AFSF Managing Director Sène Declares A New Dawn for Africa’s Agri-Food Systems

The atmosphere in the Auditorium at the opening ceremony of the Africa Food Systems Forum (AFSF) 2025 was electric. Amath Pathé Sène, the Managing Director of the AFSF, truly set the tone for this year’s edition.

His welcome address painted a picture of a continent ready to seize its destiny and lead a global agricultural renaissance. In his speech, he declared that the forum was much more than a convenience; it was a rallying point for a new generation of African leaders.

Mr. Sène’s address was a celebration of Africa’s immense potential and a direct nod to the forum’s theme: “Africa’s Youth: Leading Collaboration, Innovation, and the Implementation of Agri-Food Systems Transformation.”

He hailed Senegal as the “Land of Teranga,” a place of profound warmth, respect, and community. He highlighted the nation’s resilience and its status as a rising force in global agriculture, home to over 60% of the world’s uncultivated arable land.

This vast, untapped resource, he stressed, is the continent’s secret weapon and a testament to the boundless opportunities that lie ahead.

Sène was emphatic that the “quality track is already here in Africa’s young people,” a generation that is no longer waiting for opportunities but actively creating them.

He described the forum, which attracted attendees from a staggering 97 countries, as a pivotal platform where minds converge to “move from the front,” driving the transformation of agriculture from the ground up. This collective energy, he noted, is a testament to a shared vision for a food-secure Africa.

The presence of key dignitaries, including Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye, underscored the high-level commitment to this cause.

Beyond the numbers and statistics, Sène’s message was deeply personal and inspirational. He spoke of the need for more innovation, more partnerships, and more investment-ready ideas, all powered by the energy of a young generation determined to feed the continent and beyond.

He invited everyone present to fully immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Senegal’s culture and to engage in the discussions, partnerships, and ideas that would emerge over the coming days. It was a call to action wrapped in a warm welcome, reminding everyone that this transformation is a shared journey.

In a final flourish, Mr. Sène reiterated that the forum’s goal is to turn potential into reality. He pointed out that while the challenges are great, the spirit of collaboration and the resilience of the African people are even greater.

His address was a powerful opening salvo, setting the stage for a forum that promises to be a catalyst for meaningful, lasting change across Africa’s agri-food systems. It was a clear message that this is Africa’s moment, and its youth are ready to lead.