From August 31 to September 5, 2025, Dakar, Senegal became the focal point of Africa’s agricultural transformation as it hosted the Africa Food Systems Forum (AFSF), the largest and most influential platform on food security and agri-food innovation.

This year’s forum, themed “Africa’s Youth: Leading Collaboration, Innovation, and the Implementation of Agri-Food Systems Transformation,” was officially opened by H.E. Bassirou Diomaye Faye, President of Senegal. The event convened a diverse array of stakeholders, including heads of state, ministers, researchers, farmer organizations, development partners, and private sector actors, all united in their commitment to secure Africa’s food future.

SAA at the Forefront of Africa’s Food Systems Transformation

The Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA) played a prominent role throughout the week-long event, reaffirming its position as a key player in agricultural development across the continent.

Leading the SAA delegation was Managing Director, Ms. Emiko Mutsuyoshi, accompanied by members of the Strategic Partnership Office (SPO) in Addis Ababa and senior representatives from SAA country offices in Nigeria, Ethiopia, Mali, and Uganda. Their active participation in plenary sessions, technical side events, and high-level bilateral meetings highlighted the organization’s multi-country presence and ability to drive change across diverse agricultural landscapes. 

A Hub of Engagement: SAA’s Exhibition Booth

SAA’s booth at the Centre International de Conférences Abdou Diouf (CICAD) emerged as a dynamic space for networking and knowledge exchange. It attracted policymakers, development partners, agribusiness leaders, and innovators eager to learn more about SAA’s work, explore its knowledge products, and discuss potential collaborations.

Visitors interacting with SAA members at the booth. 

The Strategic Partnership Office, under the leadership of Dr. Mel Oluoch, facilitated several bilateral meetings with donor agencies, government officials, and private sector actors. These engagements focused on scaling partnerships in key areas such as mechanization, digital extension, and market access.

Driving Collaboration and Scalable Solutions

In her engagements, Ms. Mutsuyoshi reinforced SAA’s unwavering commitment to a farmer-centered approach, while calling for collaborative action to unlock scalable and sustainable innovations.

“Farmers remain at the center of everything we do,” she emphasized. “But to transform food systems, we must forge bold partnerships that allow us to reach more farmers with innovations that truly work. This forum has been invaluable in building those alliances.”

SAA Contributions to Technical Dialogues and Policy Platforms

SAA made notable contributions to several high-level sessions and side events. During a dialogue hosted by the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Godwin Atser, SAA Nigeria Country Director, shared practical insights on promoting climate-smart, nutrition-sensitive, and market-oriented agriculture. He highlighted the value of digital tools, grassroots extension services, and strong partnerships with AfDB, The Nippon Foundation (TNF), Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), and regional governments.

SAA delegates in session 

Other SAA members echoed similar lessons and best practices in various sessions, underscoring the organization's dual role as both an implementer and thought leader in Africa’s food systems transformation.

Championing Gender and Youth in Agriculture

SAA also used the platform to showcase its impact in gender inclusion and youth empowerment, key themes of AFSF 2025. The delegation spotlighted SAA’s initiatives in across countries that are equipping women farmers and value chain actors with access to training, inputs, and market opportunities, while also supporting young agripreneurs in viewing agriculture as a viable and profitable career path. 

Looking Ahead: Deepening Impact and Expanding Partnerships

As the forum concluded, optimism was high. For SAA, AFSF 2025 was more than participation; it was a statement of leadership, collaboration, and commitment to Africa’s agricultural transformation. The insights gained, networks built, and partnerships strengthened will directly shape program design and implementation across SAA’s countries of operation.

With its farmer-centred approach, deep technical expertise, and expanding partnerships, the Sasakawa Africa Association remains poised to play a pivotal role in building resilient, inclusive, and sustainable food systems across Africa.

Official website: Africa Food Systems Forum (AFSF)