Policy brief
Empowering youth and ecosystem support organisations (ESOs) for agri-food systems transformation in Africa.
Abstract
This policy advocacy paper synthesises insights from a cross-country knowledge exchange initiative held alongside the Africa Food Systems Forum 2025 in Dakar, Senegal. The study tour, organised under the IYBA-SEED programme with SNV and Enabel, convened youth-led Ecosystem Support Organisations (ESOs) and young agri-food entrepreneurs from Kenya, Benin, and Senegal. Its objective was to amplify youth voices, strengthen peer learning, and co-develop policy recommendations for transforming Africa’s agri-food systems.
Key challenges identified include limited access to finance, weak entrepreneurship and agribusiness training systems, governance and data gaps, restricted market access, and policy barriers that impede youth participation. Evidence from participating countries shows that empowered ESOs supported through funding, partnerships, and recognition play a critical role in unlocking opportunities for youth enterprises and strengthening local food systems. The paper presents actionable recommendations across five priority areas: finance and investment, education and capacity development, governance and data, markets and value chains, and enabling policy environments. These insights call for coordinated, youth-centred, and ecosystem-driven approaches to accelerate agri-food systems transformation in Africa.
Donors & Partners
Enabel (Belgian agency for international cooperation)
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