skills.