#AGRF2020: President Kagame on how the youth can lead in elevating Africa’s delicate food systems

Rwandan President Paul Kagame recently engaged in a discussion at the youth town hall of the Africa Green Revolution Forum about how the youth can play a pivotal role in elevating Africa's delicate food systems. Kagame emphasized the importance of public infrastructure and value chains, particularly in urban food markets that are essential for ensuring prosperity in rural areas. He called on the youth to focus on innovative solutions that can transform agriculture into the cornerstone of Africa's economic growth. During the forum, President Kagame fielded questions from young Africans across the continent, highlighting their crucial role in rebuilding the continent after the global pandemic. One of the questions, posed by Nima Grace Mutemi from Nairobi, inquired about Kagame's vision for the future of Africa's food systems. Kagame outlined a vision that seeks to shift Africa from subsistence farming to a modern, knowledge-based agricultural sector that guarantees food security, nutrition, and economic value creation. He stressed the importance of private sector involvement, with the government serving as a facilitator rather than a dominant player in the market. Kagame emphasized the potential for increased profits through higher yielding and high-value agricultural products like horticulture, poultry, pork, and fisheries. Another participant, Machiri from Johannesburg, an agri-business and digital innovation expert, sought insights from President Kagame on how to collaboratively build the future of African food systems. Kagame highlighted the importance of enabling good policies, providing essential infrastructure, supporting research, and implementing social protection and emergency response measures. He mentioned Rwanda's initiatives like the Patanandois Foundation and the establishment of the Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture, which aim to promote sustainable farming practices. In his address to the youth at the forum, President Kagame underscored the need for swift and innovative action to leverage Africa's agricultural potential for economic transformation. He called upon young Africans to take the lead in driving change and reshaping the continent's food systems for a more prosperous and sustainable future. The discussion at the Africa Green Revolution Forum highlighted the critical role of the youth in driving agricultural innovation and sustainable development in Africa. With President Kagame's vision and the active participation of young Africans, the continent is poised to witness significant progress in transforming its food systems and fostering economic growth.