World Food Forum (WFF) Senegal National Chapter Lead, Sahko Ibrahim has stated that financing and training are essential in empowering young Africans for food systems transformation in Africa.
Speaking at the World Food Forum Africa Side Event during the WFF Flagship Programme in Rome, Mr. Sahko highlighted the need for young Africans to access financing to aid in developing innovative agrifood projects, creating jobs and transforming food systems. “Young people must be able to access specific financing to develop innovative agrifood projects, thus promoting sustainable job creation and food systems transformation.”
According to him, governments, the private sector, and development partners, must be in the scene to extend a helping hand with reduced risks to encourage entrepreneurship and youth engagements in vital issues such as food. Mr. Sahko believes that this component addresses the challenge of SDG 8 and contributes to achieving Aspiration 1 of Agenda 2063, which aims for inclusive growth through agriculture.
Mr. Sahko conveyed that not only would financing help in this regard but for young people to have an effective impact, investments must also be made in training, mentoring, and access to digital technologies. “Training young leaders in policy development and advocacy, strengthening their technical and strategic skills, and facilitating the exchange of best practices are essential levers for informed and relevant participation. This strategy aligns with both SDG 4 (quality education) and SDG 17 (partnerships) and prepares young people to address the challenges of sustainable food systems, in line with Agenda 2063” he added.
