OUR SESSION AT THE

AFRICAN FOOD SYSTEMS FORUM in Senegal

SEPT 3. 2025, 8:30AM

Youth Dome @AFSF

This side event reveals how West Africa’s culinary and agricultural systems hold the keys to profound societal transformation. West African youth are turning local ingredients into opportunity and showing how food culture can increase job opportunities, improve nutrition, and build new economies. Now they need the tools, visibility, and backing to do more. This movement of young farmers, entrepreneurs, and chefs is leading the way, and it is time to hear from them.

Through discussion, shared food, and audience interaction, we will explore best practices and co-create new solutions. Upon arrival, guests receive reflection and voting cards to engage actively throughout the event. Together, we will identify challenges and opportunities, and co-create a collective “recipe for change” – a bold list of concrete commitments to support youth leadership and community empowerment through local food culture.

Cet événement montre comment les systèmes culinaires et agricoles d’Afrique de l’Ouest peuvent transformer en profondeur nos sociétés. Les jeunes de la région transforment les ingrédients locaux en opportunités, créent des emplois, améliorent la nutrition et font émerger de nouvelles économies. Pour aller plus loin, ils ont besoin d’outils, de visibilité et de soutien. Jeunes agriculteurs, entrepreneurs, chefs : ils ouvrent la voie — à nous de les écouter.

Au programme : échanges, repas partagés et interaction avec le public pour réfléchir ensemble aux meilleures pratiques et inventer de nouvelles solutions. À l’arrivée, chaque participant reçoit une carte pour noter ses idées et voter, afin de contribuer activement tout au long de l’événement. Ensemble, nous identifierons défis et opportunités, et construirons une « recette du changement » : une liste claire et ambitieuse d’engagements pour soutenir le leadership des jeunes et renforcer les communautés à travers la culture alimentaire locale.

THE PANEL

Abdallah Smith

Managing Director

Ghana Food Movement

Abdallah Smith is a Ghanaian sustainability advocate working as the Managing Director of Ghana Food Movement since its inception in 2021. After earning his Masters’ in Sustainability Studies from Lund University in Sweden in 2017, Abdallah has worked in various sectors within the sustainability field in Ghana. This includes, the renewable energy sector, waste and recycling, and agro-ecological farming.

Armande Lo

Founder Manda Bio

Armande Marie Louise Lo is a Senegalese entrepreneur and founder of MandaBio, a company dedicated to organic and sustainable agriculture. Holding an MBA in Agroecology and Entrepreneurship, she combines strong business expertise with a lifelong passion for farming. Since 2016, Armande has been producing high-quality local and seasonal organic fruits and vegetables, while also promoting biodiversity, protecting natural resources, and empowering the local agricultural economy. Her work demonstrates how youth-driven innovation can transform Africa’s food systems.

Hamet Diallo

Agroecology expert

Sahel Vert

Hamet Diallo is a dedicated agroecology educator at the Senegalese Agroecology Training Center Sahel Vert, an initiative of the Mampoya nonprofit organization. Committed to sustainable agriculture and community development, he plays a pivotal role in empowering local youth through hands-on training in agroecological practices. His work emphasizes the revival and sharing of traditional agricultural knowledge. By fostering a deep understanding of ecological farming methods, as well as the uses and health benefits of different crops and trees, Hamet demonstrates the full potential of the regional food system.

Samlara Baah Koduah

Ghana 24Hour Economy

Samlara Baah Koduah leads Social Transformation and Civic Engagement at Ghana’s 24-Hour Economy Programme. This new agenda seeks to re-engineer how Ghana produces and adds value: expanding agro-processing, boosting exports, and mobilizing local food and agricultural resources.

A champion of social innovation, Samlara is the founder of Loo Works, which tackled sanitation challenges in Ghana, and Ohemaa AI, a pioneering maternal health platform enhancing fertility and postpartum care through technology. Her leadership blends deep public service experience with visionary solutions that empower communities and transform systems.

Aimée Wallin

Moderator

Aimée is the Managing Director of the Ghana Food Movement (GFM), a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening Ghana’s local food system and expanding access to nutritious, locally sourced food. A Swedish-Malian food advocate, she is committed to food sovereignty, sustainability, and the preservation of African food cultures. Through The Kitchen in Accra, Aimée leads initiatives that train and empower young people in culinary and hospitality skills, fostering the next generation of leaders in Ghana’s food ecosystem.