Generation Africa

AGRA Fueling the Growth of Youth Agripreneurs in Mali! Following the youth convening in #Mali earlier this week, we had the privilege of visiting Fily Keita, the visionary founder of AGRO Women—a rising agribusiness transforming Mali’s sesame seed value chain. What began as a small initiative producing sesame oil has steadily expanded into a thriving enterprise that is creating jobs and empowering women. Today, Agro Women Africa offers: ✅ Refined sesame seeds for health-conscious consumers ✅ Sesame flour as a nutritious baking & cooking alternative ✅ Sesame-based spices to enhance local cuisine ✅ Sesame waste recycling, supplying byproducts for animal feed Fily’s journey gained momentum in 2021 when she participated in the GoGettaz competition, unlocking mentorship and business growth opportunities. A turning point came with the $9,000 Women-to-Women grant from Value4Her, which helped her refine her business model and expand her market reach. Her participation in the Generation Africa Fellowship program provided tailored coaching, capacity building, and skills development, preparing her for the next leap. In 2024, she secured the $15,000 YEGRO grant through YEFFA, a catalytic fund that propelled AGRO Women’s growth: 🌾 Trained 150 women in sesame processing & agribusiness 🤝 Integrated 20 women-led cooperatives into its supply network 🛒 Secured supply contracts with 10 retail shops & supermarkets in Bamako 💼 Expanded from 3 to 6 full-time employees + 4 wage staff ⚙️ Upgraded processing equipment for greater efficiency & product quality 🚛 Acquired a tricycle to streamline transportation of raw materials & finished goods With growing demand for AGRO Women’s products, Fily is now working toward official certification to unlock regional market opportunities. To scale further and meet demand, access to more working capital will be key. Fily’s journey demonstrates the power of small catalytic investments, mentorship, and strategic support in fueling youth-led agribusinesses—one step at a time! Sophie Nabuliri Patrick Githinji Nana Yaa Boakyewaa Amoah Alice Ruhweza Aggie Asiimwe Konde Henry Lagat

In a landmark initiative, Malawi's Minister of Finance, through the National Youth Council of Malawi (NYCOM), has handed over a $60,000 grant to 18 cooperatives. Notably, 50% of these beneficiaries are youth groups mobilized through the YEFFA program. This marks the first time NYCOM has disbursed small grants to youth groups, symbolizing a significant milestone for the future of Malawi's young population. AGRA Eluphy B Nyirenda National Youth Council of Malawi Valentine Miheso Mcloud Chirwa Kayira

COP29 Azerbaijan matters greatly for the youth in #foodsystems for several reasons. This year's #COP29 provides a platform for young people to actively participate in global climate discussions and building from the #COP28 UAE Food Systems Declaration. Youth voices and perspectives are crucial in shaping policies and actions that will impact their future. The UAE Food Systems Declaration emphasizes the need for sustainable food systems, which is essential for addressing climate change. Youth involvement is key to driving innovation and implementing new practices that can transform food systems. Sophie Nabuliri Food and Land Use Coalition (FOLU) World Food Programme Dr. Jeremiah Rogito Patrick Githinji Henry Lagat Mashoko Chakanyuka Nana Yaa Boakyewaa Amoah COP28 UAE

The fourth annual World Food Forum (WFF) 2024 concluded on Friday, in Rome, marking the end of an impactful week at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) dedicated to transforming global agrifood systems. The event brought together thousands of participants from around the world who engaged in dynamic discussions and collaborative action across a range of critical issues, including investment, science and innovation, youth engagement, family farming, indigenous food systems, and water management. Participants, mainly youth showcased their innovative ideas and enterprises and how they are addressing the food security in their country. This year AGRA, through Generation Africa participated in the forum, themed "Good food for all, for today and tomorrow”. Generation Africa in partnership with FAO Ghana hosted a side event, tittled Feeding a Fertile Future – a discussion with young African farmers at the World Food Forum. It was a great opportunity to from young leaders driving change in the agriculture sector across Africa. https://lnkd.in/dfc8rgtz

This week, we participated World Food Forum. It was great forum to interact with young agriculturists, scientists, innovators, accelerators and change makers. Our young agri-transfomists & change makers took time to learn and are ready to implement what they learnt in their home countries. Listen to their experiences! #WorldFoodForum #WorldFoodDay Hasina Henintsoa ANDRIATSITOHAINA Henry Lagat Sophie Nabuliri Dr. Jeremiah Rogito Patrick Githinji Nana Yaa Boakyewaa Amoah Jonathan Said Hamadi Boga AGRA Josephine Adeti Baraka Chijenga Aisha Raheem-Bolarinwa Dorcas kemboi Winnie Yegon Charlene Ruto

African youth are attending the World Food Forum in Rome, Italy, to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of food systems. This year’s theme, "Good food for all, for today and tomorrow," aligns perfectly with their mission to advocate for sustainable, inclusive, and resilient agrifood systems. The forum provides a unique platform for young changemakers to engage with global experts, investors, and leaders, fostering innovation and driving bold investments1. By participating, African youth can share their perspectives, learn from others, and contribute to the development of solutions that address food security challenges on the continent. Additionally, the Youth Assembly at the forum allows African youth to present initiatives like the Kigali Declaration on Food Systems and Climate Action, advocating for increased investments in sustainable practices. Their involvement ensures that the voices of the next generation are heard and that they play an active role in creating a food-secure future.

The theme for the 2024 World Food Forum Flagship Event “Good food for all, for today and tomorrow”. The side event "Feeding a Fertile Future: A Dialogue with Young African Farmers," resonates with this theme, providing a platform for young African farmers to share their experiences, challenges, and innovative solutions for producing 'Good food for all'.

The annual World Food Forum will take place from October 14 to 18 2024, at the FAO Headquarters in Rome. Generation Africa will participate at the Forum under the first pillar, Global Youth Action. Where, we shall host a side event on 18th October on Feeding the Future. In addition, we shall participate in the Youth General Assembly, where shall present The Kigali Youth Declaration on Food Systems, Policy and Climate Action 2024. The Kigali Declaration calls for the following and not limited: 1. Acceleration of investments in agriculture sector in order to increase more green jobs. African youth will constitute 42% of the global youth population, more than 100 million young Africans will be seeking employment opportunities. This demographic presents both a challenge and an immense opportunity. 2. Agricultural cooperatives among young farmers to help them pool resources, share risks, and access markets more effectively. Cooperatives can also provide a platform for collective bargaining and advocacy. 3. Knowledge sharing; young farmers should be trained in the use of digital tools, including mobile apps for market access, weather forecasting, financial services, and techniques adapted to climatic variations, such as growing drought- or flood-resistant varieties. Read More | https://shorturl.at/Ws5Wp

Join us at the World Food Forum on 18th October 2024, for an interactive session on Feeding a Fertile Future: A dialogue with young African farmers. Read More on how youth farmers in Africa are feeding africans https://shorturl.at/JmYoi

#FellowshipProgram #IndustryExposure #YouthEmpowerment