Africa's Young Innovators lead the Business way.

Dakar, Senegal — Africa’s business landscape is evolving rapidly, driven by a new generation of entrepreneurs who are reshaping industries and charting new paths for economic growth. From the agricultural sector to startups scaling across continents, young innovators are leading the charge in transforming the continent’s future.

At the Africa Food Systems Forum 2025 in Dakar, the focus was squarely on the continent’s youth and their pivotal role in revolutionizing agriculture. The message was unequivocal: Africa’s food security and economic prosperity depend on the creativity and leadership of its younger generation.

Youth-led innovations are shifting agriculture from traditional subsistence farming to a dynamic, tech-driven sector. Young farmers are utilizing precision farming apps, adopting climate-smart practices, and introducing sustainable solutions to address both local and global challenges, while creating new employment opportunities.

“Smallholder farmers face barriers to finance, technology, and markets,” said Alvaro Lario, President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). “But when youth bring innovation into the picture, farming becomes a business, not just survival.”

These innovations are not just transforming the agricultural landscape but are also tackling broader environmental and economic issues, with eco-entrepreneurs turning waste into valuable resources and driving green growth. As young Africans continue to challenge norms and break barriers, their impact on the continent’s future is undeniable.