More than 6,000 global leaders, including heads of state, ministers, investors, agripreneurs, researchers, and development partners, are expected to gather in Dakar, Senegal, this August for the 19th edition of the Africa Food Systems Forum, the organisers said on Tuesday.

The event, regarded as the world’s largest forum on agriculture and food systems, will be hosted by the Senegalese Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty, and Livestock and is scheduled to take place at the Dakar International Conference Centre from August 19 to 23, 2025.

Themed ‘Africa’s Youth: Leading Collaboration, Innovation, and Implementation of Africa’s Food Systems Transformation,’ this year’s forum will spotlight the role of young people in shaping Africa’s food security agenda.

Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty, and Livestock of Senegal, Dr. Mabouba Diagne, said the event comes at a critical moment as Africa contends with intersecting challenges, including climate change, infrastructure gaps, job creation, and the ongoing need for food system resilience.

“With nearly 60 per cent of Africa’s population under 25, youth are the most potent force shaping the continent’s future,” Dr. Diagne said. “Senegal is honoured to convene Africa’s most influential agriculture leaders and hopes this year’s forum will shape policy, investment, and innovation.”

Delegates from over 90 countries are expected, including representatives from the African Union, United Nations agencies, and major development institutions. The summit will bring together leaders from government, the private sector, academia, NGOs, media, youth networks, women’s groups, and farming communities.

Managing Director of the Africa Food Systems Forum, Amath Pathe, said the forum aims to engage young people and women as leaders and co-creators of Africa’s food transformation.

“This year’s convening is a catalyst for reaching youth and young women in Africa so we can engage them as movement builders,” Pathe said. “Six thousand voices from across the world will converge in Senegal to exchange ideas and build the future of food systems.”

Senegal, where agriculture employs nearly 69 per cent of the labour force and contributes approximately 17 per cent to GDP, has invested heavily in irrigation, storage infrastructure, and climate-resilient farming. Hosting the forum reinforces the country’s position as a leader in regional food systems transformation.

Comprehensive arrangements, including security protocols, visa facilitation, multilingual interpretation, and logistics support, are in place to ensure a smooth execution of the event.

The Africa Food Systems Forum will feature high-level discussions, knowledge exchange, and practical action plans aimed at creating sustainable food systems for the continent’s future.