The Africa Food Systems Forum 2025 is a leading event that brings together key stakeholders from the public and private sectors, including policymakers, researchers, development partners, and youth advocates, all committed to reshaping food systems across Africa. This year’s forum will center on the theme: “Africa’s Youth Driving Collaboration, Innovation, and Action for Agri-Food Systems Transformation.”

Along with AFSF, the GOGLA team will be partnering in and attending various side-events and panels, here is where you can find us:

September 1 | GOGLA Members Meeting

Unwind with us at the Royam Hotel from 6:30–9:00 PM for an evening of drinks, networking, and collaborating with GOGLA members and partners during the Africa Food Systems Forum.

Time: 18:30 – 21:30 hrs | Venue: Royam Hotel, Saly | Style: Members and Partners only

September 2 | Community of Champions Session

This session will aim to reinforce the critical role of energy in building resilient, sustainable food systems. It will also serve as a platform for champions to share country experiences, learn from other regions, and foster cross-sector partnerships that support integrated energy-agriculture approaches.

Time: 14:30 – 17:30 hrs | Venue: 4 points Sheraton Hotel, Nelson Mandela Room | Style: Open

September 2 | Powering resilient food systems: Building a movement

This session will focus on advancing integrated, cross-sector approaches to improve youth employment and entrepreneurship in agri-food systems, aligned with the African Union’s CAADP agenda. It will be led by SNV and the IKEA Foundation, reaffirming a shared commitment to local leadership, resilience, and inclusive livelihood opportunities.

Time: 18:00 – 19:30 | Venue:  4 points Sheraton Hotel

September 3 | Conversation with Energy Ministers: Green Energy Driving Food System Value Chains

This session will highlight the transformative potential of decentralized renewable energy (DRE) in driving sustainable, climate-smart agri-food systems, while showcasing leadership, innovation, and cross-sector collaboration across Africa. It will be co-led by GOGLA, AGRA, and SNV, and will present cutting-edge DRE solutions, scalable business models, and government-led strategies to mobilize investment and high-level commitment through a shared Call to Action.

Time: 14:00 – 16:00 hrs | Venue: Oval Room | Style: Closed door

September 3 | Launch of the Agri-Energy Coalition

Official launch of the Agric-Energy Coalition at the Coalition’s booth in the exhibition space. Coalition partners’ representatives will be present, along with other stakeholders.

The event will highlight the power of the Coalition, previous work done and the potential to generate a movement (in collaboration with projects and key stakeholders). A closed-door meeting at the booth will be undertaken right after with the IKEA F. team.

Time: 17:00| Venue: Agric-Energy Coalition Booth | Style: Open

September 4 | Powering Agriculture, Accelerating Action for Decentralized Renewable Energy in Food Systems

This session will explore how decentralized renewable energy (DRE) solutions can drive resilient, inclusive, and climate-smart food systems by fostering stronger alignment between energy and agricultural planning. It will be led by GOGLA, SNV, and IKEA Foundation, and will highlight country experiences, innovative financing models, and the importance of multi-stakeholder coordination to scale DRE deployment across Africa.

Time: 8:30 – 10:00 hrs | Venue: Oval Room | Style: Open

September 4 | Powering Africa's Food & Nutrition Goals

This session will highlight the role of decentralized renewable energy in powering agriculture—through real-world cases that demonstrate how DRE can enhance food systems, incomes, and nutrition in rural communities. It will be led by EnDev, GAIN, REEEP, and GOGLA, with the panel moderated by SNV, and will emphasize the need for integrated energy planning that includes off-grid solutions.

Time: 12:00 – 13:00 hrs | Venue: Knowledge Hub Stage 1 | Style: Open | RSVP Here

September 4 | Agri-Energy in Focus: Aligning for Greater Impact

An interactive partner dialogue hosted by GOGLA, SNV, SEforALL, Partners in Food Solutions, and Wageningen University, focused on strengthening collaboration and scaling agri-energy impact across the continent.

Time: 14:00 – 16:00 hrs | Venue: AGRA board room | Style: Closed door (RSVP) | RSVP Here

September 4 | Bridging the Cooling Access gap: Powering Climate-Resilient Food Systems

This session will examine how sustainable cooling can reduce food loss, improve nutrition, and protect vulnerable communities from heat stress in off- and weak-grid areas. It will be led by SEforALL, GOGLA, and Energy Saving Trust, and will also introduce a proposed Access to Cooling Working Group to drive multi-sectoral collaboration and policy action.

Time: 16:00 – 18:00 hrs | Venue: AGRA board room | Style: Closed door (RSVP)

September 4 | The Nexus Game: Powering Food, Climate & Equity Trade-offs in Real-Time

This session will explore integrated approaches to improve energy access for water, irrigation, and food systems, highlighting innovative solutions and collaborative action.
It will be led by the International Water Management Institute (CGIAR), GAIN, SNV, EnDev and Wageningen University & Research (WUR).

Time: 16:30 – 18:00 hrs | Venue: Thematic Hall | Style: Open | RSVP Here

If you are a GOGLA member planning to attend the event, please don’t hesitate to reach out and stay tuned to our social media channels for the latest updates.