The National Lead for the World Food Forum (WFF) Cameroon National Chapter, Ms. Nakita Aboya, has called for stronger investments in education, research, and mentorship to empower African youth to take a leading role in transforming agrifood systems and driving sustainable development across the continent.
Speaking at the World Food Forum Africa Side Event during the WFF Flagship Programme in Rome, Ms. Aboya emphasized that education remains one of the most powerful tools for unlocking the potential of young Africans.
“Education is the bridge between aspiration and realization,” she said, highlighting the power of learning and mentorship to equip youth with the knowledge, confidence, and leadership skills needed to create lasting impact.
Ms. Aboya noted that while Africa’s youth represent a vast reservoir of creativity and innovation, their potential often remains underutilized due to limited access to quality education, training opportunities, and mentorship networks. She stressed that bridging these gaps is key to building a generation of leaders capable of designing homegrown solutions to the continent’s food and climate challenges.
She further urged governments, private institutions, and development partners to prioritize capacity-building initiatives, research funding, and youth-focused leadership programs that foster innovation, problem-solving, and entrepreneurship within the agrifood sector.
“Empowering young people through education is not just about academic achievements, it’s about equipping them with practical skills, values, and the mindsets to lead change within their communities” she explained.
