The SADC Youth in Agri-Food Systems Trade Fair and Expo (SYAS2025) brought together over 200 young entrepreneurs, policymakers, researchers, and development partners from 06 – 07 October 2025 in Gaborone, Botswana. The event convened by the SADC Secretariat served as a regional platform for youth to showcase agribusiness innovations, connect across borders, and engage decision-makers on building inclusive and sustainable food systems.
FANRPAN’s participation was part of the AGRA-funded project “Leveraging Knowledge Management to Enhance Policy Harmonization and Domestication for Agricultural Transformation in East and Southern Africa,” implemented through its Youth in Employment from Food and Agriculture (YEFA) program. The initiative focuses on strengthening knowledge management systems in the East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) to make reliable, timely evidence more accessible for policy action—creating opportunities for young people in the process. FANRPAN was represented by Mr. Suwilanji Sinyangwe and Ms. Mukonazwothe Mateletele.
SYAS2025 featured buzzing exhibition stands showcasing youth-led agribusiness innovations, from organic fertilizers and digital Agri-tools to honey, yoghurt, seeds, and eco-friendly packaging and vibrant panel discussions on entrepreneurship, value addition, and policy engagement.
Discussions highlighted both persistent structural challenges, such as limited access to finance, land, and markets and the innovative ways in which young agripreneurs are responding to these constraints. Through the application of technology, value addition, and creative business models, youth are driving change across multiple agricultural value chains.
Government representatives reaffirmed their commitment to creating an enabling environment for youth engagement in the sector, with particular emphasis on skills development, mentorship, and financing mechanisms. Youth participants shared compelling examples of enterprise growth, demonstrating how targeted support can catalyse inclusive agricultural transformation.
Beyond the discussions, SYAS2025 was a celebration of agripreneurship, creativity, courage, and collaboration. A key feature of the convening was the exhibition of youth-led innovations, which underscored the breadth and dynamism of agripreneurship in the region. From sustainable input solutions to value-added processing and agri-tech applications, the exhibits highlighted scalable opportunities for investment, collaboration, and policy support.
The event ultimately It reaffirmed that Southern Africa’s transformation will be youth-driven, powered by innovation, regional cooperation, and a shared vision for sustainable food systems.
We’re not just the future of agriculture — we’re the present. And we’re ready to lead.