Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Livestock in Senegal has said its Vision 2050 focuses on driving sustainable practices that address climate challenges, economic growth and market development through the African Continental Free Trade Area.

Dr Mabouba Diagne disclosed this as Senegal was selected as the host country for the world-class Africa Food Systems, AFS, Forum 2025 Summit.

Diagne assured that the collaborations formed through the programme would affect food security and sustainability across Africa.

Diagne said: “Our 2050 Vision is centred on building productive, resilient and competitive agri food systems that not only ensure food and nutrition security for our people but also position Senegal as a leader in agri- food systems innovation on the continent. Through this vision, we aim to empower smallholder farmers, enhance value chains, and drive sustainable practices that address climate challenges and drive economic growth and market development through the African Continental Free Trade Area.

“We are confident that this platform and year-round activities will help us in delivering our new flagships program such our Municipal Agricultural Cooperatives, drive investments in our agri food systems policies, insights and collaborations formed in Dakar will leave a lasting impact on food security and sustainability across the continent, paving the way for a prosperous and food-secure Africa.”

Meanwhile, Managing Director of AFSF, Amath Pathé Sene, said: “Senegal has demonstrated exemplary leadership in advancing policies and investments that prioritise food and nutrition security, agri- investment with a focus on youth and women. We believe the 2025 Summit of the AFS Forum will serve as a unique platform for advancing the continent’s agri-food agenda and fostering partnerships that will shape the future of food systems in Africa and beyond.

“As we prepare for next year’s forum, we will focus on creating an inclusive, impactful and accountability platform where stakeholders along agri-food systems value chain from across Africa can convene to learn about the continental agenda, seize investment opportunities, exchange knowledge, forge solid partnerships, make actionable commitments and take action toward food systems transformation in Africa. We look forward to working closely with the government of Senegal and our partners to deliver beyond a transformative annual event  concrete legacy outcomes for the country in 2025.”

On her part,  President of AGRA and Co-Chair AFSF Partners Group, Dr Agnes Kalibata, said: “We are delighted to have Senegal host the Africa Food Systems Forum in 2025. This decision stems from the commitment of Senegal’s leadership in food systems transformation and in building a resilient, sustainable food system that will benefit not only the country but the entire African continent.”

After a three-month rigorous process, Senegal was chosen among other strong candidates for its forward-looking agri-food systems, ambitious 2050 Vision led by the new young leadership, commitment to sustainable food systems transformation that align with the forum’s mission, the country’s world class event infrastructures, stability and security.