Charlene Ruto has issued a passionate call for young Africans to take a leading role in building inclusive, sustainable, resilient, and equitable food systems across the continent.
Charlene, who is the founder and CEO of the Smachs Foundation, said the time for discussion is over and action must begin.
“We have talked enough. It is now time to act,” she said in a message posted on X.
She emphasised that Africa’s food future rests squarely on the shoulders of its youth.
Her remarks come as she participates in the Africa Food Systems Forum 2025, currently underway in Dakar, Senegal, from August 31 to September 5, 2025.
The annual summit brings together leaders and stakeholders from across the continent to shape the direction of Africa’s agri-food systems.
This year’s theme, “Africa’s Youth: Leading Collaboration, Innovation and Implementation of Agri-Food Systems Transformation,” directly aligns with Charlene’s advocacy for meaningful youth participation in agricultural development.
The Africa Food Systems Forum (AFSF) aims to inform, influence, and catalyse the transition to food systems that are not only productive but also inclusive and climate-resilient.
It serves as a platform to mobilise political will, shape policies, and drive investment in agricultural transformation.
A high-level special event during this year’s summit highlights the growing collaboration between CGIAR and the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) in scaling innovation for food systems across the continent.
The discussions also tie into Africa's recommitment to the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP).
Since its inception in 2010, the AFSF has emerged as Africa’s premier platform for coordinating food systems reforms, convening Heads of State, ministers, business leaders, development partners, and now, an increasingly vocal and mobilised youth.
Charlene’s call to action adds urgency to the growing demand for youth to shift from being mere participants to drivers of food systems transformation — through entrepreneurship, innovation, and policy engagement.
“It’s time to recognise that youth are not the future — they
are the now,” Charlene said.
