The African Agri Council's 40 Under 40 initiative highlights the critical role of youth who form a significant portion of Africa’s agricultural workforce
The programme is dedicated to celebrating the exceptional contributions of these young leaders who are driving innovation, sustainability, and economic growth within the agricultural sector. Youth engagement is vital for ensuring food security and creating sustainable livelihoods, since young people are more likely to embrace new technologies, adopt sustainable practices, and develop innovative solutions to the challenges facing agriculture.
Empowering young people in agriculture, helps unlock their potential to drive economic growth, create jobs, and build resilient food systems. Their ability to quickly learn and adopt new methods, coupled with their inherent understanding of digital tools, makes them ideal candidates to lead the transformation of African agriculture.
This initiative recognises the contributions of young leaders throughout the entire agricultural value chain. This includes, but is not limited to, those involved in agricultural inputs (seeds, fertilisers, equipment), agricultural financing, primary producers (farmers, livestock herders), agro-processors, logistics and transportation, marketing and distribution, exporters, and those driving technology and innovation within the sector. Anyone under 40 who is making a significant impact on the African agricultural landscape is eligible for nomination.
The criteria to qualify include:
- Innovation: Highlighting breakthroughs in agricultural technology, sustainability, entrepreneurship, funding, and transformative business models.
- Leadership: Demonstrating commitment to food security, sustainability, and equitable market access through exemplary leadership.
- Impact: Showcasing measurable contributions to productivity, job creation, environmental stewardship, and social empowerment.
- Advocacy: Influencing policies supporting farmers, food security, sustainability, and job creation through active advocacy.
- Education & Mentorship: Fostering agricultural leadership through mentorship, skill development, and capacity-building initiatives.
- Sustainability: Committing to environmentally friendly practices that enhance biodiversity and long-term agricultural productivity.
- Research & Development: Advancing agricultural science with innovative research improving yields and farming techniques.
- Media / Communications / PR: Shaping agricultural narratives through impactful journalism, PR, and advocacy-driven storytelling.
African Agri Council spotlights young leaders at 40 Under 40 initiative
Empowering young people in agriculture, helps unlock their potential to drive economic growth, create jobs, and build resilient food systems. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
