Senegal: The Africa Food System Forum 2025, a diplomatic and economic triumph
The 2025 edition of the Africa Food System Forum (AFS), held in Diamniadio, will be remembered as a diplomatic, organizational, and above all, economic success for Senegal. With over 6,100 participants, including 3,000 international delegates, the event injected more than 11.2 billion CFA francs directly into the national economy, according to Agriculture Minister Dr. Mabouba Diagne.
For a public investment of just 500 million CFA francs, the country achieved an exceptional return on investment of over 2,000%. This result highlights the relevance of the “Made in Senegal” strategy: more than 500 local SMEs were mobilized to provide stands, furniture, and specialized equipment. Initially considered risky, this approach strengthened national value chains and showcased Senegalese expertise.
The forum’s impact goes beyond immediate economic benefits. Partnership agreements worth more than $600 million were signed, paving the way for long-term financing. These include $250 million with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and Italian private sector actors, $130 million via the African Solidarity Fund (FSA) backed by the World Bank, and $120 million for the Food Sovereignty Support Project (PASS).
Strategic deals were also concluded with Uganda and South Africa in the dairy and meat sectors, alongside a partnership with the Bill Gates Foundation focused on animal health, milk production, and livestock digitalization. These commitments complement Senegal’s own budgetary effort, with 130 billion CFA francs allocated to agriculture in 2025.
Beyond finances, the event demonstrated the country’s logistical ability to host major international gatherings—an important test ahead of the Youth Olympic Games.
Under the theme “African Youth: Driving Collaboration, Innovation, and Food System Transformation”, this edition highlighted an ambitious and engaged generation. With more than 60 ministers and key African leaders in attendance, Dakar has established itself as a hub for continental dialogue on food systems.
