President Paul Kagame has emphasized that Africa’s youth hold a central role in driving transformation and development across the continent. He urged them to stop waiting for external solutions and instead build on their own abilities and knowledge. He made these remarks in Dakar, Senegal, during the Africa Food Systems Forum, where he highlighted the importance of a renewed mindset and the collective responsibility of citizens in improving livelihoods.
He reminded that African governments must work closely with the youth in development efforts, while stressing that change cannot happen if people remain dependent on external assistance. He called on young people to take initiative in solving problems and promoting value-added industries and agriculture based on their existing capacities.
President Kagame pointed out persistent challenges in how African countries manage agricultural productivity. He questioned why nations continue to export raw agricultural goods only to import them back as expensive processed products, despite having the capacity to add value locally.
He noted that African countries have land, a willing workforce, and knowledge, but often lack the mindset needed to fully harness these resources. According to him, real progress requires reforms that begin with changing how people think and operate.
He stated that Africa can only achieve food self-sufficiency and true independence once it acknowledges and leverages its own potential. He emphasized that self-reliance begins in the mind, particularly among the youth, who must be well-prepared and fully engaged in development.
In his message, President Kagame underscored the importance of policy decisions based on internal capabilities, calling on institutions and leadership to promote a culture of self-belief and productivity within nations.
He also reiterated that Africa has all the necessary resources to ensure food security—land, labor, and knowledge—but lacks the integration and systems to convert them into sustainable outcomes. He said transformation requires moving away from dependency on aid and externally driven agendas, and instead making deliberate efforts to reform local thinking and systems.
The forum in Senegal brought together leaders, investors, and experts in food and agriculture, with the goal of identifying strategies for Africa to achieve food sovereignty and modernize its food production systems.
