30 October 2025, Kigali, Rwanda
On the morning of 30 October in Kigali, the Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources Policy Analysis Network (FANRPAN) joined AGRA and the Youth in Employment from Food and Agriculture (YEFFA) program for an “around-the-fire” conversation on youth agripreneurship held on the margins of the 16th Africa Day for Food and Nutrition Security and the 21st CAADP Partnership Platform. I was pleased to attend on behalf of FANRPAN, alongside AGRA representatives and nearly twenty participants from the government, private sector, development partners, and youth-led enterprises. The format—a relaxed, focused exchange with audience participation—was designed to surface practical lessons and near-term actions that help promising youth ventures move from pilot to scale.
Why this conversation matters. Entrepreneurship promises innovation and opportunity for young people, yet participants noted that many financed start-ups struggle to survive their first years and only a small share reach scale. The group underscored the need to learn systematically—through monitoring, evaluation and peer feedback—so the few that do succeed can be replicated, adapted, and backed by policy and finance that fit real operating conditions.
What surfaced in the room. The discussion highlighted five enablers that are within reach if we organise differently. First, co-created solutions: products and services built with farmers, buyers and youth from the outset tend to be more affordable, usable and sustainable. Second, peer-to-peer learning: structured exchanges among youth founders accelerate problem-solving and build confidence. Third, tailored support: advisory and finance must match the stage and seasonality of youth enterprises, rather than applying generic requirements that exclude them. Fourth, amplifying youth voices: giving youth a formal place in programme design and review drives relevance and accountability. Finally, actionable declarations: commitments must translate into workplans with timelines, budget lines, and responsible owners if they are to catalyse impact at scale.
Where FANRPAN stands. FANRPAN’s role is to create a safe, evidence-driven space for policy dialogue—so stakeholders can engage openly and turn insights into operational solutions at national and regional levels. We remain committed to convening partners, building capacity, and translating discussion into measurable actions across Africa’s agrifood systems. We acknowledge AGRA’s partnership and YEFFA’s expanding contribution to youth enterprise pathways on the continent.