A coalition of leading agricultural organizations has convened key stakeholders to drive a fundamental shift in how Africa builds its food systems, moving from short-term projects to long-term, sustainable transformation.

The 2025 Changemakers Conference, hosted by Sahel Consulting Agriculture & Nutrition Ltd. in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, Heifer International, and GIZ, brought together policymakers, business leaders, farmers, and development partners from across the continent.

Under the theme “Designing for Legacy: Building Resilient and Impact-Driven Food Systems,” the conference aimed to foster strategies that are both people-centred and built to last.

Government Backing for Systemic Change

The conference received strong governmental support, underscoring the priority of food security in national planning.

The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Bagudu, stated that resilient food systems must be “hardwired to any economic plan.” He described the gathering as a demonstration of the continent’s progress “from primitive practices to modern, innovative and creative systems.”

Echoing this sentiment, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security highlighted key focus areas for this transformation. Represented by Director Nuhu Kilishi, the ministry outlined the critical need to:

• Strengthen agricultural value chains.
• Reduce post-harvest losses.
• Prioritize the inclusion of women, youth, and marginalized farmers in the growth process.

The event marks a concerted effort to create a collaborative, legacy-oriented approach to ensuring Africa’s food sovereignty.