He made the remarks on Monday, September 1, during a Youth Town Hall session at the 2025 Africa Food Systems Forum (AFSF) in Dakar, Senegal, where he joined host President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal and leaders in agri-food systems from across the continent.
Kagame cautioned against Africa's overreliance on external support despite its abundant resources, noting that the continent's vast arable land, water, and technology should be enough to achieve food security if coupled with strong political will and youth-driven innovation.
'We have conferences, we have forums, we're everywhere, saying the right things. But in the end, what can we measure? What results are there to show for the efforts? We must start working the talk and move from talking to doing,' Kagame said.
He emphasised that governments, youth, and women all have shared responsibilities in driving change, pointing to Rwanda's demographic structureâ€"where women make up over half of the population and 75% are under 35â€"as proof that inclusive action is essential.
Kagame also highlighted Rwanda's partnerships in agriculture, citing initiatives such as the Rwanda Institute of Conservation Agriculture (RICA), which trains young innovators from across Africa, and the Rwanda Ireme Invest fund, which mobilised $100 million at COP27 to support climate-smart agriculture.
The President urged young people to complement their demands for support with active participation in entrepreneurship, innovation, and responsible leadership.
'You can't hold people accountable when you are not playing your part,' he noted. 'Young people must feel an obligation. There is no sitting back and waiting until someone comes to helpâ€"you must be actively engaged.'
This year's Africa Food Systems Forum is being held from August 31 to September 5, 2025, at the CICAD and Diamniadio Expo Center in Dakar under the theme 'Africa's Youth Leading Collaboration, Innovation, and Implementation of Agri-Food Systems Transformation.'
The summit has drawn over 5,000 delegates, including heads of state, ministers, business leaders, researchers, farmers, and young entrepreneurs. Discussions are focusing on youth-led agribusiness, digital innovation, agricultural financing, and building resilience against climate change, while also addressing the inclusion of marginalized groups.
The AFSF, formerly known as the African Green Revolution Forum (AGRF), has been held annually since 2010. Last year's edition took place in Kigali, Rwanda.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
