The Africa Food Systems Forum 2025 has concluded, an important moment of meeting between leaders from the public and private sectors, politicians, researchers, development partners, and youth engaged in transforming food systems across the continent through investments, innovation, and inclusive policies.
The event, centered on the theme “African Youth Leading Collaboration, Innovation, and Implementation of the Transformation of Agri-Food Systems,” characterized by a large turnout, saw Italy take center stage with a booth that brought together, under the coordination of the Italian Embassy in Dakar, the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), the Italian Trade Agency, and Cassa Depositi e Prestiti, thus offering a space for exchange, dialogue, and knowledge about Italy’s commitment to the region.
A strengthened commitment also supported by the mission to Dakar of the Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty, and Forests Francesco Lollobrigida, who represented Italy at the Forum and held important bilateral meetings with Senegalese authorities, leaders from other African countries, and international organizations.
Minister Lollobrigida visited the Italy stand, engaging with agronomist experts from the AICS office in Dakar, who presented agricultural projects funded by Italian cooperation in Senegal, including PAPSEN, Support Program for the National Investment Program in Agriculture – Senegal; PAIS, Italy-Senegal Agricultural Program; PAFISEM, Project supporting the development of seed supply chains in the Senegal River basin; and PIESAN, project for Eco-Sustainable Intensification of Agriculture in the Niayes.
Through these projects, Italian Cooperation promotes sustainable and resilient agriculture, contributing to food security and rural development for communities. This approach is part of a global intervention strategy aimed at inclusive development through a participatory and multi-actor approach, collaborating with local governments, international organizations, NGOs, businesses, and diaspora associations, fostering public-private partnerships with the Italian System and other actors to ensure sustainable and high-impact interventions, always with a vision of shared development.
