Central African Republic backs youth role in agri-food sector at national dialogue

CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC – The Central African Republic has held a national dialogue aimed at strengthening youth participation in the country’s agri-food sector, with leaders calling for stronger policies, finance access, and youth representation in decision making.

The two day event took place on February 27 and 28, 2026 at the Ledger Plaza in Bangui. The forum formed part of the African Youth Agribusiness Strategy led by the African Union Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment. The Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa supported the dialogue together with other development partners.

Government officials, young agri-entrepreneurs, cooperatives, financial institutions, private companies, and members of the diaspora attended the meeting. Participants discussed ways to strengthen youth involvement in food production, agribusiness, and agricultural policy.

Youth voice in agriculture

Agriculture Minister Guismala Hamza opened the forum and praised young organizers who helped prepare the event.

“I would like to congratulate the young people of the Central African Republic who worked closely with AGRA and other partners to organize this national forum,” he said. “The participation of young people from across our prefectures shows that agriculture remains a key driver of our country’s economic development.”

The discussions followed commitments made under the AU CAADP Kampala Declaration for 2026 to 2035, which calls for stronger youth participation in agri-food systems across Africa.

Dr. Janet Edeme of the African Union Commission welcomed the national effort after a regional meeting held last year in Douala, Cameroon.

“It is encouraging to see the Central African Republic turn continental commitments into national action,” she said. “Young people must remain central to the growth of agribusiness systems.”

Young participants said the dialogue gave them a chance to speak directly about policy and investment decisions.

“This discussion is not about promises,” said Josue Cédric Yassarandji, Director General of the Forum of Young Entrepreneurs, Innovators and Agricultural Entrepreneurs of Central Africa. “We want young people to act as serious players in the agri-food sector and take part in policy discussions.”

Data and climate resilience

Experts also discussed climate resilience, agroecology, and the country’s large agricultural potential. Speakers stressed that climate aware farming practices will support long term sector growth.

David Adama of AGRA explained the role of the Youth in Agri-Food Systems Performance Index.

“YAPI works as a monitoring and accountability system,” he said. “It helps governments identify gaps and guide policy and investment decisions.”

Henry Lagat of Generation Africa Youth Voice and Empowerment said stronger support systems will help young entrepreneurs enter agriculture.

“We must remove barriers and improve access to resources if we want young entrepreneurs to succeed,” he said.

Wider push for youth agribusiness

The dialogue comes as other African countries introduce programs to attract young people into agriculture. In Nigeria, the government recently launched a Youth in Agribusiness Land Trust Fund that will give young farmers access to land and training through national youth centers.

Officials say the program will run in partnership with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture and aims to train more than six million young people in modern farming methods.

Data from the World Bank shows agriculture contributes about 22.7 percent of Nigeria’s gross domestic product and provides jobs for nearly 60 percent of the workforce.

Leaders say stronger youth participation can help address challenges in the sector while creating employment opportunities across rural areas.

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