On August 19, 2025, in celebration of International Youth Day, observed under the leadership of the United Nations, the African Agricultural Leadership Institute (AALI) hosted a webinar on the theme “Youth Actions for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”
Participants joined online from across Africa, including young agripreneurs, farmers, food processors, business owners, and development practitioners. They came together with a shared question: how can young people strengthen their contribution to sustainable agricultural transformation?
The session was moderated by Mrs. Dolapo Ogunsola, Director of Youth Empowerment at AALI, and Mr. Garuba Olumide, Director General of Voice of the Farmer. The discussion quickly focused on practical realities in the field—access to finance, business structuring, job creation, innovation, and market opportunities within the agricultural value chain.
The keynote speaker, Mr. Rotimi Olawale, founder and CEO of JR Farms Group, shared his experience as an agribusiness entrepreneur. He emphasized that agribusiness plays a strategic role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in advancing food security, decent employment, and inclusive economic growth. According to him, young entrepreneurs must build bankable and scalable agribusinesses—supported by solid business plans, sound financial management, and strong governance systems—to attract investment and grow sustainably.
During the interactive session, participants highlighted concrete initiatives led by youth across the continent. These included urban farming projects contributing to SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), agricultural enterprises generating employment in support of SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and women-led agribusiness initiatives advancing SDG 5 (Gender Equality).
The webinar provided a platform for knowledge sharing, peer learning, and open dialogue. It showcased a generation of young African agricultural leaders who are not only aware of global development goals but also actively working within their communities to drive sustainable change through agriculture.